Cubans in Brazil Urge Hard Work Over Partying

A Cuban living in Brazil has gained viral attention with a TikTok video where he urges prospective immigrants to the South American nation to be prepared for hard work. Under the username @yondy.cubanito, this migrant shared a compelling message emphasizing that life abroad demands discipline and effort, not leisure.

"Folks, if you're someone who loves partying every weekend and socializing daily with friends, it's better not to come to Brazil," he states at the beginning of the video.

Currently residing in Curitiba, the Cuban expatriate pointed out that many newcomers arrive with unrealistic expectations about work and lifestyle. He warned, "In Brazil, you can't waste time because you'll be let go." He contrasted this with his experience in Cuba, where, "You work eight hours, but spend time at the corner store or on your phone. Here, time is money, and you really work for your earnings."

The Reality of Life Abroad

He further stressed that emigrating requires dedication and commitment: "If you come with a party mindset, don't bother coming. Here, it's all about hard work." He highlighted the differences in living conditions, noting, "Here, you can eat well, buy clothes, and shop, but you have to work hard for every cent."

The video, captioned "Advice for Cubans in Cuba considering moving to Brazil," sparked thousands of interactions on TikTok. Many users agreed with his perspective, stating that "in no country do you live without working" and that "only in Cuba do people live off stories." Others shared similar experiences from the United States, Mexico, or Spain, emphasizing that intense work is a norm in capitalist countries.

Voices of Experience

Responding to comments, @yondy.cubanito clarified his intention to guide those planning to emigrate. "We arrive exhausted from work, but we're free and have good living conditions," he wrote. Some disagreed, citing Brazil's economic challenges and low wages, but acknowledged that life outside Cuba involves "working and paying bills."

The topic of Cuban migrants in Brazil has been widely discussed on social media, with many sharing their experiences across various cities. One Cuban warned in a video, "If your mindset is to complain about everything, don't come." Another noted that "you can make it here, it might take longer for some, but it's possible," as shared by a migrant in April.

In another account, a young man working in a supermarket noted, "Those of us working in malls, stores, and supermarkets literally have no days off," but clarified that "work through rain or shine, because my bills won't pay themselves," as reported by a Cuban in Curitiba in June.

Practical Advice and Resilience

Others offer practical advice for adapting to the work environment. A migrant advised, "Don't let them see you standing idle for a minute," and suggested "not to discuss personal life much," summarizing the work discipline required in Brazil.

These stories of perseverance have inspired others. Cuban @alicia.laporte6 moved many by showing how she’s building her house "brick by brick, with my own hands," stating, "I didn't come to complain, I came to grow," as she shared on social media.

Some compare their lives in Brazil to other migration destinations. In Santa Catarina, a Cuban stated, "The south of Brazil is much better than Miami," arguing that "with a single job, you can live well," according to another recent testimony.

Another migrant summarized his experience by saying, "Brazil is not the United States or Europe, but it's a country full of opportunities," a sentiment echoed by many Cubans who have made it their new home.

The video by @yondy.cubanito joins a wave of messages from Cuban migrants who, from various perspectives, agree on one point: life outside Cuba isn't easy, but the effort is rewarding.