"Don't let them see you standing still for a single minute": Cuban in Brazil shares tips to avoid problems at work

"Don't talk too much about your personal life," is one of them.

Cuban migrant in Brazil offers recommendations for adapting to the work environmentPhoto © TikTok / @albertohechavarri5

A Cuban in Brazil shared a video where he offers five essential tips for other migrants starting to work in the South American country. The author, identified on TikTok as @albertohechavarri5, warned about behaviors that could cause problems for those arriving without knowledge of the local work culture.

"Stay, it's very important", he says at the beginning of the video, where he warns against becoming too complacent in the workplace. He recommends avoiding discussions about personal life with colleagues, as "not everyone has good intentions." He also emphasizes the need to stay busy, even when the workload decreases: "even if it's just sweeping or cleaning," he cautions, to avoid giving the impression of being idle or lacking commitment.

Another sensitive point addressed is the use of medical certificates during the probation period. While acknowledging that health comes first, it states that requesting sick days could work against you with employers and become a reason for failing the trial. It also emphasizes the importance of strict punctuality—no delays of even two minutes—and the need to avoid conflicts with other employees, especially those who have been with the company longer. Its general advice is clear: maintain a low profile, don’t trust too easily, and show constant willingness.

This type of warning is not new in his profile. Last April, the same creator had issued a similar message, warning that anyone who emigrates to Brazil without being willing to make sacrifices or with unrealistic expectations “will regret it.” In that video, he stated that the country offers opportunities, but one must arrive with a mindset geared towards hard work.

Other Latin voices have also warned about the boundaries between personal and professional life. In January, a young man in the United States went viral after blocking his coworkers on social media, following questions about how he used his day off. And last November, the young BibeybiBaez reminded in a video that “at work, those people are not your friends”, emphasizing that sharing problems or weaknesses with colleagues can backfire.

As more Cubans share their work experiences abroad, a common idea keeps emerging: achieving success outside of Cuba is not solely dependent on effort, but also on understanding the dynamics of the environment, knowing when to stay silent, and who to communicate with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advice for Cuban Immigrants in Brazil

What are the main tips for Cubans emigrating to Brazil?

The main tips include maintaining a low profile at work, not trusting colleagues too much, and always staying busy to avoid giving the impression of disinterest. Additionally, it is recommended to be punctual and to avoid conflicts with other employees, especially those who have been with the company longer.

Why is it important to avoid discussing private life at work in Brazil?

It's important because sharing personal information can backfire, as not all coworkers have good intentions. Maintaining privacy helps to avoid potential conflicts and gossip in the workplace.

What attitude is recommended for Cubans seeking to work in Brazil?

It is recommended to adopt a hard-working attitude and constant readiness. It is essential not to become overconfident, to always stay busy, and to be punctual to successfully navigate the initial challenges set by employers.

What problems can arise if medical certificates are used during the probationary period in Brazil?

Using medical certificates during the probationary period may be viewed unfavorably by employers, which could impact the chance of passing the employment test. While health is important, it is advisable to avoid requesting sick days unless it is absolutely necessary.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.