zardoz said:
The simple fact that you are even asking the question probably indicates that, for you, it would not be worth it.
Let me begin with quoting Ernest Hemingway - Think before you act.
The idea of immigrating to another country sounds very sweet but the truth is, it isn't. I know a lot of people have given you this already so I am not going to dwell on it too much. Let me share some part of my story with you and hope it helps you take a decision. I chose to answer your question because of our similar age and where we are in our respective careers.
We are in 2017 where the entire world is witnessing social and political change at the same time. The old rules are buried, new order has begun to take shape. Its an exciting time to be in and experience what is new and fresh.
I lived in Mumbai with and had a good job in public relations & communications, I earned well and had a lot of friends and a great family who I could be dependent on for my sanity. it kept me alive. I say this now because, as I type this letter from my toronto rental condo a lot that is currently taken for granted with reference to relationship and work ends up becoming a novelty when you land in canada.
dont get me wrong, people are nice just like the weather, they will smile and say sorry almost all the time. The truth is they won't really mean it, its only out of habit. The heat that you curse in India will be much needed for the 6 months of extreme gloominess in spirit and weather. Work is hard to find, if you add the numbers do some research on google you will know the numbers don't add up, unless you are solely relying on forecast reports that the government publishes. The average unemployment level in ontario (read toronto, waterloo, kitchner and GTA region) stands at 7.0%.
The government is inviting a lot of applicants but there aren't enough jobs available to match that. What happens, some become real estate brokers and some end up setting shops and hiring another 1 or 2 guys.
Most people who intend migrating have reasons such as India as poor lifestyle, roads, education, pollution and water. That is true because nobody's salaries are deducted upto 30% at source unlike Canada where you won't even see your 30% of salary. Understand that the job market is based not on meritocracy but nepotism. Most jobs are contract roles and very few permanent. I work in a reputed ad agency downtown at a good role, and the only 3 brown guy in sea of a white men mostly french and Italian decent. Atleast in Marketing you won't be seeing anywhere close to a AVP role or such responsibilities in Canada. Remember ambition is great when you make an impact with your action and a major one. And please don't crown yourself if you even land a good job or a condo, the struggle has always been there where you are, it's just a different one here. So all the brave hearts this is not a war zone, this not silicon valley where people fight for intellectual space.
India is on the tipping point of a digital revolution, be part of that revolution its not the same it was 5 years ago ( less the roads, education) Whether you are in engineering or marketing or sales a 30 year old, you should be adding value and make your and everyone's life meaningful. Spending time to find a job rather than using the same time for innovation is a very stupid move. The long term gains in canada are not many for an ambitious mind, definitely not when you have to spend months to only find a job in your occupation, not sure if it will be a decent level.
Hope this helps!
PS: India Bound Oct 30, 2017.
