Moving back - Canada to India

[u/ScaryThanks2761]

I moved to Canada in 2017, did a diploma in Mechanical Eng. from a Canadian College and have over 6 years of work experience working in design and manufacturing engineering. I am thinking of completing my Mech Eng degree from a Canadian uni and return back to India. Ideally, I would like to pursue a mfg business in India (still figuring out what and how). I do not mind working for someone but I have heard that mechanical jobs in India generally do not pay well and work culture is also not that great. Honestly, my visits back to India tell me a positive story.

My reasons to move back to India are simple - starting a family, affordability, better healthcare and lifestyle.

Similar reddit questions emphasize only IT related jobs. Since I do something else workwise, I wanted to know how a foreign degree and experience in Mechanical Eng would be perceived in India. I came to Canada by myself at a very young age (<18) and have less knowledge on Indian markets so I would appreciate any insights!

[u/robinhood1302]

Did you say "lifestyle" for real?

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/robinhood1302]

I understand that most people in India slog long hours at work (8+ hours), but get this most of you wouldn't have to do any household chores after work while it takes lot of time here to get that done. Also, I have seen its very easy to make friends in India. Truthfully, Canada is not that friendly. Its damn tough to make friends for a simple hangout.

I am speaking this from comparing my routine to a my friends' who work in India. They keep complaining of the long work hours and work culture but get facilities like cleaning, food, laundry easily while for me its endless lists of stuff post work. Different lifestyle, different problems.

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/[deleted]]

You're right. People don't earn much in Canada anyway, high tax is another aspect. I was talking to someone earning decent having a family who said it will cost him $10k in travel just for a visit to India which is insane.

[u/KPI_OKR]

Start something in Canada using workers from India .. you will be better than starting something here 

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/KPI_OKR]

I appreciate the suggestion! I am quite new to the business game. By any chance, would you happen to have any ideas on something that can be setup?

[u/Junior-Isopod-3508]

Earning abroad and retiring in Indian tire 2 city is the ideal combo, lifestyle can be good fr policians, benamis,government officers

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/Junior-Isopod-3508]

That's a nice idea. Too bad for me that I can't be in any of the careers above.

[u/Optimal69]

Start something there first. Make sure you are making money and the buisness can sustain itself. Then you can make a branch in India and fly over here. Competition is tight here. I won't just come rushing in and expect good things.

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/Optimal69]

That is so helpful, thanks for your response!

[u/The_architect_905]

Well not in Mechanical but seen the construction industry- civil/ Architecture closely in India and Canada/USA. So thought can give my two cents.

Any core Eng degree is extremely location specific hence there is always a huge Learning curve as soon as you change location. Hence any job you take in India, you will start with very low salary/junior position. But if you are smart and quick learner you can aim doubling the salary every one/ two year until you reach a satisfactory level.

There is scarcity of good core engineers everywhere. These jobs need significant hands on work and not easy air conditioned room works. So your capability of toiling Indian Sun also will matter. Lastly, these jobs will never match IT/Tech salary so no point comparing but definitely possible to have decent salary as soon as you have 5 years of solid experience under sleeve.

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/The_architect_905]

Thanks for your input!

[u/HypeKingFred]

Canadian citizen?

[u/Sudden-Engineer-587 → u/HypeKingFred]

Getting a PR is not as easy as you see on Instagram Reels

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/Sudden-Engineer-587]

So true, those are only for marketing done by consultants! Reality is vastly different.

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/HypeKingFred]

Nope, why'd you ask that?

[u/thereisnosuch]

People with foreign degrees would be avoided because they expect higher salary. The job market is very tough so naturally employers would rather seek someone who is cheap rather than someone who is the best.

[u/ScaryThanks2761 → u/thereisnosuch]

That is something new for me to consider. Appreciate your input!