'Just basic work, earned Rs 49,000 in one hour'; Indian expat's Canada work vlog goes viral

OTTAWA: A video led to a big discussion on whether it is field jobs or office work that pays well in foreign countries. An Instagram video shared by an Indian living in Canada is the talk of the town. For a worker who came to cut the branches of trees around the house, Indian expat Vishal paid Indian money Rs 49,113 (700 Canadian dollars) for just one hour of work.

Vishal explains in the video the logic behind paying so much for someone who finished the job within an hour and the financial aspects behind it. Vishal says that this amount is paid not only for the physical labour of cutting trees. There are three main reasons.

This amount is charged taking into account the better technical equipment, larger trucks, and safety. Business insurance, license fees, fuel costs, and taxes are all included in this Rs 49,113. These workers are active in cutting trees in the summer and are involved in snow removal work in the winter. With this, they can ensure a steady income throughout the year, Vishal added.

Social media comments say that this is proof that in developed countries like Canada, practical skills are more valuable than a university degree. The video received mixed reactions since it went viral. While some agreed that in Canada jobs such as plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping are lucrative, business experts point out that $700 is not a profit, and a large part of it goes to expenses.

Some argue that the real profit in such jobs is only 10 per cent to 30 per cent after the lease amount of the equipment. However, Vishal's video points out that youth should not only pursue white-collar jobs but also identify job opportunities in construction-related sectors.