For many people, the dream of going abroad is like a bright light at the end of a long tunnel. We hear stories of people who leave their home countries and come back rich, successful, and respected. Social media also shows images of beautiful cities, tall buildings, luxury cars, and people smiling in foreign lands. It is no wonder that many young men and women believe that traveling abroad is the key to a better life.
But the reality is often different from the dream. Life abroad can bring challenges, disappointments, and hardships that no one talks about. These are the broken dreams of migration, the untold stories that many people only discover after they have already left home.
The Illusion of Success
When someone migrates, they often share only their best moments with family and friends back home. They post pictures of themselves in front of tall buildings, shopping malls, or nice cars. Sometimes they even borrow things just to appear successful online. What is not shown is the struggle behind those pictures, the sleepless nights, the long hours of work, and sometimes even the loneliness.
This illusion of success pushes others to believe that life abroad is always better than life at home. People start to think, “If only I could go abroad, all my problems would end.” But the truth is that migration does not solve every problem. Instead, it often creates new ones.
The Harsh Reality of Work
One of the biggest shocks for many migrants is the type of work they find when they arrive in a foreign country. At home, they may have studied hard, earned degrees, or worked in professional jobs. Abroad, they often have to accept jobs that are very different from their skills.
Many migrants end up in cleaning, construction, domestic work, or delivery services. These jobs are physically demanding and sometimes dangerous. Worse, they may face low pay, long hours, and no job security. Some migrants work more than 12 hours a day just to survive.
Even when they work hard, they may still earn less than the local people because of discrimination or lack of proper documents. The dream of “quick money” is replaced by the reality of endless bills, rent, and debts.
Loneliness and Mental Struggles
Life abroad can also feel very lonely. Migrants leave behind their families, friends, and communities. In a foreign land, they may not know the language or culture. This makes it difficult to connect with others.
Many migrants live in shared houses with strangers or in small crowded rooms. They often miss family celebrations, weddings, and funerals back home. The feeling of being far from loved ones can create sadness, anxiety, and depression.
Unfortunately, mental health is not often discussed among migrants. Many are afraid to admit that they are struggling because they do not want to appear weak. They feel pressure to “prove” that their decision to go abroad was the right one.
The Pressure to Send Money Home
For most migrants, sending money back home is both a duty and a burden. Families and relatives expect regular support. Some even think that as soon as someone goes abroad, they become rich overnight.
Migrants often work very hard and sacrifice their own comfort to send money home. They sometimes skip meals, live in poor housing, or work extra hours just to keep their families happy. While supporting family is a good thing, the pressure can sometimes become overwhelming.
Worse, if a migrant fails to send money or cannot meet the expectations, they may be judged harshly by their relatives. They are seen as failures, even though they may already be suffering in silence.
Stories No One Tells
Behind every migrant success story, there are countless hidden stories of failure, exploitation, and even tragedy. Some migrants are cheated by recruitment agencies that promise good jobs but deliver nothing. Others lose their documents and end up living illegally, afraid of being arrested or deported.
There are also sad cases where migrants die abroad due to accidents, illness, or abuse, and their families back home only receive the painful news. These are the stories that rarely make it to social media, but they are part of the reality of migration.
Not All Is Dark
Of course, migration is not always negative. Many people do find good opportunities abroad. They work hard, adapt to the new culture, and eventually build a better life. They send money home, invest in businesses, and support their families.
The point is not to say that migration is always bad, but to show that it is not always the golden ticket people think it is. For every person who succeeds, there are many others who struggle.
What Can Be Done?
First, people should seek honest information before deciding to migrate. Instead of relying on social media posts or rumors, they should talk to real migrants who are willing to share both the good and the bad sides of life abroad.
Second, governments should do more to protect migrants. Many people fall into the hands of dishonest brokers because they do not have access to safe and legal migration channels. Clear policies, job agreements, and education about workers’ rights can reduce the suffering of migrants.
Third, communities should learn to reduce the pressure they put on those living abroad. Supporting them with understanding, rather than constant financial demands, can help migrants focus on building their lives without unnecessary stress.
Finally, we must also remember that opportunities can be created at home. Migration is not the only path to success. With creativity, education, and support, young people can also achieve their dreams without having to leave everything behind.
Conclusion
The dream of going abroad is powerful. It carries hope, ambition, and the desire for a better life. But what many people do not see are the struggles, sacrifices, and heartbreaks that migrants often face.
The broken dreams of migration are real. Behind the shining images on social media are untold stories of pain, loneliness, and hard labor. Before deciding to migrate, it is important to look beyond the dream and understand the reality.
Life abroad can open doors, but it can also close others. Knowing both sides of the story is the first step in making wise decisions, decisions that protect not only our future, but also our dignity and well-being.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
