Traveling Abroad Doesn’t Guarantee Success In Life

March 17, 2012 – Traveling Abroad Doesn’t Guarantee Success In Life

In response to an article we wrote on Top 5 Ways To Travel Abroad Fast, we have seen influx of messages from people seeking help one way or the other to travel abroad.

We understand your plight, Nigeria is not as comfortable as it use to be.

One thing we can tell you is this “Traveling abroad is never a guarantee for success in life”

Note: This is not a bid to put down or undermine the success of Nigerians living abroad (we love you).

The fact: Traveling abroad opens doors of unlimited opportunities.

Kini Big Deal: What is so special about developed countries

• Freedom of speech, human right privileges
• Uninterrupted power supply (no NEPA trouble)
• Technological advancement like cable,high speed internet,etc
• Improved medical care system
• Social security and benefits for unemployed and new immigrants
• Child support payment and disability benefits

I can go on and on and on.

3 Classes Of People Living Abroad

• High earners: These are people who are doing really well mostly on six-figures income (30%)
• Middle earners: These are people who are doing ok mostly 40,000 and above yearly salary (50%)
• Low earners/unemployed: Without doubt, these are people still struggling to establish themselves(20%)

As you can see above, the middle earners top 50%.

So if your brother or sister abroad isn’t sending you money, be patient with them because life abroad is not as easy as we imagined it to be (You go see for yourself when you get there).

There are thousands of Nigerians abroad today doing fantastically well (as illustrated above) while others are struggling one way or the other.

Infact, their colleagues back home are doing better than them.

To further relate this story, I traveled out of Nigeria 5 years back

On returning home in 2010, I was shocked to see my younger brother driving a car I couldn’t even afford to drive talk less of paying the killer insurance rate we have in Toronto, Ontario. (If I were to buy this car, Insurance go kill me).

I also saw colleagues and friends who own houses, cars and solid businesses.

So if you’re among those thinking when you travel abroad, all your problems will be solved, you’re just kidding yourself.

Below are few points to keep in mind

• Abroad system is not as flexible as Nigeria’s (It’s rigid)

Whether you want to buy or build a house or start a business, you have to follow some rigid by-laws which if not properly followed can get one into legal trouble.

• Finding a Job or making easy money is not what people thought it to be

Well a lot of you think once you get abroad, you will be picking money on the street…….(lol)

In Canada for instance a lot of people come either to claim refugee, go to school or reside as permanent residence.

Refugee claiming use to be sooo easy back in the 90’s but not as much.

Another thing to consider when coming to study is that the educational system here is not as relaxed as back home. You’ve got to work harder to succeed and tuition fee is very expensive.

If you’re considering relocating permanently , do not give up your business or job in Nigeria.

As a seasoned counselor, I have seen families leave the country within 2 months of arrival.

• The weather is not as comfortable as back home

I heard a sad story of a Nigerian man who died the same day he got to Nunavut while waiting at a bus-stop.

Apparently, the guy freezed to death within minutes of exposure to -34 degree Celsius temperature (OMG).

Winter is a dominant season abroad.

• Loneliness and Depression is common

I heard of cases of Nigerians committing suicide abroad.

These are people who are used to lively lifestyle back home who suddenly find themselves in boring environments.

Haven’t said all of the above, keep in mind that you can succeed anywhere you find yourself as long as you have ;

1. God on your side
2. Inspiration
3. Desire and determination to succeed

Whether you choose to travel abroad or stay back home, the choice is yours. Keep in mind that traveling abroad is never a guarantee for success in life.

You can make it anywhere you find yourself with God on your side.

God bless you