Nigeria Abroad
From time to time, Nigerians who live abroad, the United States precisely try to start conversations about the difficulties of living in the United States as an immigrant or even as a full-fledged citizen.
These attempts are sometimes met with derision by Nigerians at home who believe anyone who is lucky enough to move abroad need not complain.
However, these discussions must be had because they serve as information empowerment for people considering relocation. So, here is a reply from an American citizen on the difficulties that come with living in the United States:
If you have family, a job, a reasonable commute and a good bill of health your not going to find it bad at all.
My life there started in 2000 with all those things intact. I was living the American dream. I had a house so big my mother in law moved in and I didn’t even notice. Her furniture fit in one big bedroom and an attic space above the garage.
In 2001 I lost my job, found another at 11k less then lost that one too. Now my expertise was only needed in the next city which was 120 miles away. So that’s what I did I commuted to the next city along with an away apartment for the days I didn’t drive.
In 2003 I was divorced. Now I had a job far away from my son and an ex wife that was crippling me. I had no family in the USA except my son. My single status rocketed my auto insurance to 900 bucks a year from 300. I had to pay alimony payments of 100 a week, I lost the house to my ex wife and her policeman boyfriend moved in to it.
My health insurance was so expensive I went without.
When I saw my son I had to get hotels at 50 a night and pay for food., entertainment and fuel.
So anyway cutting it short just one event rocked me to the bottom. I managed to keep my job but I was miserable. No friends outside of work, no community to speak of, no helping hands. Work was actually a blessing as I could talk to people.
I came back to the UK in 2006 a wreck. I found a new life with old friends and family.
My story is one of circumstances and its one of ups and downs.
The USA has few safety nets so make sure you have a home paid for and you have a bunch of friends and family to prop you up if you fall. I had no support and had to leave.
The USA is filled with great people. But your problems are your own. Not many will rescue you and no aid is given. You stand on your own two feet.
This story first appeared in Nigeria Abroad
