For Here (🇺🇸) or To Go (🇮🇳) ?
I talked to an expert who took this route and documenting our conversation here to help others
This is not a typical career growth newsletter, but rather more targeted towards Indians living abroad. Feel free to skip if this is not the right fir for you.
This week, I had the pleasure to talk to Nupur Dave. Nupur is a NRI Counsellor and has worked at Google US for 10 years before moving back to India.
Nupur has also written a book ‘Back Home’ on the same topic. If you are in same dilemma, you would not want to miss it.
I resonated with a lot of points in our discussion and thought sharing these with the subscribers can give them a fresh perspective for both : People who plan to move from US to India and vice versa
Life in the US
Nupur Dave spent ten years working at Google in the United States, a dream job for many.
Despite enjoying her work, she always felt a strong connection to India. Her time in the US was fulfilling, but she often thought about moving back to her home country.
Looking Back on the Decision to Move
Nupur is happy with her decision to return to India. She believes India is a great place for personal growth and exploration.
However, she acknowledges that this feeling is personal, and others might feel differently.
More People Moving Back to India ?
Nupur has noticed that NRIs are better able to adjust in India now and hence its easier for them to settle in
Improvements in the quality of life in urban India, such as easy digital payments with UPI and convenient services like Zomato and Zepto, have made daily life much easier.
Work-Life Balance: India vs. USA
Nupur finds a big difference in work-life balance between India and the USA. In the US, people often have a clear separation between work and personal life.
In India, there can be more micromanagement at work, which can be challenging. However, she also finds that people in Indian workplaces form deeper and more genuine bonds with their colleagues.
Financial Planning for Returning NRIs
Nupur strongly advises NRIs to get professional help instead of casual conversations with friends or internet people before moving back to India. Proper financial planning is essential for a smooth transition.
Biggest Adjustments
Nupur mentioned that her fitness initially took a backseat, and she was unable to focus on her health when she moved.
Additionally, she noticed that Indian work culture often prioritizes personal relationships over merit, and she had to adjust to how things work in India.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Moving Back
For Nupur, the most rewarding part of moving back to India has been the improvement in her mental health and overall well-being.
She feels more at peace and in tune with herself. She explicitly gave the disclaimer that this is her personal experience, and others might have different experiences.
Advice on When to Move
Nupur advises those thinking about moving back to avoid being in denial that they will never move. Many people remain indecisive, which complicates their lives.
For those seriously considering the move, she suggests trusting their gut feelings and not being overly influenced by others' decisions.
She has seen cases where people were all set to move but changed their plans due to new job opportunities. Trusting your instincts and the universe is key to making such a big decision
Great conversation. Thanks for sharing