183. QUEUES FOR YOUR RESOURCES - Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Diaspora Handbook - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Immigrant Handbook

183. QUEUES FOR YOUR RESOURCES

Beyond money, living in the UK means that your other resources like time, energy, and skills, are constantly in demand. Nigerians often arrive thinking simply about financial survival, but they quickly realise that the true demand is on their non-financial resources. Everyone and everything appear to want a piece of you, and if you do not set limits, you will burn out.

The initial requirement is time. Life in the UK revolves around timetables, and time is valued as cash. Jobs require punctuality, appointments are scrupulously adhered to, and even social activities follow a set schedule. Nigerians who are accustomed to "African time" quickly discover that tardiness is costly here. Work, family responsibilities, transportation, schooling, and, on occasion, side hustles all compete for your time. If you do not allocate wisely, you will feel constantly drained.

Energy is another resource constantly in demand. The weather, workload, and fast-paced lifestyle often drain Nigerians faster than expected. Cold mornings, long commutes, and rotating shifts can take a toll. Without proper rest and balance, burnout becomes a real threat. The system demands energy, but it does not always give back. This means you must be deliberate about self-care—rest, exercise, and a balanced lifestyle.

Even your skills are in constant queue. As a Nigerian abroad, people often turn to you for support—community projects, religious activities, advice, or even helping newcomers. While this is rewarding, it can also be draining if not managed. Giving your skills freely without boundaries can leave you with little left for your personal growth.

The truth is that in the United Kingdom, your resources will always be in demand. The key to survival is learning to prioritise. Say yes to the proper things and no to distractions. If you do not take action, the queues for your resources will exhaust you until you have nothing left.