After my first article was published here, I received numerous messages and comments asking why my family and I chose to leave our well-established life down under and move back home. It’s understandable why people would be curious—it’s not every day someone leaves behind a sprawling home with views of the Blue Mountains, a thriving career, promising opportunities for our son’s future, and a tranquil life free of social drama.
Our decision wasn’t easy at all (I still pinch myself and ask my husband if we have actually done this, or if I’m going to wake up from my dream some day!) Jokes apart, our decision was one made after a lot of pondering on some crucial questions: ’what’s the purpose of everything we have achieved here’ and ‘what’s our purpose to go back if we did’.
Needless to say, the answers to both these questions were quite contradictory. We told ourselves we have lived a life of utmost luxury, calm and contentment. We have proven that we can build the life that we desired from scratch, and we would have continued to do so, had we not questioned the greater purpose of all these achievements.
The comfort and success we experienced in Australia always came at a cost. It meant being far away from our families, celebrating milestones and festivals in solitude, and witnessing our loved ones’ challenges of old age and their loneliness from a distant vantage point. We foresaw how our decision to move would benefit our son, who is naturally sociable and thrives in environments rich with community spirit. Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed how well he flourishes in settings where he can deeply engage with his school, our local community, and other social circles. This lifestyle perfectly complements his outgoing personality—a fulfillment that we found challenging to achieve in Australia.
This was compelling enough for us to explore new horizons and embrace different challenges.
In the wake of challenges presented by Covid-19, there has been a noticeable shift in mindset within various immigrant communities. It’s only natural for people to gravitate towards their loved ones during times of distress. I’ve been inundated with messages and inquiries reflecting common concerns and doubts from our community. Most people who reach out to me are wrestling with the idea of moving back to their homeland, bringing forth questions such as: Are we truly happy and settled here? Do we get thoughts of reclaiming what we left behind? Is the decision to move back worth it? Are there regrets holding us back? How do we re-establish ourselves after being away for so long?
My response to them is straightforward: If moving back feels right for you, embrace it wholeheartedly. Your ability to settle back will be driven by your determination and sense of purpose. As you contemplate this significant decision, prepare yourself with solid answers to your ‘why’. This preparation and your answer to your big ‘why’ will take you through any challenges that may arise upon your return or as you navigate uncertainties here.
It’s undeniably a challenging journey, far from the idyllic vision one might expect upon arrival. Many assume they’re familiar with their homeland, having been born and bred here, and visiting frequently during annual trips home. Yet, the reality of making a livelihood here independently equivalent to what you had abroad can be a stark eye-opener. Many find the transition perplexing, facing a harsh difference between short visits and the daily responsibilities of life and work. And yes, some see themselves not quite settling here and decide to move back again.
One valuable takeaway from my journey in Australia and the transition back is that there isn’t a superior choice between the two countries. Whichever country you choose to live in – embrace it with both hands, acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses. This mindset is very crucial to help you adjust and integrate into your chosen environment. After all, home is where the heart is.
Watch this space for more stories of transition as Sydneysider Nehal becomes an Ahmedabadi gal once again.
READ MORE: Homecoming: a Sydneysider moves back to her Indian roots
