You arrive full of hope, but jobs don’t always come as quickly as you expected. Bills don’t wait. Rent doesn’t wait. Feeding yourself certainly doesn’t wait.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone planning to relocate, it would be this to learn a handwork before you leave Nigeria.

It could be barbing, hair braiding, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, electrical work, phone repairs or auto mechanics. These skills travel.

You may not get your dream office job immediately, but a practical skill can help you earn money while you settle down, build your network, and figure out your next steps.

I’ve spoken to Nigerians abroad who said their side skill paid their rent long before their professional career took off.

Japa is easier when you have something people are always willing to pay for.

If you already live abroad, what’s one practical skill you think every Nigerian should learn before relocating?