When Migration Feels Like a Mistake: The Emotional Toll of Japa No One Talks About 

Jul 17, 2025

Everyone talks about the excitement of relocating. The visa approval. The airport selfies. The caption: “New chapter. God did.” 

But very few people talk about what comes next. 

The silence. The homesickness. The pressure to “make it” and send money. The moment you start to ask yourself: Did I make the right move? 

This is the side of japa no one posts online—but it’s very real. 

The Reality No One Prepared You For 

You landed with high hopes, but the ground feels shaky. Maybe: 

  • You’re working a survival job far from your career field 
  • You’re stuck in a tiny room, paying rent you can barely afford 
  • You miss your family, food, and sense of belonging 
  • You feel isolated, even in the middle of a crowd 
  • You can’t admit to anyone back home that you’re struggling—because you were the “lucky one” 

The Hidden Emotional Costs 

  • Guilt – You feel guilty for not being happy when others would trade places with you in a second. 
  • Pressure – Calls from home: “How far now? When will you send money?” 
  • Imposter syndrome – You’re abroad, but you don’t feel like you belong here—or there. 
  • Burnout – Juggling work, school, immigration paperwork, and bills can break you down slowly. 

This is migration fatigue. And it’s more common than you think. 

What You Can Do to Cope 

  1. Talk About It 
    Find someone who gets it—another migrant, a therapist, or a trusted friend. Don’t bottle it up. 
  1. Stop Comparing Your Journey 
    Social media is a highlight reel. Someone’s success post might be hiding depression, debt, or divorce. 
  1. Create Community 
    Attend cultural meetups, join local WhatsApp groups, go to events. You need people, not just location. 
  1. Redefine What Success Means 
    Maybe it’s peace. Maybe it’s paying rent without stress. Don’t tie your worth to flashy photos or big titles. 
  1. Rest Without Guilt 
    You don’t have to “hustle every day.” You’re not a machine. Your peace matters too. 

Final Word from Loyalty Travels 

Leaving Nigeria doesn’t fix everything. Sometimes, it breaks things you didn’t even know could break. But knowing that this phase is normal—and that you’re not alone—can help you heal faster. 

You’re not a failure for feeling overwhelmed. You’re human. 

And you deserve to thrive—not just survive. 

#JapaJourney #MigrationFatigueIsReal #LoyaltyTravelsCares #JapaSupport