Nigerian media personality Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, has advised Nigerians earning comfortable salaries at home to think carefully before relocating abroad in search of greener pastures.
Speaking on a podcast with Jay On Air, she highlighted the realities many people overlook when considering jobs overseas.
According to Ms DSF, many Nigerians assume that travelling abroad automatically guarantees higher earnings, but that is far from the truth.
She explained that jobs such as cleaning or taxi driving may pay in foreign currency, yet the high living costs in countries like the UK often make it difficult to save or build a better life.
She noted that someone earning well in Nigeria may actually enjoy better opportunities, comfort, and career growth than someone struggling with unfamiliar, less fulfilling work abroad.
“People think you’re abroad and you’re making pounds,” she said. “They could be abroad doing a cleaner job, making however much per hour. You probably have better opportunities here in Nigeria.”
Ms DSF used her father’s experience as a clear example. When he first moved abroad, he had to work multiple jobs just to sustain the family.
“When my dad first went, he was a taxi driver. Imagine what he was making while trying to take care of his whole family — me, my brother, all my siblings, my mum,” she shared. “He was working 9 to 5, then 5 to 9… taxi driver, security, accountant, just to make a little money.”
She added that while earning in pounds can be attractive, many people underestimate the sacrifices, long working hours, and emotional strain that come with starting over in a foreign country.
“Do you know how much rent is in the UK? Do you know how much public transport is there? Before you even make your salary, let’s say you’re doing cleaner work or driving a taxi,” she pointed out.
Ms DSF concluded by stressing the importance of weighing both the challenges and the benefits before deciding to relocate.
“I get it, like if you make it in the UK it’s great because pounds are stronger and it’s nice to make pounds, but it’s not like that — you really have to hustle to build your way up,” she said.
"Do you know how much rent is in the UK?"
Ms DSF wants Nigerians to cut their people abroad some slack. pic.twitter.com/dlqdCTv58t
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 6, 2025
