The Real Truth Behind the Opportunity
By Hillary Mayaka | Tech Space Masters
When I left Kenya for the Gulf, I carried two things in my bag hope and ambition. Like many young Africans, I had big dreams. The promise of better pay, global experience, and a new life abroad felt like the perfect next step, but what I found was a mix of blessings and battles an experience that changed me completely.
✈️ The Dream That Took Me to the Gulf
I was excited. I had secured a job in hospitality sector, and I couldn’t wait to work in a place as developed as Doha. The buildings, the lifestyle, the money it all looked perfect from the outside, and to be fair, there were some real opportunities, and I gained work experience in a global environment, I learned to interact with people from all over the world, I got exposed to international standards and systems
But then reality kicked in, and it wasn’t always easy to handle.
🧱 The Harsh Reality I Didn’t Expect
1. Culture Shock Was Real
From the way people dressed to the way they spoke, everything was different. Even small things like eye contact, personal space, or public behavior had new rules. At first, I felt lost and uncomfortable. I had to learn quickly, and respectfully.
2. Food Was a Daily Battle
I missed Kenyan food so badly. Chapati, ugali, sukuma, even githeri I craved them. In staff housing, we were served foreign meals I wasn’t used to. Some days, I skipped meals just to avoid upsetting my stomach. Finding familiar food was expensive or far from where I lived.
3. Accommodation Was Tough
We shared tiny rooms four to six people in a space meant for two. 
The air conditioning barely worked, and the washrooms were shared by too many. It was far from what we see on Instagram or YouTube.
4. Late Salaries Broke Me Emotionally
I came to work and send money home. But there were months when our salaries were delayed sometimes for two to three months. The stress of having bills back in Kenya while stuck abroad without pay was too much. I kept going, but it took a toll on me mentally.
5. Endless Working Hours
Shifts were long. Ten to twelve hours, sometimes even more during peak seasons. There were days I barely had energy to stand, let alone speak. Rest days were rare, and there was always pressured to perform.
🔥 But I Didn’t Quit
Despite all these struggles, I chose to grow instead of giving up. I pushed myself to learn, adapt, and improve. I became more disciplined, focused, and resilient. I saved what I could. I connected with others facing similar challenges. And eventually, I returned home not empty-handed, but full of wisdom and experience. That journey is part of what led me to build Tech Space Masters, a platform where we empower others with skills, so they can chase their dreams more prepared than I was.
If you’re planning to go work in the Gulf, don’t go blind. Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and financially. Talk to people who’ve been there. Understand your contract. Save as much as you can. And most importantly, stay strong.
The Gulf experience isn’t all bad. It shaped me. It tested me and made me the person I am today.
