The Canadian Chapter
Five years ago, I boarded a flight from Kerala to Canada with a heart full of dreams and a mind set on turning my life around. I was a student then, aiming for more exposure, more opportunities, and maybe a fresh chapter that would help shape who I wanted to become. What I didn’t realize at that time was that the journey would change me in more ways than I ever imagined.
My Canadian life began in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan a town as cold as it was kind. Later, I moved to Saskatoon, which became my home away from home. The biggest challenge I faced, like many newcomers, was the weather. The bitter winters were no joke. And the job hunt at the beginning? Hectic, exhausting, but eventually rewarding.
Over time, I found myself working in various retail jobs Walmart, Superstore, Dollar Tree, and Peavey Mart. These roles weren’t just jobs; they were classrooms. Canada taught me how to work with people from different cultures, how to treat others with empathy, and how to stand on my own. I learned discipline in finances and the importance of punctuality. I learned how to manage time, how to say “no” (still working on it), and how to stay mentally strong when life felt uncertain.
I was never really alone. I always had my friends my chosen family around me. They helped me manage homesickness, celebrated my small wins, and shared in the struggle.
Moments That Will Stay With Me Forever
The long road trips, the adventures to Banff and Prince Albert, skiing for the first time, watching the northern lights light up the sky those memories will never fade. The seasons, the colors of fall, the long flights, the movie nights, and the random laughter all of it will remain close to my heart.
But not everything was perfect. One of the hardest lessons I learned was how fast people can drift away. Friends come, and sometimes, they go with no explanation. I realized that sometimes, if you don’t have anything to offer, people move on. That truth stung a little.
The Reality Behind the Maple Leaf
Canada was good to me but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some people come here and thrive, others struggle quietly. The tax system is strict, the healthcare system, though free, has long waits and limitations. You truly understand the value of good health in this country. If you’re someone with little to lose back home, Canada might be the best place to start fresh. You can build a life independently, with freedom and comfort. But it’s not a fairy tale it’s a test of patience and resilience.
The Call to Come Home
After five years of growth, change, and reflection, I’ve made the choice to come back to Kerala. I’m not returning as the same person who left. I’m wiser, more grounded, and equipped with experiences that no textbook could have taught me. I have a clearer idea of what I want from life and the courage to pursue it.
The decision wasn’t sudden. It grew in my heart slowly. I wanted to be closer to family. I wanted to try building something of my own. I wanted my next chapter to be in the place where my roots are deep.
What Now?
Now, I’m back in Thriprayar, Kerala running a food delivery startup called Bytes. It’s a franchise model focused on delivering from local restaurants to local people something national apps often overlook. It’s my dream in motion. It’s hard, it’s risky, but it’s mine. And it’s only the beginning. along with the my small business I am becoming a freelance digital marketer. Currently I operate in Thrissur district in Kerala.
The Canadian chapter of my life gave me the confidence to chase this dream. It taught me how to build, how to lead, and how to survive. Now, I’m using those lessons here at home.
A Note to You
If you’re someone living abroad and wondering if going back is the right move trust your gut. It won’t be easy, but it might be necessary. If you’re dreaming of Canada, go in with your eyes open. It’s a place that will test you and shape you at the same time.
I left Kerala with a suitcase full of clothes and a heart full of hope. Now I return with stories, wisdom, and a belief that home is not just a place it’s where your journey begins again.