“Life Abroad Is Not All Glam”: Foreigner Gets Emotional About Insufficient Minimum Wage in the UK

• A Nigerian woman living in the UK shared her frustration after calculating her monthly expenses and realising her minimum wage salary was barely enough
• She explained that after listing fixed costs like rent and bills, she was left with very little, without even budgeting for food
• Social media users related to her experience, sharing their own cost-of-living struggles and offering encouragement
• Briefly News spoke to Alex Mzizi, a South African living and working in the USA in travel and tourism, as well as Bongiwe Evidence Fakude, a 22-year-old South African author currently based in South Korea, to unpack the realities of earning and living abroad

After payday came the harsh reality for a Nigerian woman living abroad, that the minimum wage is just not cutting it. The calculations after paying for basic things left her questioning how anyone is meant to survive abroad.

A Nigerian woman @toyin.tomatoee living in the United Kingdom has opened up about her financial struggles on a minimum wage. The emotional post was published on 12 February 2026 and quickly gained traction online. She shared that after receiving her salary, she sat down to calculate her fixed monthly expenses. The numbers left her drained and frustrated.

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According to her post, she did not even include food in her calculations. After listing rent and other essential bills, she was left with very little. She expressed how overwhelmed she felt. She said life was moving too fast for her income. She admitted she was tired and did not expect things to feel this hard so soon.

Cost of living pressure

User @toyin.tomatoee's video sparked conversations about the high cost of living in the UK. Many people pointed out how rent, transport and utilities can quickly eat into earnings. Others shared that minimum wage often looks manageable on paper but feels different in reality. The pressure of balancing expenses while trying to save can be exhausting.

Social media users filled the comments with support. Some shared similar experiences of working long hours but still struggling. Others offered words of encouragement and advice. Many said adjusting to life abroad can be financially shocking at first. The clip resonated with viewers who understand the stress of stretching every pound.

Alex believes life overseas is often romanticised back home.

“Absolutely, life abroad is often glamorised, and I understand why. Places like Florida have sunshine, beaches and great food. People focus on the perks, but it’s more nuanced than that.”

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He explained that social media plays a big role in shaping perception.

“We tend to share the highlights, exploring new places, trying new food, and it’s easy to forget the not-so-glamorous parts, like navigating unfamiliar systems or missing family.”

When it comes to finances, Alex said expectations and preparation make a difference.

“For me, the cost of living in Florida was manageable because my pay was good and I budgeted properly. Some things were more expensive than I expected, but financial responsibility is key.”

He added that earning abroad is about more than just money.

“Earning overseas is a blessing, but it’s not only about income. It’s about adapting to a new culture, meeting new people and growing as a person. If you’re smart with your finances, you can build a good life.”

Bongiwe, a published author living in South Korea at 22, sees the conversation from a different angle.

“It’s not perfect, but it’s purposeful. As a young South African, I don’t really think I’m in a position to complain that living overseas is glamorised. If I were back home, there’s a big chance I wouldn’t even have a job. So I truly appreciate what I have.”

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She acknowledged that while some aspects are romanticised, opportunity plays a major role.

“I understand why people say it’s romanticised, because in some ways it is. But for many of us, it’s about opportunity. I’m working as a teacher, my apartment bills are covered and I don’t pay rent. That makes a huge difference.”

Although the salary may not be extraordinary, she views it in context.

“There are people in South Africa earning less than I do and still paying rent and covering all their expenses. When you look at it that way, you understand why I see this opportunity differently. I’m grateful. It’s not perfect, but it’s purposeful. And for now, that’s enough.”

Check out the TikTok video below:

Here's what social media users said

Bethh AD wrote:

“Me with £20 by the 3rd of the month. 😂😭”

OLA wrote:

“I still don’t get working just to sort out bills. 🥺”

Chisom Ann wrote:

“Living in Manchester alone is EXPENSIVE! 😭”

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FEFE wrote:

“It’s so crazy and visa restrictions can make having side hustles harder… Just a lot. 😭😭”

Sindy wrote:

“It’s not easy oooo, the reality of life is one source of income is not sustainable. 💝💝"

Ibeekaymii The Podcaster wrote:

“Please market your business ooo for extra income.”

3 Other Briefly News stories related to living abroad

• A South African woman living in Manchester opened up about the real things that living in the UK costs her, sparking reactions.
• A South African man living overseas opened up about the emotional and mental toll of leaving home behind; prompting reactions.
• A South African man said that even after more than a year in Nigeria, he still hadn’t adjusted to the intense heat; leaving Mzansi stunned.

Source: Briefly News