“I Regretted Moving To America” — Teju Babyface Shares Honest Reflection on Life Abroad
By Emmanuel Daniji
Popular comedian and TV host, Teju Oyelakin, widely known as Teju Babyface, has opened up about the difficult realities he faced after relocating to the United States, admitting that he once deeply regretted the move.
Speaking in a recent episode on his YouTube channel, the entertainer said that contrary to popular belief, moving abroad does not guarantee an easier life. He described his experience as an eye-opener, marked by unexpected challenges and moments of self-doubt.
“We all tend to suffer from what I call the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ syndrome,” Teju said. “From where we stand, another place always looks better—greener, more promising. But we usually don’t see the challenges that come with it until we get there.”
Teju revealed that life in the U.S. was far tougher than he anticipated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he struggled to adjust and find stability.
“America has its own unique set of difficulties,” he said. “When you add COVID to that, it was brutal. For about three years, I was convinced I’d made the biggest mistake of my life—that I had shot myself in the foot.”
Despite the struggles, the comedian said the experience eventually taught him valuable lessons about patience, perspective, and personal growth.
He encouraged Nigerians considering relocation to think carefully before making such decisions, emphasizing that fulfillment often comes from adapting and thriving where one is planted rather than constantly chasing “greener pastures.”
“It’s normal to feel like you made a mistake at some point,” he added. “But growth often starts when you stop comparing and start cultivating what you have.”
