13/01/2026
The Silent Burnout Crisis Many Diasporans Abroad Are Afraid to Talk About 🇰🇪🌍
Kenyan in the diaspora Peter Njenga, based in the 🇺🇸United States, has shared a powerful reflection on the quiet burnout many diasporans face while living and working abroad even when life appears stable on the surface.
In his post, Njenga explains that burnout rarely arrives dramatically. Instead, it slowly creeps in through constant anxiety, emotional withdrawal, and a deep dread of the workweek. From nurses and teachers to other skilled professionals, many diasporans push themselves beyond healthy limits in work environments that are often transactional and tilted in favour of employers.
“Burnout rarely announces itself loudly,” Njenga writes, noting how simple things like a work message can trigger stress. While changing roles may offer temporary relief, it does not always resolve the deeper dissatisfaction many feel.
He adds that for some diasporans, the idea of returning home is no longer about failure, but about freedom, renewal, and the chance to build something meaningful. Yet financial obligations, healthcare tied to employment, and isolating workplace cultures abroad often make leaving difficult.
As more Kenyans in the diaspora quietly reassess their choices, voices like Njenga’s are helping open honest conversations around mental health, work culture, and redefining what success truly means.
💬 Does this reflect your experience or that of someone you know? Let’s talk.
