It’s easy to imagine life abroad as an upgrade—a picture-perfect version of success with financial comfort, better opportunities, and, well, a certain enviable lifestyle. But is that really the case? Recently, reality TV star and influencer Tacha Akide stirred up a lot of talk when she shared some thoughts on what life is actually like for many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. And, if I’m honest, it’s a perspective that’s both eye-opening and a bit humbling.
Life Isn’t Always What It Seems
When we dream about moving abroad—especially somewhere like the UK—there’s this general expectation that people there have made it financially, right? But Tacha challenges this idea. She points out, and quite frankly I think it’s worth listening to, that a lot of Nigerians living overseas are struggling more than people back home might realize. In fact, she says many are barely making ends meet, dealing with a cost of living that’s sky-high.
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She spoke a lot about this “false shine” around life abroad. You know, how people at home might think everyone abroad is living the high life—driving fancy cars, spending freely—but the truth is far from that. “Most people here,” Tacha says, “are broke.” That’s a strong statement, but it captures the experience of many who face daily expenses that can drain even a decent salary.
One point she made really stuck with me: in Nigeria, despite all the challenges we face, some people still manage to live comfortably. Meanwhile, in the UK, it’s common for people to be squeezing their budgets tight just to get by. She gave real-life examples—like spending huge sums on taxis or cars just because of the expensive transportation options. Living comfortably in the UK isn’t a given; it’s a balancing act and, sometimes, it’s a daily struggle.
What Does This Mean for Those Dreaming of Moving Abroad?
Tacha’s message wasn’t just about pointing fingers or sounding a warning; it felt more like a reality check. If you’re thinking of moving abroad, especially somewhere expensive like the UK, do it with eyes wide open. Don’t assume it’s going to be easy or that your life will instantly be better.
She added a sort of caution to anyone nursing that “grass greener” mentality: yes, go ahead and chase your dreams. But don’t be fooled by the idea that life abroad is purely rosy or that financial comfort comes easily. It doesn’t.
Honestly, when I heard this, it made me reflect on how often we compare ourselves in very simple ways—money, consumer goods, status symbols. There’s this assumption that more money abroad means a better life. But quality of life? That’s more complicated.
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And that sentiment got some bites on social media. People engaged with various opinions, some agreeing 100%, others bringing up interesting points about how “basic amenities” differ or what quality of life actually means beyond cash.
One reaction I found particularly real was about the idea of “living better.” Someone pointed out how in Nigeria, even with the lack of consistent power supply (the infamous “UP NEPA”), people find ways to make life work, maybe more comfortably than many abroad who have “everything” but also face a different sort of pressure and cost.
Another comment that caught my eye talked about purpose and identity—how some people abroad might still be trying to find their footing, whether through work or personal fulfillment, something beyond just financial survival.
It seems this conversation touches a nerve because it challenges a lot of assumptions we hold about what success abroad means. And really, it’s a reminder: every place has its own struggles, just different in shape and form. Life is messy everywhere.
Life Abroad Isn’t a Guaranteed Upgrade
Overall, Tacha’s perspective feels like a mix of hard truth and gentle encouragement. Life overseas, especially in expensive cities, comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not automatically better, nor is it guaranteed to solve all problems. Sometimes it’s a grind, sometimes it’s a compromise, and sometimes it’s just a tough reality that’s hard to share back home without sounding negative.
I guess what really stands out is how important it is to be realistic and informed if you’re thinking of moving abroad. It’s not wrong to want a change or better opportunities. But understanding the full picture—and not just the highlight reels—is essential.
So, maybe the big takeaway here is this: we all want better lives, wherever we are. But the grass isn’t always greener; sometimes it’s just another shade of struggle, just with different weeds.