Nigerian Woman in Italy Reveals Harsh Salary Reality of 3 Euros Per Hour
A Nigerian woman living and working in Italy has shared a sobering account of her financial struggles, revealing she earned a mere 3 euros per hour in her first job. The woman, who goes by the TikTok username @prettyp_precious, detailed how this low wage impacted her ability to save and cover basic expenses while residing in the European country.
Monthly Income of 600 Euros Despite Extra Work Hours
In a candid TikTok video that has sparked widespread reactions online, the woman explained that her hourly rate of 3 euros sometimes resulted in monthly earnings of approximately 600 euros. She emphasized that this amount was achieved despite regularly working additional hours beyond her standard eight-hour shifts.
"I worked in Italy and I was paid 3 Euros per hour. And every month sometimes that 3 Euro will result to 600 Euros. I even do extraordinary like extra hours, extra shift, yeah. You know, I work normally 8 hours a day, but sometimes I do extra shift for like two hours extra or three hours extra or more," she stated in the video.
On rare occasions, she mentioned receiving a small bonus of about 50 euros from her employer, but this did little to significantly improve her financial situation.
High Living Costs Make Saving Nearly Impossible
The Nigerian expatriate described how she managed to survive on this income for an entire year, using the 600 euros to pay bills and cover essential living expenses. After addressing these necessities, only a minimal amount remained for savings, making financial security a distant prospect.
"I will pay bills, pay everything with that 600 Euro and I will still get small money wey go still dey left over for me," she explained, highlighting the tight budgeting required to make ends meet.
Addressing Skepticism About Higher Salaries in Italy
The woman also responded to social media users who expressed doubt that people in Italy could earn as little as she described, with some suggesting monthly salaries of 1,000 euros were more common. She clarified that while higher wages do exist in Italy, they are typically reserved for individuals with specialized skills or formal training.
"So, before person go come outside tell you say ‘I receive 1,000 Euro a month,’ no dey come for them because those people they are really receiving it," she noted, emphasizing that her lack of professional qualifications at the time influenced the type of employment she could secure.
Desperate Job Search Without Formal Qualifications
When she first arrived in Italy, the woman had no completed courses or formal training, which limited her job prospects. Desperate for employment, she accepted the 600-euro-per-month position, viewing it as her only viable option at the time.
She described Italy's economic situation as challenging and expressed hope for future improvements, both for herself and other migrants facing similar circumstances. Her story serves as a reality check for those considering relocation abroad without adequate skills or qualifications.
Broader Context of Migrant Worker Experiences
This personal account adds to growing narratives about the difficulties faced by Nigerian and other African migrants in European countries, where low wages for unskilled labor often clash with high living costs. The woman's transparency about her financial struggles provides valuable insight into the economic realities that many migrant workers encounter, challenging idealized perceptions of life abroad.
