African American Couple Narrates Move from US to Ethiopia for Rent-Free Living and Peace
An African American couple, Ian and Jocelyn Minerve, has made a bold decision to leave their lives in the United States and relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with their three children. In a recent interview shared on their YouTube channel, Webnation Africa, the couple detailed their struggles with rising costs, burnout, and environmental concerns in Atlanta, Georgia.
From Financial Strain to Financial Freedom
Ian Minerve, who grew up in California and New York with parents from Trinidad and Tobago, described his life in the US as dominated by work. He often held multiple jobs, leading to exhaustion and minimal time with his family. "When I used to live in the States, I worked a lot. I was what you would call a workaholic," Ian said. "By the time I got home, I was just wiped out or getting cliff notes from my wife on how the kids were doing." Despite their efforts, the couple lived paycheck to paycheck, with rent costing $800, equivalent to over N1 million in Nigerian currency.
A New Life in Ethiopia
After a trip to Tulum, Mexico, Ian became open to living abroad, and a meeting with an Ethiopian school recruiter solidified their decision to move. In Ethiopia, the couple now resides in a massive house provided by their employer, paying no rent. Jocelyn Minerve, who grew up in Long Beach, California, emphasized the improved quality of life. "We don't have to pay for our housing. Our job pays for our housing," she stated. This allows them to save up to $4,000 monthly, a stark contrast to their financial situation in the US.
Enhanced Safety and Cultural Connection
Jocelyn highlighted feeling safer in Ethiopia compared to their neighborhood in Atlanta, where shady dealings were common. "Honestly, I just feel more safe here outside of like money, outside of work. I'm working to live, not living to work," she explained. She also expressed appreciation for the cultural experience as a Black person in Africa, noting it as amazing and empowering. The couple's relocation has enabled them to focus on family and personal well-being, free from the constant financial pressures they faced in America.
Public Reactions and Broader Context
The couple's story has garnered positive reactions online, with many viewers inspired by their move. Comments on social media praise their courage and happiness in Ethiopia. This narrative contrasts with trends of Africans seeking opportunities in the West, showcasing a reverse migration for better living conditions. The Minerves' experience underscores themes of diaspora return, economic sustainability, and cultural reconnection in Africa.
