UBA Banker Who Quit and Relocated to Italy to Start Afresh as Dishwasher Shares Why She Did So
- After working in the banking sector for four years, a former United Bank for Africa (UBA) banker left the industry and relocated to Italy, where she now earns a living as a dishwasher
- In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the ex-UBA banker opened up about why she swapped the banking hall for dishwashing abroad despite earning comfortably
- While noting that some people might see dishwashing as a lesser occupation when compared to banking, she shared something unique about her job
A TikTok user, with the name @freshstartdiaries, caught many people's attention sometime in August after disclosing that she was formerly a banker at UBA but left the job to start afresh in Italy as a dishwasher.
She made a video about it and posted it on TikTok. It gained huge traction and left internet users with many questions.
Source: TikTok
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the former banker answered the many questions internet users had after coming across her viral TikTok video.
Earnings comparison between banker, dishwasher
The lady, whose real name is Enogiem Wenesther, who hails from Edo state, told Legit.ng that she studied accounting in school and worked in the banking sector for four years as a customer service officer and cashier.
When asked how much she earned as a UBA banker before she quit and her current earnings as a dishwasher, she replied:
"In Nigeria, I earned a comfortable salary in the bank. Here in Italy, my work as a dishwasher is very different financially, but the quality of life, peace of mind, and growth opportunities make it worth it. For me, it’s not about the money — it’s about living freely and building a life I love."
Why she left UBA to become dishwasher
One prominent question on the lips of many was why she left the banking hall to start afresh as a dishwasher in Italy.
Shedding light on her decision, the lady attributed it to her desire for a life with more freedom, personal growth and the chance to explore opportunities overseas.
She also shared how her dad influenced her desire to relocate.
She told Legit.ng:
"Even though I had a stable career, I realised I wanted a life with more freedom, personal growth, and the chance to explore opportunities abroad. Leaving a good job was hard, but I knew starting fresh in Italy was the path to a better future.
"Most importantly, another reason I left Nigeria was for my dad. Growing up, he always told me that once I finished school in Nigeria, he would fly me abroad—it was his dream for me. Sadly, he passed away 15 years ago before he could fulfil that promise.
"So everything I’m doing today isn’t just for myself, but also to honour him and keep his dream alive. I know he would be so proud of me now."
She also spoke on the sentiment of dishwashing being seen as less when compared to bank work.
"Some might think dishwashing is lesser than banking, but dignity comes from giving your best in whatever you do. My daily life is simpler, and I feel grounded and free. I’ve learned humility, patience, and self-reliance—things money can’t buy."
Source: TikTok
Does she miss life in Nigeria?
Legit.ng asked Wenesther if she sometimes regrets leaving behind her career in Nigeria for a fresh start in Italy, and the lady stated that she has no regrets.
"Do I miss my old life? Sometimes. But I feel more fulfilled here because I’m living on my own terms, learning new lessons, and appreciating small joys daily. I have no regrets—only lessons and gratitude for this fresh start."
Banker deceived after selling properties to relocate
Legit.ng previously reported that a banker got played by an agent after selling her properties to relocate overseas.
The lady said she was working as a banker, but she decided it was time for her to also hustle abroad. According to her, after resigning from her banking job, she went ahead to sell her properties.
She also emptied her savings and handed the money to an agent who was helping her get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to enable her to work in the UK. The lady said that upon arriving in the UK, she quickly realised that the job the agent got for her was a cleaning job.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
