In this blog, I'm exploring some key things to consider if you're considering before those making life-changing decisions and for this blog I will use the example of relocating back to Africa or another country.
I never thought the day would come, but here we are. Having lived in the UK as an immigrant for 25 years, I'm starting to entertain the idea of relocating back home. And by home, I mean Zimbabwe. Not just me, by the way, more and more people are asking the question: Is the UK still worth it? Should I leave? Should I stay? With the cost of living soaring—sky-high rentals, mortgage payments, and the endless rise of bills—many are reconsidering their options.
Just the other day, I made a video on my channel, talking about the upcoming water bill increases in April, and now Visa fees are also set to rise again. Even though this doesn't affect me, I know that many immigrants are feeling the squeeze. Immigration rules are also tightening, making it harder for those on sponsorship visas who live with the constant fear that losing a job could mean being sent back home.
On top of that, getting a job is no longer as straightforward as it used to be. These days, you may have to go through five or six rounds of interviews. And even when you secure a job, the vetting process is now stricter than ever. It’s no wonder that so many people are wondering: What if I could make things work back home? Wouldn’t it be better to live in the sun rather than constantly fighting to survive, justifying my existence?
I miss home every day, and I’m a big believer in fixing Africa. I believe we should be working towards making our home countries places where we don’t feel forced to leave just to access a better quality of life. But I also understand that once you're in the diaspora, relocating back home isn’t as simple as packing your bags and getting on a plane. It's crucial to consider what moving back home actually looks like.
So the following are the 3 key things to consider before making that life-changing decision to relocate back to Africa or another country;
1. Planning: The Make-or-Break Factor
There are two main relocation scenarios: either moving back to your home country or relocating to a different country entirely. Whichever path you choose, planning is crucial.
If You’re Moving Back Home
For me, if I were to leave the UK and move back to Zimbabwe, there are two non-negotiables that I would need:
A roof over my head – Do you have a home or a secure place to stay?
A source of income – How will you sustain yourself financially?
Everything else can be adjusted, but if you don’t have these two things figured out, moving back home could be a nightmare. You also need to consider lifestyle adjustments. Are you prepared for power cuts? Water shortages? The everyday realities of life back home? If you’re used to certain conveniences, how comfortable are you adjusting to a new normal?
If You’re Moving to Another Country
Some people aren’t planning to return to their homeland but are instead looking at places like Dubai, Thailand, or Australia. If this is you, then research is your best friend. Ask yourself:
What is the cost of living in the new country?
Is the lifestyle compatible with your expectations?
What are the job prospects like?
What are the immigration policies?
Some people relocate to a new country only to realise it’s worse than where they left. Be informed so that you don’t end up regretting your move.
2. Healthcare: The Silent Deal-Breaker
Healthcare is a huge factor when deciding to leave the UK. Here’s what you need to ask yourself:
General Healthcare Access
Will you have easy access to medical facilities?
Will you need health insurance?
Can you afford medical care?
Managing Chronic Conditions
If you have a long-term health condition—diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease—leaving the UK’s NHS means you need to figure out:
How will you get your medication?
Will you need to pay out of pocket for treatment?
Will you have reliable access to necessary medical equipment (dialysis machines, insulin, etc.)?
Even if you’re currently healthy, remember that as you get older, new health concerns may arise. Be realistic about whether your new home can provide the medical support you might need in the future.
3. Romanticising Home: The Illusion vs. Reality
One of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding to relocate is romanticising home. It’s easy to remember the good old days—when food was plentiful, jobs were guaranteed, and life felt simpler. But is that still the reality? Or are you longing for a version of home that no longer exists?
For example, I grew up in a Zimbabwe, where food was abundant, jobs were waiting after school, and life was peaceful. But the Zimbabwe I visit now is not the same one I left two decades ago. Because I only stay for a few weeks at a time, I don’t fully experience the daily struggles. If I were to move back permanently, I’d have to adjust to a completely different reality—one that might not align with my nostalgic memories.
Similarly, when moving to a new country, you may only see the highlight reel. But what happens when reality sets in? The lack of infrastructure, slow internet, unreliable services—things you took for granted abroad may suddenly become frustrating luxuries.
Not everyone wants to relocate back home, but the reality is that many Africans, myself included, want to be able to return home and enjoy the rest of their days in the sun. That is the ideal scenario. So, for that to become a reality, planning should start early.
Final Thoughts: Is Leaving the UK the Right Choice?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some people will thrive by moving back home, while others will struggle. The key is to make a realistic, informed, and well-planned decision.
Ask yourself:
✔ Do I have a financial plan in place? ✔ Am I mentally and emotionally prepared for the transition? ✔ Have I done enough research on the place I’m moving to? ✔ Can I sustain myself in the long run? ✔ Have I considered healthcare, lifestyle changes, and social dynamics?
If you can confidently say yes to these questions, then your move is more likely to be a successful one. But if you’re unsure, take a step back and plan further. Because relocating isn’t just about leaving—it’s about setting yourself up for a better life, wherever that may be.
What are your thoughts? Are you considering relocating? Let’s discuss this in the comments section below!
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