For years, discussions around moving abroad have largely revolved around better infrastructure, cleaner cities, and improved quality of life. However, an Indian IT professional living in Canada believes that the biggest reason many people choose to stay overseas has little to do with air quality or food. Instead, he says the real difference lies in how workplaces value employees’ personal time.
His observations, shared in a now-viral Instagram video, have sparked conversations among professionals, especially those who have experienced demanding work schedules. From fixed office hours to a healthier approach towards taking leave, his comparison between Canadian and Indian workplaces has resonated with thousands of social media users.
An Indian IT Professional Shares His Experience
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The discussion began after Rohit Gupta, an Indian IT professional who has been living in Halifax, Canada, for the past seven years, shared his thoughts on Instagram. According to Gupta, many people assume that Indians settle abroad because of cleaner surroundings or better civic amenities. However, he believes those factors are not the primary reason. He said,
“I’ve been in Halifax, Canada for the past 7 years, and currently working here as an IT professional. I’ve often heard from many people that Canada’s water is good, food is good, air is good, civic sense is good, and that’s why people don’t want to go back to India. But bro, there’s nothing like that.”
Gupta explained that anyone who has spent the first two decades of their life in India is unlikely to remain abroad simply because of differences in air, food, or water. According to him, the deciding factor is workplace culture.
‘The Main Reason Is The Work-Life Balance’
Expanding on his point, Gupta highlighted what he believes is Canada’s biggest advantage. He said,
“If you’re not born and brought up here, and you’ve spent 20-25 years drawing on that same air and water—bro, the main reason is the work-life balance here.”
According to him, Canadian workplaces generally respect employees’ personal lives and do not encourage a culture of staying back unnecessarily after office hours. He believes this approach creates a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
‘If Your Office Ends At 5 PM, It Ends At 5 PM’
One of the examples Gupta shared focused on fixed working hours. He explained that employees are not expected to remain in the office simply to appear hardworking or impress senior management. Sharing his experience, Gupta said,
“I mean, if your office ends at 5 pm, it means it ends at 5 pm. You don’t have to sit until 5:30 or 6 pm to work or impress someone. Even if you do, your manager will be happy—there’s nothing like that; at 5 pm your manager will leave before you.”
His remarks struck a chord with many professionals who have experienced longer working hours or an unspoken expectation to remain in the office beyond official timings. For Gupta, respecting the workday’s end is one of the strongest indicators of a healthy workplace culture.
Taking Leave Without Feeling Guilty
Another major difference Gupta pointed out was how employees take leave. According to him, some professionals in India often face pressure before even applying for a short vacation. He claimed,
“In India, people are busy impressing managers, working until 8-9 PM, and secondly, taking leaves. I’ve heard that in my office, the Indian team… meaning if they take 2-3 days of leave, their manager goes crazy, saying ‘put your replacement, hand over KT, how will work happen for 2-3 days?’ and so on.”
Gupta contrasted this with his experience in Canada, where he says employees can openly discuss their need for a break without fearing negative consequences.
Managers Appreciate Honesty, He Claims
According to Gupta, Canadian employers tend to encourage transparent communication when employees feel exhausted or need personal time. He said workers are comfortable discussing homesickness, travel plans, or mental fatigue with their managers. He explained,
“Here, bro, you can easily take 15-20 days of leave. You just have to tell them you’re feeling homesick, you need to go to India, you need to go travel, you’re mentally drained, and you’ll get such a leave. Your manager will even appreciate that you spoke the truth and took a leave.”
He believes that this openness helps employees maintain both their mental health and long-term productivity.
Social Media Users Relate To His Views
The video soon attracted numerous responses from viewers who found Gupta’s observations relatable. Many users agreed that work-life balance remains one of the biggest reasons professionals choose to build careers abroad. The responses suggest that the discussion touched upon concerns shared by many working professionals.
The Debate Around Workplace Culture
Gupta’s video has reignited an ongoing debate about workplace expectations and employee well-being. Across the world, organisations are increasingly recognising that productivity is not measured only by the number of hours employees spend at their desks. Many companies now place greater emphasis on flexible schedules, mental health, and respecting personal time. At the same time, workplace experiences differ significantly depending on the organisation, industry, and management style. While Gupta’s observations reflect his own experience, they have encouraged many professionals to reflect on what they value most in their careers.
Conclusion
Rohit Gupta’s viral Instagram video has resonated with thousands of professionals by highlighting a topic that extends beyond salaries or infrastructure. According to him, the biggest advantage of working in Canada is a culture that respects employees’ time, encourages honest conversations, and allows people to disconnect from work without guilt.
Whether everyone agrees with his comparison or not, the discussion has once again drawn attention to the growing importance of work-life balance in today’s professional world. As organisations continue to evolve, conversations like these are likely to remain relevant for employees seeking healthier and more sustainable workplaces.
Disclaimer: Entertales has not independently verified the claims or opinions shared in this report and does not endorse them. This article is based on user-generated content and discussions shared on social media.
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