An NRI has gone viral on social media after sharing five practical lessons for Indians planning to return home after working abroad. The individual, who previously worked in the IT sector across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, including roles in FAANG companies, said returning to India is not as difficult as many people fear.
According to the viral post shared on Reddit, adapting to India’s pace and systems may feel chaotic at first, but becomes manageable within a few months. The NRI added that once families settle in, life in India can feel more fulfilling than living overseas.
“Moving Anywhere Is Hard — Not Just Returning To India”
The NRI pointed out that relocating to India can be challenging, but so is moving to any new country. To illustrate this, the user shared an incident that took place at a Costco store abroad.
The individual recalled being stuck at a checkout counter with a newly purchased television and groceries because their Mastercard was declined.
They described feeling judged while trying to contact their bank, which did not offer helpful customer support on a Sunday. Meanwhile, their spouse was frustrated and children were hungry — a situation that highlighted how unfamiliar systems can create stress anywhere in the world.
The user added that similar experiences occurred in both Canada and the UK, reinforcing the idea that every country has its own complexities.
Expect A Different India — Not The One You Left Behind
One of the key lessons shared in the post was that returning Indians should not expect the same India they left years earlier.
The NRI noted that modern India has adopted many efficient systems, including digital payments such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and app-based services, which make everyday tasks easier.
However, the country also has its own rules and regulations that newcomers must learn. For instance, missing a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can result in a fine of Rs 500.
The user also cited examples of ride-hailing complications, including situations where drivers may rely on both app-based meters and local union rules.
Despite these inconveniences, the NRI suggested that making mistakes in India is often less costly compared to similar errors in Western countries.
Stop Acting Like ‘Returned Indians,’ The User Advises
Another major point raised in the post was about attitude. The NRI urged returning Indians to avoid behaving differently or feeling superior to those who remained in India.
They stressed that many Indians chose not to move abroad due to personal responsibilities, local career opportunities, or family commitments — not because of a lack of ability.
The user emphasised that professionals working in India are equally skilled, and sometimes even more capable, than those who built careers overseas.
Social Media Users Relate To The Advice
As the post gained traction, many social media users expressed agreement and shared similar experiences of returning to India after years abroad.
One user commented that the advice closely matched their own experience after moving back to India following a decade in the United States.
Another user said the post served as a reminder that returning home requires patience and flexibility, but ultimately leads to stability and comfort.
Some users also highlighted the uncertainty associated with living abroad on temporary visas, describing it as a constant source of stress compared to the long-term security of living in one’s home country.
A Growing Conversation Around Reverse Migration
The viral post reflects a growing trend of reverse migration, where Indians working overseas are increasingly considering returning home due to improving infrastructure, digital convenience, and better career opportunities.
While adapting to India may require time and patience, the NRI concluded that maintaining realistic expectations and a positive outlook can make the transition smoother and more rewarding.