Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom are sharing their first job experiences after migrating from their home country. The increasing number of Nigerian youths migrating to countries like the UK, US, and Canada, in search of better opportunities, has become a common trend known as ‘Japa’. Government data from the UK shows that over 141,000 Nigerians migrated to the country in the year leading up to June 2023.
However, Nigerians living in the UK have different stories to tell about their working experiences. Some expressed satisfaction, while others experienced disappointment and even questioned their decision to migrate. These experiences were shared on X (formerly Twitter).
One individual, with the Twitter handle @stifler_Ldn, recounted their first job as an event decorator at a Naija party in Romford. They described carrying a significant amount of chairs and plates and admitted that they still feel the physical strain to this day. Another Twitter user, @cute_pecky, shared their experience working at Pretty Little Thing, where they had to walk between 70,000 to 80,000 steps daily. This led to lower back pain and numbness in their left leg.
Another user, @pharuc, described their first job at Cygnet Hospital, which treats individuals with mental health issues. They revealed being kicked and spat on by a patient, making them question their decision to come to the UK.
Further accounts included @nuru_barca’s experience working at Tesco, where they were assigned to the biscuit section on their first night and found it easy with assistance from a colleague, but struggled in the vegetables and fruits section the next night. @dimeji_MOA shared their experience working the night shift at a warehouse job and feeling overwhelmed after just four hours, vowing never to work in a warehouse again.
On a more positive note, @laby_t secured a job as a chef by approaching an organization and asking if there were any vacancies. The manager offered her a position the next day, and she enjoyed the job and received training on the spot. Similarly, @scollyus mentioned working as a tech mobile advisor for their university, which eventually led to a proper IT job as a developer that they loved.
These accounts highlight the diverse experiences of Nigerians working in the UK. While some encounter challenges and question their decision to migrate, others find satisfaction and opportunities for growth in their chosen fields.
