Perched on a scaffold 150 feet above the ground, Magdiel Camejo contemplates the journey of starting anew in a foreign land. Having emigrated from Cuba to Spain, Magdiel draws from his own experiences to deliver a candid message to those who believe that life abroad is easier.
"It's not as simple as arriving, hopping off a plane, and immediately finding work in an office or as a taxi driver. Life here requires hard work, my friends. Just look at me, 46 meters up, exerting myself with my hands for a salary of 1,200 euros, which mostly goes towards rent, utilities, and a bit of food," he explains in a TikTok video.
Grateful for the opportunity to support himself, Magdiel is firm in his decision to move, yet he highlights the sacrifices necessary to live in Spain. "Here, people earn a living through hard work. You can't expect to make a living by inventing something new; everything's already been invented. If you're coming here with dreams of shopping and leisure, that's not how it works," he says while handling heavy materials during his workday.
His words sparked discussions among fellow migrants. Some agreed with his account, with one commenting, "I'd rather struggle here in Spain than in Cuba," while others pointed out alternatives: "I wouldn't climb up there for that salary; there are other tough jobs that pay better."
Magdiel also shared his yearning for his family back in Cuba, whom he wishes were closer. Despite this, he is accustomed to facing challenges. "I'm used to working hard and earning my keep. But come here ready to work, because life here isn't a picnic," he candidly states.
From his lofty perch, Magdiel not only works but aims to raise awareness about the realities of migration. His message is straightforward: "If I don't do this, there won't be food on the table," he concludes, underscoring that any success abroad relies heavily on one's own efforts.
Understanding the Challenges of Emigrating from Cuba to Spain
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face in Spain?
Cuban emigrants in Spain often face challenges such as finding employment, adapting to a new culture, and managing financial resources to cover basic living expenses.
Why did Magdiel choose to work at such heights?
Magdiel works at great heights because it is a job opportunity available to him that allows him to earn a living, albeit with significant physical effort and challenges.
How does Magdiel view the notion of 'reinventing' oneself abroad?
Magdiel believes that in Spain, one must work hard to earn a living, as everything is already established, leaving little room for creating new niches or opportunities without effort.