Patricia is a Ghanaian living in the UK and recently appeared on Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. She currently resides in Northampton, UK, but previously lived in Spain. She moved to Spain from Ghana in 2008 with her family before later relocating to the UK.
Patricia grew up in Ashanti New Town, Ahenbobiaano, near Doctor Mensah’s area, where former footballer Samuel Kuffour also lived. She gave birth while working as a trader and took a short break to care for her child. Later, her sister introduced her to selling engine oil, filters, and car decorations, first at her shop and then at Patricia’s own store.
She got married to the father of her child, who was living abroad in Spain. Since he traveled frequently to Ghana, their relationship continued until he invited her to join him in Spain. Before leaving Ghana, Patricia ws selling engine oil and car spare parts —which provided a stable income.
When she arrived in Spain in 2008, life was difficult due to work restrictions. It took her until 2009 to obtain a work permit, but even then, jobs were scarce. Many people have lived in Spain for over a decade and still struggle to find employment. She and her family lived in Barcelona, where men and women often did the same jobs, including slaughtering animals.
Unlike in Ghana, where she owned a shop and could choose when to work, life abroad demanded a different level of commitment. In Spain, whether it was raining, snowing, or sunny, she had to go to work. With limited childcare options, she had to pay someone monthly to take care of her child while she worked.
After living in Spain for ten years, Patricia moved to the UK. She preferred the UK to Spain because of better job opportunities and a more accommodating system. She noted that in Spain, care and live-in jobs were often given to Colombians instead of Black people. Additionally, highly educated professionals often had to settle for low-skilled jobs due to language barriers.
Patricia advised that anyone planning to travel abroad should first learn a skilled profession. Her hard work in Spain prepared her for the job market in the UK, where she found work easier. Most people in the UK take warehouse jobs, and she became skilled at operating large warehouse machinery.
Patricia is her mother’s only child. When her husband impregnated her and left for Spain, her mother took care of her and the baby. Over time, her husband established himself in Spain and was financially stable, owning a Benz and Bedford truck. However, communication was difficult back then, as mobile phones were not common.
Marriage abroad is challenging, especially in the UK, where demanding jobs put a strain on relationships. Patricia noted that she works harder than her husband, and if expected to cook after work, she would rather stay home while he provides for the family. Unlike Spain, where social life was vibrant, life in the UK revolves around work and home.
Patricia has visited Ghana three times since moving abroad. She recalled advising a man who wanted to sell his house and car to travel abroad, warning him that it was not worth the risk. Unfortunately, he ignored her advice, sold his car (a Peugeot 207), and gave the money to a travel agent, only to be scammed. He lost everything and returned to Ghana with nothing.
She observed that many people abroad suffer from high blood pressure due to stress. While the UK has an excellent healthcare system, she warned that some painkillers can cause kidney issues, but doctors there can detect and manage such health risks.
Patricia has three children and is focused on completing projects back home in Ghana. However, because her children are growing up in the UK, her main priority is ensuring their future. She believes that while traveling abroad can offer better opportunities, it’s crucial to plan wisely and avoid financial recklessness. Instead of selling valuable assets for the mere chance of obtaining a visa, she advises people to work hard in Ghana and travel only when they are fully prepared.
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