An Indian man working in Belgium has sparked a discussion online after sharing why many Indians living abroad find it difficult to return home. According to him, the reason is not always cleaner air, better roads or civic sense, but the way work and personal time are treated in Europe.
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Alekh Shrivastava shared his thoughts in a video on Instagram, where he said that people often assume Indians do not want to return once they experience a better quality of life abroad. However, he argued that the comfort of life in India is often much higher in many ways.
‘The biggest reason is work life balance’
In the video, Shrivastava said, “I am currently working in Belgium, and I often hear from many people that once you get used to the clean air, clean water, better roads, and better civic sense here, no one wants to return to India. Honestly, that is not true at all. If you weren't born and brought up here, you’ve spent 25 to 30 years breathing that same air and drinking that same water. In India, you have Zomato, Blinkit, house help, the comfort level there is far better than it is here.”
He then explained what, in his view, makes the decision complicated for Indians abroad. “So, what is the real reason people can't return even if they want to? The biggest reason is the work life balance here. Here, 5 PM means work is over, and after that, you can live your real life. In India, 5 PM often gets the response, 'Brother, is it a half day today?' Taking a two to three week vacation here is quite normal; there's no drama. In India, even a three day leave feels like a loan application. On top of that, the manager asks, 'Who is your backup?' I think to myself, I am the backup!”
{{/usCountry}}He then explained what, in his view, makes the decision complicated for Indians abroad. “So, what is the real reason people can't return even if they want to? The biggest reason is the work life balance here. Here, 5 PM means work is over, and after that, you can live your real life. In India, 5 PM often gets the response, 'Brother, is it a half day today?' Taking a two to three week vacation here is quite normal; there's no drama. In India, even a three day leave feels like a loan application. On top of that, the manager asks, 'Who is your backup?' I think to myself, I am the backup!”
{{/usCountry}}Watch the clip here:
The clip was shared with a caption that read: “Living in Europe made me realise one thing…It’s not about clean air, fancy cities, or lifestyle upgrades. The real difference is how life is structured around time. 5 PM here feels like life begins. In India, 5 PM often feels like work is just shifting shape. Maybe that’s why the “should I go back or not” dilemma never really ends. Just an observation from Belgium.”
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Internet reacts to his observation
The video drew several reactions from social media users, with many agreeing that work culture plays a major role in the decision to stay abroad. One user wrote, “This is exactly what people don’t understand, it is not about luxury but about having time to live.” Another said, “Work life balance is the real lifestyle upgrade abroad.”
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One person wrote, “Comfort in India is unmatched, but time is the one thing people miss the most.” Another said, “European work culture makes you realise how important personal time actually is.” A user also shared, “This is why many people are confused about returning. Family is in India, but life feels more peaceful here.”
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)