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Message: [QUOTE="Ruby, post: 10, member: 2"] I remember sitting in my small apartment in Lagos two years ago, staring at my laptop screen at 11 PM, debating whether I should accept a remote job offer from a Berlin-based startup or hold out for a relocation package to Canada. I had spent six months applying to over 150 positions, and suddenly I had options. The problem? I had no idea which path was actually better for my career and life. Today, I want to share what I've learned from my own experience and from watching dozens of African tech professionals navigate these same decisions. Because here's the truth: both remote work and relocation have massive advantages and hidden drawbacks that nobody talks about openly. [HEADING=1]The Remote Work Revolution Changed Everything[/HEADING] Let me start with something important: the pandemic permanently shifted how tech companies think about hiring. Before 2020, most international tech jobs required relocation. Now, thousands of companies actively hire remote workers from Africa, and they're not just offering pity salaries—many pay competitive international rates. I've seen Nigerian developers earning $60,000-$90,000 annually working remotely for US companies. Kenyan product designers making €45,000-€65,000 for European startups. South African data scientists pulling in $70,000+ from Australian firms. These aren't unicorn stories—they're becoming increasingly common. But remote work isn't automatically better than relocation. It depends entirely on what you want from your career and life. [HEADING=1]Remote Work: What It's Really Like[/HEADING] When I first started working remotely for a UK company, I thought I'd hit the jackpot. International salary, no visa stress, staying close to family—what could be better? The reality was more complicated. [B]The Actual Advantages[/B] The money goes further here. My $75,000 remote salary gave me a lifestyle I could never afford in London where the same role would pay £55,000-£65,000 but cost twice as much to live. I bought a car within six months, moved to a nicer apartment, and still saved more than I would have abroad. I maintained my relationships. My parents are getting older, and being here for family events, emergencies, and just regular Sunday dinners matters more than I realized it would. My younger siblings also benefit from my presence and mentorship. There's no visa anxiety. I'm not worried about work permits expiring, immigration rule changes, or being forced to leave if I lose my job. That psychological freedom is real. I avoided culture shock and isolation. Many of my friends who relocated struggled with loneliness, cultural adjustment, and subtle (sometimes not so subtle) racism. I don't deal with any of that. [B]The Hidden Challenges[/B] But remote work from Africa comes with challenges that people don't warn you about. First, the infrastructure issues are constant. I've lost count of how many times I've had to reschedule important meetings because NEPA took light or my internet provider had "technical issues." I now have three backup internet solutions and a generator, which costs money. The time zone difference is exhausting. Working UK hours means my workday starts at 8 AM WAT and often runs until 6 PM, which isn't terrible. But US East Coast hours mean 2 PM to 10 PM, and West Coast hours are even worse—6 PM to 2 AM. I tried West Coast hours for three months and it nearly destroyed my health and social life. Career progression is slower remotely. This is the part nobody wants to admit. When promotions and important projects are discussed, remote workers—especially those in different time zones—are often overlooked. Not intentionally, but it happens. The person who grabs coffee with the CEO or stays late to help with an urgent issue gets remembered. You don't have that advantage. Banking and payments can be complicated. Getting paid internationally requires proper banking setup. I use Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Grey, but there are still fees, conversion losses, and occasional delays. Some companies struggle to pay contractors in Nigeria due to their own banking restrictions. You're professionally isolated. I miss the casual learning that happens in offices—overhearing how a senior developer solves a problem, quick hallway chats about new technologies, spontaneous brainstorming sessions. Online, everything is scheduled and formal. [/QUOTE]

Verification: Which city is the capital of Kenya?

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