For many Indian professionals working in the United States, the dream of building a long-term career abroad is beginning to crack under mounting immigration challenges and shrinking job opportunities. As work visa extensions become harder to secure and companies increasingly prefer local hires, some NRI's working abroad are now being pushed to return to India after years overseas.
But going back is not as simple as packing bags—those returning are often faced with an unfamiliar job market, cultural disconnect, and a very different work environment than what they’ve grown used to abroad.
Returning to an Unfamiliar Job Market
A techie who recently shared his situation on Reddit highlighted this growing dilemma. After working in the U.S. for 10 years, he found himself out of options due to his company’s inability to extend his visa and a lack of interest from other firms unwilling to hire non-citizens. Having never worked in India, he sought advice on "how to search for jobs in India". His post opened up a wave of responses from others who had either made the move already or were in a similar position.
Many responses focused on the culture shock awaiting professionals returning from the West. One user who had rejoined the Indian workforce expressed deep regret, describing long hours, working weekends, and poor work-life boundaries as standard practice in many Indian firms—especially in the consulting sector. Others pointed to hierarchical systems and internal politics, where being part of the “right group” can determine opportunities more than actual performance.
However, contributors also noted that not all Indian companies operate this way. Product-based firms and some multinational corporations were said to offer more balanced environments, though individual team experiences could vary. A few users emphasized that building trust in the workplace takes time, and one must manage expectations carefully.
Financial Adjustments and Career Expectations
While some highlighted the pay gap between India and the U.S., others clarified that comparing salaries directly in dollar terms can be misleading, especially considering the high cost of living abroad. One commenter mentioned a former colleague now earning around Rs 40 lakh annually in India—a third of his U.S. income—but still considered it a solid package by Indian standards. Users stressed the importance of negotiating well and presenting one’s overseas experience effectively during job interviews.
Not all stories shared were negative. A few users described successful transitions, with one returning professional reaching a CXO-level role in India and retiring early—something he felt wouldn’t have been possible had he remained in the U.S. Others advised starting the job hunt by reaching out to personal networks, using platforms like LinkedIn or Naukri, and leaning on strong resumes backed by international experience.
Several also explored other options—like moving to countries such as the UK, Germany, or the UAE—as alternatives to returning to India. One user pointed out the EB-5 visa route to remain in the U.S. by investing in regional projects, though this requires significant capital.
But going back is not as simple as packing bags—those returning are often faced with an unfamiliar job market, cultural disconnect, and a very different work environment than what they’ve grown used to abroad.
Returning to an Unfamiliar Job Market
A techie who recently shared his situation on Reddit highlighted this growing dilemma. After working in the U.S. for 10 years, he found himself out of options due to his company’s inability to extend his visa and a lack of interest from other firms unwilling to hire non-citizens. Having never worked in India, he sought advice on "how to search for jobs in India". His post opened up a wave of responses from others who had either made the move already or were in a similar position.
Many responses focused on the culture shock awaiting professionals returning from the West. One user who had rejoined the Indian workforce expressed deep regret, describing long hours, working weekends, and poor work-life boundaries as standard practice in many Indian firms—especially in the consulting sector. Others pointed to hierarchical systems and internal politics, where being part of the “right group” can determine opportunities more than actual performance.
However, contributors also noted that not all Indian companies operate this way. Product-based firms and some multinational corporations were said to offer more balanced environments, though individual team experiences could vary. A few users emphasized that building trust in the workplace takes time, and one must manage expectations carefully.
Financial Adjustments and Career Expectations
While some highlighted the pay gap between India and the U.S., others clarified that comparing salaries directly in dollar terms can be misleading, especially considering the high cost of living abroad. One commenter mentioned a former colleague now earning around Rs 40 lakh annually in India—a third of his U.S. income—but still considered it a solid package by Indian standards. Users stressed the importance of negotiating well and presenting one’s overseas experience effectively during job interviews.
Not all stories shared were negative. A few users described successful transitions, with one returning professional reaching a CXO-level role in India and retiring early—something he felt wouldn’t have been possible had he remained in the U.S. Others advised starting the job hunt by reaching out to personal networks, using platforms like LinkedIn or Naukri, and leaning on strong resumes backed by international experience.
Several also explored other options—like moving to countries such as the UK, Germany, or the UAE—as alternatives to returning to India. One user pointed out the EB-5 visa route to remain in the U.S. by investing in regional projects, though this requires significant capital.
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