A Cuban man residing in Miami has decided to make a permanent return to Cuba, as announced in a TikTok video last Saturday that has sparked discussion within the Cuban diaspora. The video has garnered over 272,700 views.
Ariel Rojas, known on the platform as @ariel.rojas0324, shared his experience of working in a drying salon starting at 3 a.m. and struggling to afford rent and care for his cat. He expressed his frustration, saying, "I bought three chainsaws and sent them to Cuba to support myself and some small businesses I have because I'm truly exhausted from the overwhelming stress here."
The physical toll of his exhaustion was a striking point in his narrative. "I came here with a full head of hair, and now I've lost it all. Living here is too stressful; honestly, I couldn't handle it," he stated in the video.
Although Ariel anticipates criticism for his decision, he defends it as a matter of mental health. He is aware of the challenges that await him in Cuba, yet remains resolved, saying, "It doesn't matter if there's a blackout... I'll feel good there, I'll feel free with my time, more comfortable, more relaxed, without having to pay for anything."
His plan for sustaining himself in Cuba is straightforward: making charcoal with the three chainsaws he has already sent over, working alongside his father.
In a follow-up video with less reach, Ariel clarified his stance without backtracking. He acknowledged that the United States "is a country full of opportunities" but emphasized that it doesn’t guarantee everyone's well-being: "Eighty bucks a day, brother, and with how things are today, that doesn’t even cover a week’s groceries."
Ariel's situation is not unique. In March, a Cuban woman announced her return to the island because she was "tired of paying bills," and in July, HG Texido sold all his furniture to return with his family, a decision that attracted over 119,000 views. Previously, in February, Migdi Pérez made the same choice after 12 years in the United States.
Since 2025, TikTok has frequently featured such stories, although those returning to Cuba face equally harsh realities: prolonged power outages, food and medicine shortages, and a collapsing economy.
Ariel concluded his initial video with a message to the Cuban diaspora: "Chase your dreams and don't worry about what others think. The only opinion that should matter is your own."
Exploring the Cuban Diaspora's Challenges and Decisions
Why did Ariel Rojas decide to return to Cuba?
Ariel decided to return to Cuba due to the overwhelming stress and high cost of living in Miami. He seeks a more relaxed lifestyle and mental health relief.
What are the economic challenges Ariel faced in the United States?
Ariel struggled to make ends meet, working early hours and still finding it difficult to pay rent and care for his pet, despite the opportunities in the U.S.
How does Ariel plan to support himself in Cuba?
Ariel plans to make charcoal using the three chainsaws he has sent to Cuba, working alongside his father.