Esther, a Ghanaian nurse based in the United States, has shared her migration journey and family experiences abroad during an appearance on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. She revealed that she relocated to the U.S. in June 2022, about three and a half years ago, after a long and demanding process.
Before moving abroad, Esther worked as a nurse at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana for many years. She is married with three children. Although many nurses around her were migrating to Ireland and other countries, she said she was not in a hurry to leave Ghana. When she eventually began the process, it took nearly two and a half years. During that period, her first child was involved in a serious accident, forcing the family to spend a long time at the hospital, which further delayed her plans.
Esther advised nurses who are considering traveling abroad to handle their applications themselves rather than relying on “connection men.” According to her, the process can be done independently with patience and determination. She added that encouragement from a friend who had already relocated helped her push through the long process.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Esther explained that life felt like starting all over again. After being married for 12 years, she and her husband had to rebuild their lives from scratch. Securing an apartment was one of their first major steps, but she admitted that the reality of life in America was very different from what she had imagined in Ghana. She noted that almost everything in the U.S. revolves around the credit score system, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.
She went through several orientations before settling into her nursing job, learning new systems and work culture. Esther revealed that while her husband earned more than she did in Ghana, the situation changed in America because of her nursing profession. She now earns more than her husband, especially when she works overtime.
Despite this shift, Esther emphasized teamwork in marriage. She explained that both she and her husband share responsibilities at home. When she is busy or working night shifts, her husband takes care of cooking, house chores, and the children. When she is free, she steps in as well. She noted that unlike in Ghana, where household roles are often clearly divided, life abroad requires couples to work hand in hand to survive.
Esther also offered advice to men living abroad, especially in situations where their wives earn more. She cautioned men not to completely abandon their responsibilities at home, stressing that leadership and involvement are important for mutual respect in marriage. She explained that although she earns more through overtime, her husband contributes by managing the home and caring for the children during her night shifts.
She touched on parenting challenges abroad, warning that strict discipline or corporal punishment can easily attract the attention of authorities. Esther disclosed that child welfare officials once visited her home after someone reported her for allegedly abusing her children. She explained that raising children abroad requires a different approach compared to Ghana.
Reflecting on her life in Ghana, Esther noted that when she was working back home, there was little external support because everyone in her family was also busy working. She concluded by saying that while life abroad offers opportunities, it also comes with complex systems, cultural adjustments, and responsibilities that many people are not prepared for until they experience it themselves.
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