Close Reading

And they say Channel 5 is better. 😂

My family moved 22 years ago from Mumbai to Toronto…while the struggles said on your channel are real, there are also perks which I feel like you didn’t get to experience. If people have good jobs, stable family life then DON’T move…culture shock is huge that people moving from India don’t consider, just by wearing and eating western food doesn’t make you western! \nThere are sacrifices to be expected which you don’t realized as your great grandparents or grandparents might have made when they started out! \nMoving to another country is never easy, unless you’re loaded with $$$. People in India are lazy as they have people working for them and don’t realize how difficult it is living outside of that lifestyle (not everyone in India can afford housekeepers, cleaners). Being independent and doing things on your own has its own positive (just need to figure it out). \n\nI have worked in healthcare for 16 years and let me tell you…social system works better as everyone gets the health service without being judged about $$. Healthcare is based on priority around the world but people don’t understand this as they feel like their problem should be attended first no matter what! \nNot all drugs are legal in Canada, marijuana is legal though with acceptable limits…you probably were misinformed about drugs! Teach your kids about right /wrong when it comes to drugs, smoking, alcohol and that’s the best you can do! I know people who live in India and do all that which you mentioned you were worried about for your kids. \n\nWhat you experienced was a classic case of culture shock and your expectations didn’t match the reality! Moving away from family, changing lifestyle and being responsible adult (doing things on your own rather than relying on workers) is difficult but doesn’t make the country bad that have you an opportunity to settle! Don’t take things for granted even while you live in India…appreciate the effort that goes into everything- keeping roads clean, people working hard, etc. \n\nBest advice I can give to those considering moving to any foreign country is: Keep an open mind, be ready to work hard and visit the country you want to move to before you make the grave decision of uprooting everything! Things usually turn around and get better after 5 years mark- focus on upgrading your education if you have a basic degree from India (even you know how competitive things are in India, so how can western world not be!)\n\nBeing vegetarian- things are tough when it comes to food but living in Toronto has never been an issue. Even people living in India avoid outside food due to hygiene reason which is not a problem in Canada as food inspection is pretty strict (having worked with ministry of health). \nCities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc has variety of food options (including veg)…just have to be really open to trying other cultural food (Asian, Mediterranean, Italian,Mexican, etc). My parents are strict vegetarians and have never truly struggled when they are out. \n\nCost of living is definitely higher as the standard living is higher compared to India. Education (until grade 12) and healthcare are free (in reality, you pay tax for it), you get pension when you retire (based on your contributions and type of jobs you had)…you failed to navigate the system and I will say having family around is why you didn’t take opportunity to explore and learn on your own. \n\nPlease don’t come to Canada and make life difficult for other Indians who choose to willingly accept the culture and lifestyle here after going through this hardship- cost of living and housing has gone up dramatically in major cities because of immigration influx! If you’re serious about moving and putting up, only then move! Otherwise all the best for your future endeavours!