Robert, a Ghanaian currently living in Columbus, Ohio, opened up about his journey and struggles abroad in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide.
Before moving abroad, Robert was doing relatively well in Ghana. He recalled a man he met at a washing bay who overheard him making calls about traveling abroad.
“The man asked if the car I was driving was mine. When I said yes, he advised me to sell it and start a business instead. But I ignored him because I felt okay in Ghana at the time.”
Robert left Ghana three years ago and got stuck in Brazil for months. He eventually crossed through the dangerous Mexico border to reach the United States.
“While in Brazil, I worked and lived in tough conditions, earning just $180–$200 a month. I even fell off a garbage truck once while trying to survive,” he recounted.
Determined to reach the U.S., he sold his iPhone 12 Pro Max to fund the rest of his journey.
“I spent six days in the forest and witnessed people dying—drowning and starving. I finally made it through Panama, Costa Rica, and Tapachula, then spent nearly two months at a shelter in Tijuana.”
Robert’s breakthrough came when a Facebook friend he had known for 14 years helped him move to Indiana. A month later, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he secured a job on his very first day.
Now, he works 15 hours a day on weekdays and 8 hours on weekends.
“Life here is not easy—we don’t sleep. After paying rent, phone bills, and insurance, you’re left with little. In Ghana, there’s no rent stress, and even an alarm clock won’t panic you.”
Robert says the decision to leave online scamming behind was motivated by his children.
“One day, a child asked his father why he never worked but always had money. I didn’t want my children to ever question my integrity.”
He’s started investing back home in Ghana.
“In April, I gave GHC 30,000 to a friend to run a mobile money business. So far, I’ve made GHC 10,000 in profit. I plan to complete my building project and return home eventually.”
Robert encourages those planning to travel abroad to learn a skilled trade.
“If you know air conditioning, heating, and cooling, you can earn $35 an hour. Here in the U.S., the locals earn $18 an hour, yet they still complain.”
A lover of cattle farming, Robert has already purchased 10 cows back home. “Each time I get paid, I buy one. I want to build a business that will secure my financial future.”
Despite the hardship and racial discrimination he has faced, Robert remains hopeful.
“People warned me that life abroad wasn’t easy, but I didn’t listen. Now, I know it’s true—but I’m determined to make it work.”
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