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A Cuban resident in England has captured attention on social media by sharing, with authenticity and charm, the details of his life as a truck driver in foreign lands.
Her personal story, told in the first person and with a very unique style, reflects the long and difficult journey that many migrants face to rebuild their lives away from Cuba.
En un video reciente publicado en su cuenta @hgv_cuban.uk de Instagram, el joven explicó que nació en Sancti Spíritus y fue gimnasta hasta los 12 años.
Then, at 18, he joined the circus school in Havana, where he trained as an acrobat.
"After I graduated from circus school at 21, I got a job contract for Turkey, where I spent 6 months working in hotels," he shared.
Later, he moved to England for the first time, but his initial stay was brief.
"When I had about three months left before going to Cuba, I met my wife. I went to Cuba and then back to Turkey," he recounted.
In that second phase in Turkey, he managed to save enough money to pay for a fiancé visa and return to the United Kingdom with the intention of marrying.
Once settled in England, he spent six months without being able to work until he landed his first job at a recycling plant, separating materials like wood and plastic on a conveyor belt.
He then went on to work as a delivery assistant in a store, which led him to question why he couldn't be the driver himself.
It was then that he decided to save 3,500 pounds sterling to obtain his truck driving license.
La inversión le abrió nuevas puertas laborales y hoy no solo trabaja como camionero, sino que además se ha convertido en creador de contenido, compartiendo en redes sociales su día a día por las carreteras del Reino Unido.
Her story is yet another example of the multiple paths that Cubans in exile take, where perseverance and personal reinvention are key to starting over.
In a previous post dedicated to other Cuban truck drivers living in Miami, the young man explained why, despite earning 1,800 pounds a month, he manages to lead a fulfilling life without the comforts or excesses that many associate with the American dream.
Frequently asked questions about the migration of Cubans and life abroad
How did a Cuban become a truck driver in England?
The Cuban now truck driver in England began his migratory journey working at a recycling plant and as a delivery assistant. He saved £3,500 to obtain his truck driving license, which allowed him to access new job opportunities in the United Kingdom. His story reflects the perseverance and effort required to rebuild a life abroad.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating and working abroad?
Cuban emigrants face challenges such as adjusting to new cultures, learning languages, and in many cases, accepting jobs that do not correspond to their qualifications from Cuba. The Cuban in England, for example, had to work in several jobs before becoming a truck driver, while other migrants have had to change professions, such as a taxi driver who became a construction worker in Spain. Perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges.
How much can a Cuban truck driver earn in England?
A Cuban truck driver in England can earn around £2,500 a month. This salary allows him to live comfortably, although without excessive luxuries. However, this Cuban truck driver’s approach to life is more focused on tranquility and family life than on accumulating wealth, which has enabled him to lead a fulfilling and happy life.
What is the daily life of a Cuban truck driver like in the United Kingdom?
The daily life of a Cuban truck driver in the United Kingdom involves driving long distances, enjoying landscapes, and listening to music or podcasts. The freedom and tranquility that the job provides are some of the highlighted advantages. Despite challenges, such as complicated routes and weight restrictions on the roads, the truck driver claims to be "in love" with his job and the life he has built abroad.
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