Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
A former university lecturer who relocated to Canada has attracted attention after sharing a video of herself working as a hotel cleaner.
In the TikTok video, posted on her account, @Jojo’s Lifestyle, the woman is seen dressed in navy-blue scrubs and a patterned headscarf as she cleans a hotel bathroom. Holding a spray bottle and a green microfibre cloth, she moves around the room with a cheerful attitude, appearing comfortable in her new role.
Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
The video generated discussion online largely because of her previous career in academia. Some social media users questioned why she had left university lecturing to take up a cleaning job abroad.
However, rather than appearing ashamed of her new occupation, the woman seemed to embrace it, demonstrating that earning an honest living was more important to her than other people’s opinions.
A woman identified as Divine, who lives abroad, defended the former lecturer’s decision. She explained that immigrants often take whatever lawful employment is available while trying to establish themselves in a new country.
According to her, there is no shame in doing honest work, adding that people living abroad are generally more concerned with their own lives than with judging others.
Several TikTok users also shared their personal experiences of starting from entry-level jobs after moving abroad.
One user revealed that she worked as a cleaner for six months before eventually securing a position with Microsoft in Toronto. Another said she had a PhD and had previously worked as a lecturer in Nigeria before relocating to Canada, where she initially worked as a cleaner.
She later established a home daycare, received a grant and began making plans to launch her own cleaning business.
Another commenter encouraged the former lecturer to remain positive, stressing that progress matters regardless of where someone begins.
The reactions highlighted the experiences of many immigrants who take on entry-level jobs when they first arrive in a new country before eventually securing employment related to their qualifications or starting businesses of their own.
The discussion also comes amid wider conversations about the earning potential of manual jobs overseas. A Kenyan living and working in Australia recently claimed that some physically demanding jobs could pay between KSh10,000 and KSh11,000 per hour, while caregiving roles could reportedly earn between KSh5,000 and KSh6,000 per hour.
However, some commenters pointed out that higher wages abroad often come with equally high living costs, demanding working conditions and the emotional challenge of living far away from family and friends.
Ultimately, the former lecturer’s story has sparked a broader conversation about migration, the dignity of labour, financial independence and the sacrifices people sometimes make when starting a new life in another country.
Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
Former University Lecturer Moves to Canada and Takes Cleaning Job, Triggering Mixed Reactions Online
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