Wanting to settle abroad is not a new phenomenon; it has been happening for many decades. Europe, USA, Australia, and Canada are the major attractions in general. But why do so many people want to settle abroad? What are the benefits? Nowadays, there are plenty of opportunities and growth potential in our own country, so why choose to settle abroad? How would it differ from living in our home country?

I can understand people leaving the country before or immediately after independence to pursue better opportunities in countries like Britain and America. But why now? After British rule ended, many people followed them for a better life with greater opportunities and facilities compared to the struggling newly independent India. Over time, have people’s perspectives changed? Do they still want to settle abroad for better opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle, or have other factors been added to the list?

As a Life Coach and Business Mentor, I have noticed that people want to settle abroad for various reasons. While some are motivated by the prospect of a better lifestyle, others are seeking more opportunities to grow their careers and establish themselves in a new country. Among this people there are other categories who want to prove their true worth to others, and many youngsters who wants to avoid interference from elders, so they want to go far away to enjoy their personal space & freedom. However, most of the time, they are unaware that with freedom comes bigger responsibility. So, it’s important to note that settling abroad is not an easy decision, and it requires careful consideration of the pros and cons involved.

Our education system continued in English even after British rule, so we are well-connected with countries like Britain, America, and now many are also learning French and Spanish to meet current communication requirements. Learning new languages and investing a significant amount of money, equivalent to 20-30 Lakhs (2-3 million rupees), for immigration and settlement shows people’s determination. It’s truly remarkable.

Obtaining citizenship in the USA is extremely difficult and often seems unattainable. Therefore, Canada becomes the next best option for many. Perhaps what fascinates youngsters about settling in Canada is its work culture, with fixed working hours of around 30 to 40 hours per week. Overtime is compensated, and personal time is respected after working hours. Canada is also the second-largest country in the world geographically, with a population of approximately 40 million, yet it ranks ninth in terms of its economy.

In our country, although there are fixed working hours on paper, the reality is often longer working hours and work on holidays, resulting in limited personal and family time. Many people slog all the time but still receive inadequate compensation. Therefore, it is natural to seek better options elsewhere. However, it’s important to note that this scenario is not the same everywhere. Some corporate companies do offer a five-day workweek and fixed working hours. Although emergencies may require additional work, incentives are provided once targets are achieved. In a developing country like ours, it is not feasible to have a universal five-day workweek or fixed timings for all organizations since working more benefits the company, the country, and individual growth.

Unlike our country, the USA has faced recessions approximately 12 to 14 times in the past 100 years. However, we have not experienced a recession yet, and even during the global pandemic, our economy continued to grow, surpassing Britain and becoming the world’s fifth-fastest-growing economy. The struggle to survive has taught us valuable lessons and provided firsthand experience, which contributes to continuous growth. Our culture and saving habits have also played a significant role. Instead of being self-centered, we create growth opportunities for everyone involved.

Regardless of the country you belong to, focusing solely on yourself and neglecting the company you work for is self-sabotage and detrimental to both the employer and the nation. Our values prevent us from wasting excess food, and we strive to finish it, even if it means overeating. The hire and fire policy is common in the Western world, and although it has become prevalent in our country too, our value system discourages a use-and-throw mentality.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard, the job market is set to undergo significant changes worldwide in the coming years. While you may enjoy fixed working hours in countries like America or Canada, job security may become a challenge. We will not be an exception to these changes. There are certain criteria, such as age, education, experience, and language proficiency, for immigration to foreign countries. Additionally, a substantial amount of money is required to establish oneself in a new country. However, similar requirements exist when establishing a business or securing a job in our current country.

Settling in a new place is not a cakewalk, and it is crucial to consider the risks and possible setbacks involved. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before investing a significant sum and putting your life at stake. Without proper calculations, people can end up going broke, compromising the dream of a lucrative work culture and struggling to survive with limited resources in an unfamiliar land. Once you have landed in an unknown country, there is often no way to return to your place of origin.

Moreover, as an immigrant, you will always be perceived as an outsider in the country you have migrated to, unless you possess a special talent or skill that is in high demand at that particular moment. This sense of being an outsider is further reinforced by the high costs of residential apartments and hiring services like maids or plumbers, which can disrupt your monthly budget. Consequently, many individuals end up doing everything themselves. Despite fixed working hours, you may find yourself alone and lonely, unlike the locals who have a similar lifestyle. Adjusting to a foreign culture and attempting to assimilate can be a challenging and self-centered endeavor.

The work culture and opportunities available abroad, compared to our own country, may seem attractive, but it is essential to question whether this perception is based on truth or mere illusion. The astonishing growth of our own country and the opportunities it offers have led many individuals to return and contribute to its continuous development. Additionally, medical expenses are significantly lower still better in quality compared to abroad, and you are surrounded by your loved ones in your home country. This familiarity makes it easier to establish a stable life, whether through employment or starting a business.

Certainly, challenges like feeling lonely, vulnerable, or cheated may still arise, but being familiar with the surroundings and the way things work allows for a quicker recovery and the support of someone who will stand by your side in any situation. Regardless of the country you live in, adopting a growth mindset is essential. It enables you to create miracles and thrive in an unknown place or a new country without relying solely on others’ support.

I have witnessed many people who are unable to return to perform the last rites of their parents or miss out on celebrating festivals with their immediate family or friends, which hold great significance in their hearts. The cost of traveling back to their home country is often prohibitively high, and many individuals cannot afford it. In light of these circumstances, one must question whether they have truly fulfilled the purpose of pursuing wealth and settling abroad. Despite making numerous sacrifices, if they continue to cite financial constraints as the reason for their absence, it raises the question of what they have truly achieved by settling abroad.

However, as a Life Coach and Business Mentor, I believe that it’s important to remember that returning to your home country can also come with its own set of challenges. While you may have loving people around and a sense of familiarity, there can still be obstacles to overcome. Sometimes, returning to your origin country after living abroad for a significant period of time can make you feel like an outsider in your own homeland. The society may have changed, and you may need to readjust to the cultural shifts that have occurred during your absence.
Regardless of the country you live in, adopting a growth mindset is essential. It enables you to create miracles and thrive in an unknown place or a new country without relying solely on others’ support.

Before deciding to move abroad, it is crucial to ask yourself about the purpose of such a move and whether the same opportunities and benefits are available in your home country. Sometimes, we are attracted to the notion that the grass is greener on the other side, but in reality, the grass is greener where you nurture and cultivate it properly.

Therefore, instead of being self-centered, focus on cultivating a life that benefits everyone. Having a growth mindset is key to achieving this.

Lastly, consider how you will spend the time available after work and on weekends. This is a new challenge you will face, so make the most of it and enjoy your time wisely.

Blog by ‘Life Coach and Business Mentor’ Shailesh Tandel

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