A former Kenyatta University lecturer, who resigned from his academic role with dreams of advancing his career abroad, is now considering returning to Kenya after facing unexpected challenges in the United States job market.
The lecturer, identifying himself as Johnstone Kamau in a message shared with this publication, revealed that he secured a green card in 2020, which allowed him to move to the US. He left Kenya with high hopes of landing a teaching position at one of the prestigious universities in the United States.
However, Kamau’s aspirations were shattered when he discovered that his academic qualifications did not meet the requirements to teach at American universities. This revelation came from a friend shortly after his arrival, leaving him with limited options for employment.
Faced with the harsh reality of survival in a foreign land, Kamau turned to menial jobs to make ends meet. He initially worked on construction sites before eventually securing a position at a supermarket, where he reportedly earns Ksh20,000 per day.
Despite earning a decent daily wage compared to Kenyan standards, Kamau is disillusioned by the nature of his work, which he feels does not align with his professional qualifications and career aspirations. This has led him to consider returning home to Kenya, where he spent years building his academic career as a university lecturer.
Kamau’s story sheds light on the challenges many professionals face when transitioning to life abroad, often finding that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of thorough research and preparation before pursuing opportunities in foreign countries.
