Wahala & General GistAnswered

Why Do People Back Home Think Everyone Abroad Is Rich?

Tokunbo CentralTokunbo CentralOPOct 24, 2026 at 11:14 AM12 views1 reply

You post one picture in front of a nice building and suddenly everyone thinks you have arrived. Why do people back home assume life abroad is easy money, and how do you handle it?

MoneyJapaGist
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Tokunbo Central
Tokunbo CentralOP·5 days agoBest answer

Tokunbo Central’s answer: this gist comes up all the time, and the reasons are fairly clear.

  • Exchange rates: a salary in pounds, dollars or euros sounds huge when converted, but rent, tax and bills are paid in the same currency.
  • Social media: people post holidays and new cars, not the night shifts and bills.
  • Past generations: stories from earlier eras, when costs were lower relative to pay, still shape expectations.
  • What helps: be open about the realities, share honest content about daily life, and set clear limits on what you can give.
  • Remember: many people abroad are doing well, many are struggling, and most are somewhere in between.

Your turn: what is the funniest assumption someone back home has made about your life abroad?

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