The truth about Life abroad: Is it worth it? 

The idea of living in Switzerland, France, or the UK is a dream embraced by many. In Kenya, a life abroad almost automatically elevates your social standing, people view it as a mark of success. 

But is it really? 

Assumptions made

People often assume that life in Western or European countries is better. They expect you to land a high-paying job and live the luxurious life portrayed in the movies.  

Of course, when you convert the salary to local currency, it’s mind-blowing. Earning close to half a million Kenyan shillings can sound like a fortune. But does that mean you’re rich? Not quite. 

What people often forget is that higher income comes with higher expenses. In places like Paris, Geneva, or London, the cost of housing can make you question if you really need such a big roof over your head. 

There are bills to pay, electricity, internet, insurance, transport, food, and let’s not forget taxes.  

The reality

When I arrived in France, I had to stop converting prices to my local currency because it was driving me crazy.

I couldn’t wrap my head around paying for a loaf of bread what could buy two back home.    

The truth is, currency conversion will never make sense because living standards and systems are completely different.   

So, when people back home hear you’re earning 6 figures, do they also know that half of it might go to rent?

That you might have to rely on government aid to cover some expenses, because without it, you’d be struggling to get by?    

In Switzerland, for example, that half a million Kenyan shillings is the bare minimum salary. It’s not enough to give you breathing room to enjoy life, no weekend getaways or movie cinemas.  

It’s true that these countries offer incredible opportunities for growth. Living in France, for instance, opens doors to travel across Europe, exposing you to different cultures and broadening your perspective. 

Switzerland’s efficient systems ensure your health and wealth are secure. Everything works seamlessly, and that’s a definite advantage. 

Nevertheless, the reality for many immigrants is far from glamorous. Jobs are hard to come by, and the ones available are often low-skilled.

If you manage to get one, the salary is usually modest, and you’ll likely end up working more than 40 hours a week just to make ends meet. 

Maybe it’s worth it, maybe not

Few talk about these struggles, the years spent working menial jobs, dealing with anxiety over expiring papers, and feeling stuck behind your peers who have citizenship.

It can take 10 years or more to build a life here, and even then, one might not feel truly settled. 

Unfortunately, people often settle for less, holding on to the hope that better days will eventually come.   

It’s sad that the façade of a good life abroad is plastered everywhere.

Many immigrants don’t want to admit to the people back home that they’re struggling or feeling depressed. They hold onto the façade because they desperately want to live it.   

Few have the capacity to untangle themselves from this life and return home to start over. It’s a thought that’s often dismissed even though heavily contemplated. 

This is largely because society doesn’t make it easy for immigrants to go back.

Many dread returning because of the expectations, how they should look, what they should have achieved, and what they should have to show for living in a developed country.   

But is it really true that life can only be better in Europe or elsewhere other than home country? 

Just because revolutionary stories are full of struggles doesn’t mean yours will lead to the same outcome. 

If you haven’t travelled yet or are only a few months into your new life abroad, you probably don’t want to hear me say that life abroad is over-glorified.   

But it’s better to keep an open mind and understand that it might not all be rosy.   

Of course, there are those who land good opportunities and live no differently from the locals, that’s true.

Nevertheless, I believe the grass is greener where you water it, and you can water it from anywhere.   

It’s great to gather experiences and live different lives in different countries. But sometimes, it’s just as important to recognize when it’s time to stop chasing experiences and start truly living life.   

I don’t have a perfect conclusion, but I believe you should dare to be yourself and do what feels right for you, not what society expects of you.