Magdiel Camejo, a Cuban national, has gained viral attention on TikTok by sharing his journey as an immigrant in Spain. Swapping the driver's seat of a taxi for a safety harness on a construction site, Camejo's story has resonated widely on social media. Filming from a scaffolding in La Coruña, Galicia, he candidly shared his transition from a taxi driver in Cuba to working in construction, high above the ground.
"Back in Cuba, I loved being a taxi driver, but moving to Spain meant taking whatever work was available," he stated resolutely from several stories up. "Here, you have to take what you can get and work in ironworks, masonry, or whatever is available," he emphasized. Although he does not possess Spanish citizenship, only residency, Camejo notes that while the work is demanding, it provides a means to survive: "Here there's work. Hard work, but it doesn't kill you. You have to take whatever comes your way because you need to eat."
His message is clear for those contemplating emigration: be prepared to leave behind titles, pride, and preferences. In the comments, someone suggested he might return to taxi driving in Spain, to which he responded with optimism: "I'll make it happen someday." He also reflected on the risks of his current work: "I thought I couldn't do it, but necessity forced me to try... the fear of heights is only daunting at first. However, it requires a lot of respect."
Camejo's story has opened the floor for other Cuban migrants to share their experiences. A former speech therapist and logopedics specialist now cleans homes and babysits in Spain, claiming happiness. Another woman, a dentist for 15 years in Cuba, currently cleans hotels and cares for the elderly in the Iberian country, stating, "I'm happy every time I send euros to my family." A former airport worker on the Island now assembles scaffolding in Lugo, while a teacher and her husband, an ex-ATM manager, have reinvented themselves as a waitress and butcher, respectively.
Camejo emphasizes the importance of retaining dignity: "Sacrifice is always necessary, but it must be done honestly." He also acknowledges the challenges of migration: "When we arrive in unfamiliar places, without family or friends… only you can push forward, and the best way is to let go of pride." Despite the hardships, his message is one of perseverance: "Everything in life is a learning experience, you just have to let time pass and better things will come."
"It is a blessing that even if you don't have your dream job, even if you're not in the perfect place, at least you have a job that covers those pesky monthly expenses (...). It's simply true that here, one works to cover costs, and just having a job is a relief," he reflected. He concludes with faith in the future: "Of course, it's possible. You need to have a lot of faith and a strong desire to get ahead. You can try to achieve anything in life."
The video not only showcases a man working amidst steel beams but also encapsulates countless migrant stories in one voice: that of someone who left everything behind to start anew and, despite not having their dream job, feels proud of their efforts and continues to move forward.
Last year, in another video from a scaffold, he sent a message to those who think life outside Cuba is easy. "It's not just about arriving, boarding a plane, and immediately working in an office, at a counter, or as a taxi driver. You have to work hard here. Look where I am, 46 meters up, using sheer strength for a 1,200-euro salary, which mostly goes towards rent, electricity, water, and a bit of food," he explained.
"Here, people earn their living through hard work. Nobody makes a living by inventing things; everything that can be invented is already invented. If you come with dreams of leisure and shopping, that's not the reality," he stressed.
Insights into Cuban Migration Experiences
What challenges do Cuban migrants face when moving to Spain?
Cuban migrants often face the challenge of leaving behind their professional titles and adapting to new labor markets, which may involve physically demanding jobs. They must also navigate the emotional strain of being in a new country without family or friends.
How do Cuban immigrants in Spain manage to survive financially?
Many Cuban immigrants take on hard labor jobs, such as construction, cleaning, or caregiving, which allow them to meet their basic financial needs. Despite not working in their field of expertise, they find relief in having a stable job that covers living expenses.
Why do Cuban migrants choose to work in physically demanding jobs in Spain?
Cuban migrants often accept physically demanding jobs in Spain due to the lack of options available to non-citizens and the immediate need to earn an income. These jobs, while tough, provide a way to make a living and send money back to their families in Cuba.