A Nigerian lawyer has gone viral after revealing that she now works as a care assistant in the United Kingdom, sharing details of her hourly wage and sparking widespread debate online.
The young woman, known as @gee87849 on TikTok, posted a video that has since gained massive traction across social media, where she disclosed that she earns ₦25,000 per hour as a care worker in the UK.
Her viral revelation
In the now-trending video, the Nigerian lawyer appeared to address critics who questioned her decision to take up a care job despite her legal background. Using a popular TikTok sound, she humorously defended her choice, saying that people should refrain from judging until they experience the same situation.
She wrote in her post: “Make I no take care of person wey dey pay me ₦25k hourly? Because I be lawyer? You dey whyne? If e reach your turn, no do.”
The clip shows her wearing her care uniform and lip-syncing to the viral sound, confidently embracing her job abroad while showing pride in earning a decent income despite switching professions.
Mixed reactions trail her post
The video attracted thousands of reactions from Nigerians at home and abroad. While some praised her for prioritizing financial stability over societal expectations, others criticized her for “abandoning” her legal career after years of study.
A user commented: “Work is work. If you’re earning that much per hour, you’re doing great.” Another added: “Nigeria pushes people to do what they must. Nothing shameful about honest work.”
However, some critics questioned why a trained lawyer would end up as a care assistant, suggesting it reflected the challenges Nigerian professionals face in practicing their fields abroad.
Nigerian lawyers abroad share similar experiences
Her story mirrors the growing trend of Nigerian lawyers and other professionals taking on care roles in the UK and Europe due to immigration regulations, requalification costs, and better pay in the healthcare sector.
For instance, Caleb Adebayo, a Nigerian lawyer based in New York and practicing with Allen & Overy, once discussed how demanding it was to transition into U.S. law practice. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University, passed the New York Bar exam, and shared his journey online to inspire others.
Similarly, Abdulrasheed Ijaodola, another Nigerian lawyer in the U.S., explained in a social media post that lawyers from certain jurisdictions could be eligible to practice in New York or California under specific conditions without sitting for local Bar exams.
Her confidence inspires others
Despite criticism, @gee87849 appears unbothered. She has continued to post positive updates about her job, reminding others that “hard work is dignity” and that success should not be defined solely by one’s title or profession.
Many Nigerians in the diaspora have since used her video as motivation, encouraging professionals to stay open-minded while pursuing stability abroad.
Watch her viral TikTok video below…..
@gee87849
If e reach your turn no do 😂😂😂😂 #nigeriainuk🇬🇧 #creatorsearch #fyp #blowthisupforme #trending
♬ original sound – Kal me ify