u/HealthSciInquirer

I’m a 31‑year‑old male currently living in Canada, and I’m still completely undecided about moving back to India due to some personal circumstances. I’m trying to understand both the career and family implications before making a decision.

A bit about my background:

• I have two master’s degrees — one in science from India and an MPH from Canada.
• 3+ years in research/evidence synthesis (systematic reviews, scoping reviews, etc.) — I can do it, but I don’t enjoy it.
• 2+ years in government here, managing high‑profile health programs from design to implementation.

The personal side:
I’m a single child, and I recently lost my mom. My dad is alone in India and struggling emotionally. I feel a strong responsibility to be closer to him either by moving back to India or at least relocating somewhere nearer, like the UAE. That’s a big part of why I’m re‑evaluating everything.

I’m exploring two options:

1. Moving back to India
2. Looking for opportunities in the UAE in public health, health programs, NGOs, consulting, or government‑adjacent roles

I’d really appreciate insights from people who’ve worked in public health, health systems, NGOs, government roles, or the UAE health sector.

• How is the job market in India for someone with an MPH from abroad?
• Are program management or health policy roles growing?
• How competitive is the UAE market for someone with my profile?
• Any practical considerations before making a move, especially with family responsibilities?

Thanks to anyone who shares their experience — it’ll genuinely help me think through this transition.

I’m a 31‑year‑old single male living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I work with the government and earn well, but I don’t have close friend circles here. Since my mom passed away last year, I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression. I’m an only child, and my dad is living alone back home in India, also struggling.

My mom was my biggest supporter and motivator, and since her passing I feel like I’ve lost my anchor. My dad tries to motivate me every day, but it doesn’t feel the same. Last October I went through severe depression and anxiety, even experiencing intense panic attacks where I felt like I might die. Accessing treatment here was difficult because of long waits for physician appointments.

I’m a public health graduate, and I’m torn about whether I should move back to India, especially to Maharashtra, where I’m not sure if I’d be able to secure a stable job. On the other hand, staying in Canada feels isolating without family support. In India, I do have extended family and friends, so it wouldn’t feel isolating in the same way.

Has anyone faced a similar dilemma? Should I move back to India to be closer to my dad and extended family, or try to rebuild my life here in Edmonton despite the struggles?