Moving abroad is often associated with better salaries, new opportunities and an improved standard of living. But behind the pictures of travel, higher earnings and life in another country are sacrifices that often remain unseen. An Indian woman living in Canada has highlighted this less-discussed side of life overseas, speaking about missing family milestones, festivals and even the comfort of having someone around when you fall sick.
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In a video shared on Instagram, Kanupria spoke about the emotional and everyday realities that come with building a life away from home.
‘Count all these sacrifices too’
"The life of people living abroad is very good, and we earn heaps of money. But do you know what sacrifices we make? When we go home after two or three years, we realise, 'Oh, mom and dad have grown a bit older.' We attend all family functions over video calls. And being sick? What even is that? Whatever happens, you have to do all your own chores yourself; no one even comes to ask if you'd like some tea. You have to take medicines yourself, cook your own food, and sometimes even go to work. When you all are enjoying festivals, we are at work. So, when you count our dollars, count all these sacrifices too, won't you?" she said in the clip.
The text overlaid on the video summed up the message: "Everybody sees the dollars, nobody sees the sacrifices".
{{/usCountry}}The text overlaid on the video summed up the message: "Everybody sees the dollars, nobody sees the sacrifices".
{{/usCountry}}Kanupria shared the clip with the caption, "The side of living abroad nobody counts".
Watch the clip here:
Social media users relate
The video prompted reactions from people who said the message reflected a reality that is often overshadowed by conversations around salaries and opportunities overseas.
One user wrote, "Living abroad is not always glamorous." Another said, "Missing family is the hardest part." A third person simply agreed with the sentiment, writing, "This is so true", while another commented, "Festivals away from home hit differently."
The clip resonated with social media users, particularly those familiar with living away from their families, with many agreeing that life abroad often comes with emotional sacrifices that are rarely visible from the outside.
HT.com has reached out to the user for her comments, and the copy will be updated once her response is received.
(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.)