'The HR Lens with SS'

  When Tunde moved to Germany, everyone called him “lucky.” Back home in Nigeria, his family celebrated him like a hero. There were prayers at church, congratulatory messages, and endless advice from relatives. “Don’t forget us when you make it.” “Work hard.” “This is your opportunity.” And Tunde promised he would. He arrived with two suitcases, a heavy winter jacket he bought second-hand, and dreams bigger than fear. But nobody prepared him for the loneliness. Nobody warned him that survival abroad could slowly become slavery disguised as success. The Hustle That Never Ends At first, Tunde worked one job. Then rent increased. Bills piled up. His younger sister needed school fees. His mother became sick back home. One job became two. He slept four hours daily and survived on energy drinks, painkillers, and the hope that “things would get better soon.” Whenever friends asked how he was doing, he smiled and replied: “I’m grinding.” In the diaspora, exhaustion is often celebra...