The Cuban Magdiel Camejo has gone viral on TikTok after sharing his experience as a migrant in Spain, where he exchanged the steering wheel of a taxi for the safety harness high above in a construction site.
From a scaffold in La Coruña, Galicia, he recorded a video that has resonated on social media.
"In Cuba, I was a taxi driver, and I loved being a taxi driver, but when I came here to Spain, I had to take what was available," he explained in a firm voice, from several floors up.
"We have to take whatever comes and work in metals, masonry, and anything else," he emphasized.
Camejo, who does not have Spanish citizenship but only residency, emphasizes that the work is tough but allows him to get by: "There is work here. Hard work, but it doesn't kill. You have to take whatever comes, because you need to eat."
Their message is clear to those considering emigration: they must be ready to leave behind titles, pride, and preferences.
In the comments, someone suggested to him that he could become a taxi driver again in Spain, to which he responded with hope: "I will achieve it someday."
He also reflected on the danger of his current work: "I thought I couldn't, and necessity forced me to try... heights are just fear at the beginning. That said, a lot of respect."
Magdiel's testimony opened a space for other Cuban migrants to share similar stories. A former defectologist and speech therapist now cleans houses and takes care of children in Spain, and she claims to be happy.
Another woman, a dentist for 15 years in Cuba, now cleans hotels and cares for the elderly in the Iberian country. "I’m happy every time I send euros to my family," she said.
A former airport worker on the Island now works as a scaffolder in Lugo, while a teacher and her husband, a former ATM manager, have reinvented themselves as a waitress and butcher, respectively.
Camejo emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity: "There should always be a sacrifice, but it must be done honorably."
It also acknowledges the hardships of emigration: "When we arrive in these unfamiliar places, without family, without friends... only you can move forward, and the best way is to leave pride behind."
Despite the difficulties, his message is one of perseverance: "Everything in life is a school; you just have to let time pass, and then better things will come."
"It is a blessing that even if you don't have the job of your dreams, even if you're not in the right place, at least you have a job that monthly covers those uncomfortable expenses (...). It is the plain truth that here, a person works to cover expenses, and just having any job is a relief," he reflected.
And it concludes with faith in the future: "Of course it can be done, you just need to have a lot of faith and a strong desire to move forward. Everything in this life can be attempted."
The video not only depicts a man working among metals; it encapsulates thousands of migrant stories in a single voice: that of someone who left everything behind to start anew and, even without the job of their dreams, feels proud of what they do and continues to push forward.
Last year, in another video, also from a scaffold, he sent a message to those who think that life outside of Cuba is easy.
"Here, it's not just about arriving, getting on a plane, and starting to work in an office, at a counter, or as a taxi driver. It's tough work. Look where I am, 46 meters up, using my hands for a salary of 1200 euros, which practically goes to rent, electricity, water, and a little bit of food," he said.
"Here, people earn a living by working. No one makes a living by inventing; everything is already invented. If you come with the hope of strolling around and buying clothes, that's not how it is," he stressed.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of Cuban immigrants in Spain
What is working life like for Cubans who emigrate to Spain?
Working life for Cubans in Spain is often challenging, as many have to take jobs in sectors such as construction or domestic services, which do not correspond to their professional qualifications. This is primarily due to the lack of recognition of degrees and the need to quickly adapt to the job market to meet their basic needs.
What motivates Cubans to emigrate to Spain?
Cubans emigrate to Spain in search of better economic opportunities and a more stable life. The possibility of working and sending remittances to their families is a strong motivator, despite the hard jobs and high cost of living in the country. Many see emigration as an opportunity to start over and improve their quality of life.
What emotional challenges do Cuban emigrants face in Spain?
Nostalgia and loneliness are common emotional challenges for Cuban emigrants in Spain. They often miss their families and the customs of their homeland, which adds to the difficulties of adapting to a new cultural and social environment. Despite these challenges, many find motivation in the possibility of providing a better future for their relatives in Cuba.
How can Cubans prepare to emigrate to Spain?
It is advisable for Cubans planning to emigrate to Spain to prepare adequately, ensuring they have a stable legal status and solid financial planning. Additionally, they should be willing to adapt to challenging jobs and have realistic expectations about the cost of living. Establishing a support network and being open to learning about the local culture and language is also crucial for successful integration.
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