Patrick, a Ghanaian living in the UK for the past three years, shared his story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. He opened up about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the reality of life abroad.
Patrick explained that he completed Junior High School in Sunyani, Ghana, but did not finish Senior High School before traveling abroad. He initially believed the UK was like heaven, but quickly realized it wasn’t what he had imagined.
He revealed that he came to the UK as a dependent of his father’s brother, who did everything possible to help him migrate without charging a single penny.
“It took him about a year and a half to bring me here. I lived with him for a year and a half and never paid rent. I’m truly grateful,” he said.
However, the transition wasn’t easy. Patrick said he searched for a job for five months before finding one, despite others doubting his chances. He also mentioned that many people pay between £12,000 and £20,000 to come to the UK, but he wouldn’t recommend that path unless the opportunity is free.
“During my first week in the UK, I saw four different schools hiring skilled workers, but because I didn’t learn a skill back in Ghana, I couldn’t apply,” he noted.
Patrick is currently building a house in Ghana, though he admitted it’s sometimes difficult to manage the project because the builder is often booked for other jobs.
He emphasized that those with trade or vocational skills in Ghana can make the most of opportunities abroad.
“Most people who came with caregiving jobs got work quickly. Some even recover their expenses and double their investment within a year, especially if they venture into business,” he shared. “During summer, there are about 15 agencies recruiting, but they often mislead people, which causes issues later on.”
Life in the UK hasn’t been smooth for him. “I’m single here. Life is tough. You work, come home, and repeat,” he said. He shared a personal story about how he once tried to cook jollof rice after watching a YouTube tutorial and ended up wasting £40 worth of ingredients because it didn’t turn out well.
Patrick currently pays £500 monthly for rent. He also touched on subtle racism, saying, “Some white people pretend to like us, but deep down, they see us as different.” He concluded by noting that it’s very difficult to save a substantial amount of money in the UK.
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
