“In the end, it’s not what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington

There’s a certain irony to life that only becomes clear in hindsight. I grew up in Bangladesh—surrounded not by wealth, but by richness. Not in money, but in life. Mangoes hung from trees like nature’s ornaments, ponds glistened with fresh fish, and vegetables grew from the soil as if the earth itself was generous. Visiting family in the village meant laughter over simple meals, fruits picked directly from the tree, and a closeness to nature and people that required no calendar booking.

Everything we needed was around us. And most of it was free.

But with freedom came trade-offs. Life wasn’t modern. Security was fragile. Opportunities were limited. So, like many others, I sought something more—I moved to the UK for a better life. I chased the dream of stability, global careers, and modern comfort. And I found it. I wanted to work with some of the world’s leading organisations from Microsoft to NASA and built a life that, on paper, ticks all the boxes.

Yet, in this land of order and advancement, I’ve realised something quietly profound: living in a village with your own garden, your own home, surrounded by nature, is now a luxury. The very lifestyle we once left behind in pursuit of progress is now seen as elite here in the West.

This contrast often leaves me pondering: what is the real cost of having it all?

The Trade-Offs We Don’t Talk About

Moving abroad, especially from a place like Bangladesh, comes with its fair share of wins—higher income, healthcare, career prospects, and societal safety nets. But every gain comes with a quiet sacrifice.

Time with ageing parents. Childhood friends who became memories. Fresh fruit replaced with plastic-wrapped, imported alternatives. A bustling home replaced by the hum of central heating in a quiet flat.

We don’t always realise the exchange rate of progress.

The Truth No One Tells You

It’s not just about migration. This truth seeps into every facet of life—relationships, careers, even personal identity. We are constantly choosing. And with every choice, we give something away.

A high-paying job may cost you peace of mind. A comfortable relationship may lack passion. Pursuing dreams may mean walking away from security. You can’t have everything—and maybe you’re not meant to.

The real wisdom lies in knowing what you’re happy to let go of, in order to have what truly matters to you.

Coming Full Circle

What I’ve learnt and continue to learn is that life’s value isn’t always in what you gain but in what you preserve. The rarest things in life are often those we once took for granted. And in our quest for better, we forget to ask: better by whose measure?

Looking back, I realise that the fruits from my childhood weren’t just sweet; they were symbols of a life rich in meaning, family, and freedom. And while I wouldn’t trade my current journey, I’ve learnt to carry the essence of that simple life with me wherever I go.

Because true success is not about having it all. It’s about knowing what’s worth having.