“Life Abroad is Hard”: Lady Laments As She Fails To See Her Husband For 4 Days
A Nigerian woman living overseas has stirred emotions online after sharing a raw and heartfelt account of how hard life abroad can be — especially when chasing survival comes at the cost of family time.
In a now-viral video shared on TikTok by user Atinuke Owoeye, the woman revealed she had not seen her husband for four straight days, even though they live under the same roof.
Yes — same house, different shifts.
“Day one without seeing my husband. Day two… day three… day four,” Atinuke narrated from her car, her voice laced with exhaustion. “We’re in the same house but our work hours don’t align. Life abroad is not as easy as it looks online.”
According to her, her husband had not travelled. The couple, both trying to keep up with demanding jobs and tight schedules, are struggling to balance work and family life — a common reality for many immigrant families.
“We haven’t found the balance yet. Immigrant life isn’t glamorous. We’re tired. We’re trying. But we keep going.”
When her husband finally returned home, Atinuke and their two children rushed outside to welcome him — a touching moment that left viewers emotional.
Watch the full video on TikTok [via Atinuke Owoeye].
Online Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Sympathy and Brutal Honesty
The video drew thousands of reactions across social media, especially on Twitter (now X), with users expressing a mix of empathy, judgment, and advice.
@IamEkene_ wrote: “At least you’re not calling him useless like some women here in Nigeria. He’s working hard for the family. Respect.”
@TheRealGulu disagreed: “You people always say life abroad is hard. But you’re there, safe, comfortable. Stop discouraging others. We’re still coming.”
@justkency added a dose of sarcasm: “It’s hard because he’s taking multiple shifts to pay for that CLA Benz. Priorities.”
@Nnewi300 stated bluntly: “Welcome to your new reality. This is immigrant life. Get used to it.”
@gwachi7 warned: “All that shift-hustling just to maintain flashy cars but no time for family? That’s not hustle, that’s bondage.”
While opinions were divided, most agreed on one thing — life abroad comes with sacrifices many don’t talk about openly.
Related: “Even $1 Can’t Buy Anything Again”
In a similar clip reported by NewsVista, another Nigerian lady living in the U.S. expressed frustration over the rising cost of basic goods. She lamented that it was becoming nearly impossible to walk into a store and buy anything meaningful with just a dollar.
But despite the struggle, she firmly stated: “I’m not going back to Nigeria — no matter how hard it gets.”
NewsVista will continue to bring you raw and relatable stories from Nigerians at home and abroad — because behind every post is a real person trying to survive.