TOPE AJAYI: NIGERIAN MOTHER OF FOUR GOT $3,470 JOB ABROAD BUT WANTS TO REJECT IT.

My friend got a job of $3470 per month from Nigeria, but she is considering rejecting it because when we did the maths, it would be hard to survive. She has three children under 10 years old, and her husband won't be coming with her. He said he is not interested in relocating yet, that she and the children should go. 

Now this is why she wants to reject the offer. For a $3470 pay, that means her take-home after taxes will be around $2850. 

In the area that is close to the work location and also a place where she can get support from friends and a good school, the monthly house rent is between $1500 to $1700 for a two-bedroom apartment. 

She will have to pay the electricity bill of about $60 per month, water about $20 per month(though you pay it every three months, which will equal to $60), her transportation using the bus will be around $150 per month or more, her phone and Internet bill would be in the $70 to $100 region monthly, Food and groceries could go as high as $800 to even $1000 monthly, there are little school supplies, clothing etc, this is without even including extra curriular activities for the children, and some black taxes from family/friends in Naija.

When we totalled it, she will have $0 left at the end of the month, infact there will be deficits. 

The work permit would be for two years, which means she is not eligible for the Canadian Child Benefit until she has worked for 18 months. 

Yes, she has liquidated some of her assets, which means she will be bringing very good thousands of dollars from Nigeria, but in 3 to 6 months, the money will be exhausted because she plans to buy a car once she lands, for ease of moving her family of 4 around.

Well, after all the maths, she is considering humbly rejecting the offer and waiting till it's her turn in the pool for Permanent Residence.

It's been a hard decision. It's been me and her trying to think through, because her husband simply told her to do her maths well. He promised to be sending some stipends monthly, but we can't bank on that. Even if he sends 200k monthly, by the time we convert it, it will be around $200.

Managing living expenses abroad is a significant challenge, particularly for those with children. Even in a dual-income household, the financial pressure remains substantial.

Would you take this offer if you were in her shoes?

Tolulope Ajayi