A couple who returned to India after spending nearly a decade in Canada has ignited an online discussion about workplace culture, saying that although they often worked late nights overseas, they enjoyed far greater control over their personal lives than they do now.
Digital creator Sneha Khilwani and her husband recently shared their experience on social media, comparing corporate life in Canada with their current routine in India. Their candid observations have resonated with many professionals navigating demanding work schedules.
From Structured 9-to-5 Jobs to 12-Hour Days
Reflecting on their life in Canada, Sneha said both she and her husband held full-time jobs while raising children and managing household responsibilities together.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked from the office, and later shifted to remote work. Despite juggling office work, cooking, household chores and childcare, they felt their family time remained largely under their control.
"We were actually working late nights to finish pending work, but our work-life and family time were still in our control. We somehow managed to spend quality time together," Sneha explained.
However, after relocating to India, the routine changed significantly.
Her husband revealed that his typical workday now begins around 8:15 am and ends only after returning home between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
"That's nearly 12 hours, including commuting," he said, highlighting how travel time has become a major contributor to longer workdays.
Constant Availability Adds to the Pressure
According to the couple, one of the biggest cultural differences lies in workplace expectations.
They said Indian corporate environments often expect employees to remain constantly available, responsive and connected even beyond conventional office hours.
Sneha clarified that she is not yet working full-time, but observing her husband's schedule has given her insight into the realities of many Indian workplaces.
While acknowledging that workplace culture varies across industries and organisations, they said the expectation of being "always available" appears to be far more common than what they experienced in Canada.
The couple advised professionals planning to return to India from abroad to set realistic expectations about work-life balance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
No Regrets About Returning Home
Despite acknowledging the challenges of longer working hours and demanding corporate expectations, the couple stressed that they do not regret moving back.
They described Canada as a country that gave them nearly ten years of cherished memories, valuable friendships, professional growth and a stable life.
At the same time, they said returning to India fulfilled something equally important—the opportunity to live closer to family and rediscover a sense of belonging.
Sneha also explained why they chose to retain their Canadian citizenship despite relocating permanently to India.
She said the decision was driven by practical considerations rather than uncertainty about their future in India, particularly keeping opportunities open for their children.
The Bigger Conversation
The couple's story has struck a chord because it reflects a broader conversation taking place among professionals across the world.
As companies increasingly focus on employee well-being and flexible work arrangements, work-life balance has become a key factor influencing career decisions. Their experience highlights that while career opportunities and economic considerations matter, quality family time, commuting, workplace expectations and personal fulfilment also shape how people evaluate life in different countries.
For many returning Indians, the transition is not simply about changing locations—it also means adapting to a workplace culture that can feel significantly different from the one they left behind.
Tags: Canada, India, Canada vs India, Work Culture, Work-Life Balance, Corporate Jobs, Indian Workplace, Returning to India, NRI, Career, Office Culture, Remote Work, Commute, Employee Wellbeing, Viral News
