A former bank manager from Nigeria has ignited a significant conversation on social media after sharing a glimpse into his new occupation in the United States. The man, who uses the TikTok handle @bidiboitrucking, posted a video that resonated deeply with many, highlighting the stark realities of starting afresh in a new country.
From Banking to Warehousing: A Tired Homecoming
In the now-viral TikTok clip posted recently, the man is seen lying face down on his sofa, visibly exhausted. He then sits up, appearing deep in thought. Overlaid text on the video delivers the poignant message: "After 12hr warehouse shift. And you remember that you used to be a bank manager."
While he did not specify his country of origin in the post, he clearly stated his previous professional role as a bank manager. A review of his social media profile indicates he has also taken up work as a truck driver in America, showcasing a dramatic career shift from the corporate banking world to demanding logistical and manual roles.
Social Media Erupts with Empathy and Shared Stories
The video quickly generated a flood of reactions, with many netizens sharing their own experiences of career adjustment and the challenges of life abroad.
SaniDjaka commented, illustrating a similar journey: "Yako I use to be a DR and here ended up being everything but not that field anymore from where house to home care."
User Baba offered a sobering perspective, stating: "To everyone who thinks it's a piece of cake to just switch careers from our country of birth to the US, it's not that easy. There are a lot of challenges... But with sacrifice everything is possible."
The discussion also touched on the psychological pressure from home. User F14? pointed out a common dilemma: "And you can’t even go through your WhatsApp messages... cause you gonna see messages from people back home asking for extra money because in their mind once in America we get free money."
Another user, Cinava Tarawallie, advised: "I always tell my friends back, if you have made in our home country, please don’t move to America. Come visit and go back home." This sentiment was contrasted by others who emphasized the opportunities abroad despite the hardships.
A Broader Narrative of Professional Transition
This incident is not isolated. It echoes a broader narrative of Nigerian professionals navigating new identities in foreign lands. In a related report, a former UBA banker was documented working as a plate washer after relocating to Italy.
Furthermore, a Nigerian lady who worked as a banker for nearly a decade in Nigeria before moving to Canada previously shared her experience. She highlighted the stark difference in banking culture, noting that in Nigeria, bankers often had to actively hunt for wealthy clients and tolerate their excesses, a dynamic she found absent in her new environment.
The video from @bidiboitrucking serves as a raw and unfiltered look into the sacrifices many make in pursuit of a new life, sparking a vital dialogue about the realities of migration, career validation, and resilience.