An Indian techie living in Ireland has just answered what millions of people often wonder: why Indians who move abroad never come back. Sanket Salke, a SAP analyst based in Ireland, spoke about the true reason behind this growing trend. Interestingly, it has less to do with money or status. It’s much more primal; it’s about how a person actually gets to live. “Here, you get to know what the true meaning of quality of life is,” the man said in an Instagram video that is going viral.
Why Indians who move abroad never return
Salke, who has been in Ireland for nearly two years, realised how his life has changed for the better. Better work–life balance. After work, he would cycle through the Irish countryside, where nature is pristine. There is hardly any air or noise pollution. No wonder Ireland topped the European Life-Work Balance Index for the second year, maintaining its claim as Europe’s best place to live and work, with a score of 82.89 out of 100.“After living in Ireland for almost two years, I now understand why an Indian doesn’t want to return after going abroad. I think I have the answer. The place you see around me is not a tourist destination, nor have I come here on a holiday. I just finished my work and cycled here for almost 15–20 minutes. And I am right here in nature with almost 0 or 1 AQI. No air pollution, no noise pollution. Just pure calm in nature,” the man said in the video.
Work–life balance not just on paper, but in practice
Representative image
In Ireland, something radical happens at six in the evening. Employees log out, and their evenings are spent doing the things they love. In April 2021, Ireland introduced the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect. This protects employees from being penalised for not responding to messages or meetings after work hours. Salke spoke about how people in Ireland truly have a life beyond their career. “No work calls after six because here they respect your time post-work, which means you get time to enjoy your hobbies like running, cycling, and swimming. People around me are fishing at eight at night. Some people are resting their boats, and a lot of other things. And maybe you can call this the perfect example of work–life balance,” he said.The man also acknowledged the trade-offs for that balance, but despite that, they get to live a life of quality. “Yes, there are a lot of problems in this country, like taxes are very high, a housing crisis, and a lot of other problems which can happen in any country. But after coming here, you get to know what the true meaning of quality of life is.”He also expressed that his views do not mean every Indian should find a job abroad or leave home, but he wants people to make an informed decision. “Now, this doesn’t mean that everything is bad back home or that everybody should just start moving abroad. I just want to say: take that calculated risk. Come out to study, to do a job, experience this for a few years, and then decide what works for you, what is good and what is bad.”
Internet reacts
Salke’s video has garnered over 870k views on Instagram. The comment section is filled with conversations about the gap in work–life balance between the two countries. Many netizens commented on the longer workdays, absence of work–life balance, and wage gaps despite clocking more hours than people in other countries.One Instagram user commented on the lack of infrastructure despite high taxes in India: “People are ready to pay high taxes if they get infrastructure and an environment like this. In India, people get nothing in return by paying high taxes,” the netizen said. Another agreed, “I moved in 2025, and I completely agree. One should experience this at least once; it’s amazing and magical.” A third said, “Agreed 100%. Calculated risk is important, and if one sees a possibility, they should take that leap and experience a different aspect of life.” Some netizens also spoke about one’s priorities before boarding a plane to another country. “I would never trade the warmth, connections, and sense of belonging I have in my own country for a life of sitting alone by a lake, feeding ducks, and posting pictures pretending everything is perfect. Sometimes the ‘great life’ people showcase online is just that, a showcase, not the whole truth.” Another added, “It’s a good temporary holiday, but not really home for Indians. There are more beautiful places in India too.”Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views and experiences of the individual featured. Experiences may vary widely depending on personal circumstances, profession, location, and individual priorities. The content is not intended to generalise or suggest that one choice is universally better than another. Readers are encouraged to make informed decisions.