After nearly a decade living in Canada, digital creator Sneha Khilwani and her husband have shared their insights on the stark differences in work culture they experienced upon moving back to India. Their comparison highlights a shift from a professional environment that allowed for more personal control to one marked by longer hours and constant connectivity.
Work-Life in Canada: Structure and Control
The couple recounted their work experience in Canada as typically involving 9-to-5 full-time jobs. While they admitted that balancing work, household responsibilities, and childcare was not always easy and often involved late nights, they emphasized a crucial distinction:
“We were actually working late nights to finish the pending work but for some reason our work-life and our family time was in our control in Canada and we used to manage to get family time together.”
This control over their schedule, even amidst demanding periods, allowed them to integrate family time effectively into their lives.
The Shift to India: Longer Days and Constant Connectivity
Upon returning to India, the couple encountered a different reality. Sneha’s husband described his typical workday as stretching for nearly 12 hours, including commuting. He leaves home at 8:15 AM and returns between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Sneha, though not yet working full-time, observed the significant contrast in workplace expectations through her husband’s experience.
The most prominent difference, according to the couple, is the pervasive expectation of constant availability and responsiveness in the Indian professional landscape. “You are always expected to be available, responsive, constantly connected,” they noted, acknowledging that this can vary by industry but reflecting their personal experience.
Setting Realistic Expectations
The couple advised others considering a similar move to set realistic expectations for the transition. Despite the challenges in adapting to the demanding work culture, they expressed no regrets about their decision to return to India. They cherish the memories, friendships, and growth Canada offered, while India provides a profound sense of family and belonging.
Why Retain Canadian Citizenship?
In another social media post, Sneha explained their decision to retain Canadian citizenship, clarifying that it wasn't due to uncertainty about India or a belief that Canada was inherently “better.” Instead, it was a practical choice, especially as parents, to keep future options open for their children. She articulated that while Canada gave them years of life experiences and their children, India fulfilled a deep emotional need for “family, belonging, and home.”