Experience of Returning From US to India an Year Later

Are you planning to move back to India? Here is the guide to help.

NRI community who are settled in the various parts of the globe have this intimidating thought always back in their mind.

• Should we think of moving back to home country?
• Is it worth after staying so long away from the country and the people?
• How the transition going to be if we decide to go back?
• Are we going to get well earning job after we move back?
• Can I think of exploring the business?
• How my kids going to adjust with the different education system?
• How do we adjust to nosy family members or relatives?
• How to cope up with environmental changes?
• Impact on children and other family members living in India?
• Blah blah blah…

Before started writing about my experience, let me tell you little bit about my self. I moved from United States to India in Jan 2020 for good. I have a family of 4 members, except me my family consist of my spouse and two beautiful children. My both the kids were born in US.

Like many of you, I was excited to go and settle in abroad. It was electrifying in the beginning to meet new people, learn new culture and exploring new places. I was amazed to see different side of the world and learn many good things about their people and culture. Slowly I started to miss my family and miss the energy we feel when big festivities are around the corners.

Life took a big turn when we became parents and wanted to share the kids childhood with his grand parents, uncles and aunts. At every occasion of life, we started missing family members and they missed us too.

We planned to visit India when ever we could but it is not as easy as it looks. Visa process puts you in the forever trap, then you can’t meet your loved ones when you want to.

At one point we decide to move back to India and explore the opportunities and decide what we would want to do.

In Jan 2020, we moved with the family. Right before the pandemic started. We were settling down and covid-19 started showing its impact globally. Fortunately we were able to find a new abode for the family and collected all the necessary stuff to run our daily life before lock down was announced across India.

We did not have the problem the job search immediately as the organization we were working for in USA have their branches in India as well and we continued to work for them.

Now switching back to the topic what are the things you should keep in mind while planning your move:

1. Job Opportunities: Most the first generation of people staying abroad belong to IT industry and if you too are one of them, you should know, IT industry in India on boom as well. It is growing as most of the giants from other countries setting up their second home in various cities across India which includes Walmart, Ikea, Tesco, Lowes… and the list is humongous. And yes, they are good pay masters as well if that is some thing you are thinking. All you got to do, upgrade yourself as per the market standard and requirements then start the hunt. It may not happen over night so be patient and once you land into appropriate job, you will not miss pay checks in $$.
2. Business Opportunities: India is also a land of business opportunities. As we are growing, our economy is growing, it is expanding the horizon of possibilities where you can start something of you own. You can find your passion and convert into business or find the opportunity or improvement area where you can do something to help people. Start ups are doing great in India whether its Swiggy, Urban Clap or Wow! Momos and I just named few.

If we consider the stats there were 41061 new start ups, India government recognised only by Dec 23, 2020.

There are people who are earning well from digital space as well. You can become content creator and be an YouTuber or Blogger.

3. Education Options: I would agree, yes education system is different in India than other countries but remember we also learned from this system and doing awesome in various parts of the world. We are no less than anyone, in fact preferred ones most of the time.

If you have young kids, they are wonderful in adopting the change. As an adult we over think and make things complicated but children are amazing in accepting the change. For middle school kids there might be some challenges to take on to the new education system so for them, there are International boards which can be good fit for middle school to high school children.

4. Change in Environment/Weather: You are right, there is going to be change or let’s say big change in weather and surroundings. This is reality but you have weigh out this option against others. Slowly we adopt to weather and environment changes. It is not going to be easy but our bodies adopt it slowly.

5. Managing with relatives: Some people find it helpful staying close to their extended family members while for others its nightmare. You may have to choose your location wisely so you stay close but no so close to them. It is definitely wonderful to have your loved ones around you when you know they got your back but keeping balance is very important in your relationship.

If you keep it with balance by staying close but not in the same house may nurture your relationships. That way you will be able to keep your privacy and good relationships with your loved ones or extended family members.

We have peace of mind when we know it is always possible to reach out to your loved ones when you need them or vice versa, than having the fear of not able to reach on time at emergency circumstances. In my case it was the driving force of making our move.

I have completed more than one year now, sometimes I do miss our time while staying in US. Our walks post wrapping up the office, leisure trips and parks. But I am being hopeful once situation is better, we will be able to compensate that all here also. I am feeling blessed to be close to my siblings and parents like never before and same thing is with my spouse. Children have permanent company of their cousins and can have greater bonding while growing together.

This was all from my point of view and ultimately choice is yours for your plans, I hope this blog can be helpful in your decision.

Do let me know in comments what is/was your driving factor of moving back to India or planning to move back. If you moved already, how is your experience so far?

Do let me know in case you have any question, I would be happy to answer.