E-Paper
Truck driver reveals the ‘reality of working in Europe as an Indian immigrant’
The Indian immigrant lifted the veil on working-class life in Europe, sparking a massive debate about the true cost of migration.
The dream of moving to Europe often comes with the illusion of easy money and a luxurious lifestyle, but the reality is vastly different. A Reddit user recently shared his gruelling experience working as a truck driver and warehouse worker, exposing the harsh physical and mental toll of immigrant life.
“Everyone back home thinks going abroad = easy money, better life. I used to think the same. Right now I’m in Europe. I’ve worked as a truck driver and now in a warehouse. Let me tell you the reality — it’s not easy at all,” the Reddit user wrote.
Also Read: ‘Work ends at 4:30 pm here’: Indian man compares Canada’s IT work culture with India’s long hours
The person added that his job requires constant physical work with no time for rest. “You can’t even sit for 2 minutes during work hours. It’s constant physical work. My back is already messed up. Every day feels like you’re just pushing your body to the limit.”
He continued, “In India, at least getting a job feels a bit more manageable. You have connections, some support systems, and familiarity. Here? Almost impossible. You’re on your own.”
Explaining his situation, the trucker claimed that what makes things even harder is that one has to learn a completely new language to survive. “It takes years, and until then, everything feels 10x harder.”
“I’m not saying don’t come abroad — but please don’t come with the illusion that it’s easy money or a dream life. There’s a heavy price you pay physically and mentally,” he shared.
How did social media react?
An individual wrote, “I am sorry, brother. Hope God makes it easy for you. I am also alone in another country, and the racism is getting to me even though I try to be strong. Contrary to what Indians back home think, the image of Indians outside is very poor and dehumanising.” Another commented, “You’re absolutely right. People underestimate how hard it is to adapt to a new country, especially when there are language barriers and physical work. It’s not the easy life many imagine.”
Also Read: Indian woman in Australia explains how things called ‘too desi’ in India become ‘premium’ abroad
A third expressed, “Moral of the story: if you don't make money in India, going to the west won't change that. Only go if you're skilled and can contribute in those professions.”
A fourth posted, “Depends on your job, actually. White-collar jobs pay much, much better than in India, and the work culture isn’t as toxic as it is in India. Skill and efficiency are appreciated and usually rewarded. Blue-collar jobs aren’t easy anyway, and they're physically demanding, whether in India or Europe. At least abroad, you get insurance and per-hour pay in USD/ GBP/ Euros, and considering INR’s crash, the conversion still gives you a good pay by Indian standards, especially if you are remitting that foreign currency back to family in India.”
(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.)
