So, You Want to Work in Africa? Buckle Up!

It seems my inbox is overflowing these days. Ever since I joined a cement company in Africa, my phone has turned into a hotline for job inquiries. "Bro, any vacancies in Africa?" "Sir, how can I get a job in a cement plant there?" "I heard the pay is double!"

Ah, the dream! The illusion of working abroad, basking in a higher salary while effortlessly sipping cocktails by the beach after a "hard day’s work." I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s time to get real.

Let’s talk about the real expat life in Africa:

First off, let’s tackle the big myth: "You're not getting paid more. You're getting paid for overtime you never asked for." Yes, you might see a nice salary figure, but let me translate that into the expat currency – work till your eyeballs fall out.

Got your attention? Good. Here's the reality, dear friends:

1. Expats Are the Last Resort

Let’s be clear: companies don’t wake up thinking, “Oh wow, let’s hire a foreigner! We love paying extra!” Nope. Hiring expats is like buying an expensive spare part that doesn’t quite fit. If there’s anyone local who can do the job, guess who’s getting hired first? Exactly – not you.

Companies in Africa prefer to hire locally, and rightfully so. Training local talent is not only cost-effective but also long-term sustainable. If they’re hiring an expat, it’s because they’ve run out of options. Congratulations, you’re plan Z!

2. Double the Pay? Sure, But You’ll Work Quadruple

Ever heard the phrase, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"? Let me tell you – if you see double the salary on the offer letter, just assume you’ll be working at least four times harder.

  • Extra hours? Standard.
  • Sundays off? HA! Sundays are just another day to add to your 'accomplishments' log.
  • Holidays? Oh, that’s cute. You mean that one day off after 364 days of continuous labor?

And that “one-month paid leave per year”? Sure, it exists… in theory. Out of ten expats, maybe one guy actually manages to take it. The rest? They quit or get burnt out before they even get close to their eligibility.

3. Greedy by Default

So, you managed to secure the job, great! Now, you’re officially branded a “greedy expat.” Welcome to the club. If you think you’re going to win hearts and admiration here, think again. You’ll be seen as the guy who came for the money. And let’s be honest, they aren’t wrong, are they? The paycheck is part of the deal, but so is the subtle side-eye you get whenever you mention anything about work-life balance.

You’re the one who gets all the extra shifts and zero sympathy. Why? Because obviously, you came here just to milk the money cow, right?

4. Make Your Choice

So, my dear friends, here’s the bottom line: the glamorous “expat life” isn’t quite what the movies and Instagram accounts make it out to be. It’s hard work, long hours, no holidays, and a serious case of “why-did-I-sign-up-for-this?” The salary you think is so shiny is just compensation for the personal life you’ll forget existed.

So, to all of you dreaming of that African adventure, make your choice wisely. If you’re here for the experience, great – just know what you're signing up for. But if you're here for the easy money, well, I hope you enjoy the round-the-clock work because that's what you're really signing up for.

In short, pack more than just your suitcase – pack some serious stamina.


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