How is life after returning to India from abroad? (USA to India)

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on their decision to leave Los Angeles and return to New Delhi after five years. They discuss the initial challenges, such as a drop in quality of life due to pollution and a shift in social dynamics. Despite the cons, they highlight the benefits of being closer to family and friends, the lower cost of living, and the opportunity to start their own business without the stress of visa constraints. The creator also contrasts the work culture and networking opportunities in both countries, emphasizing the importance of happiness and personal fulfillment in choosing a place to live.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker returned to India from the U.S. after five years and now understands India better.
• 📹 The reasons for leaving the U.S. will be explained in detail in a future video.
• 💨 The speaker initially noticed a lower quality of life in India, particularly due to pollution and smaller living spaces.
• 🎉 Social life changed significantly, with fewer parties and less engaging crowds in India compared to the U.S.
• 🤔 The general level of happiness seems lower in India, with fewer casual greetings and a less open social atmosphere.
• ❄️ Comfort levels are lower in India, especially regarding air conditioning and home facilities compared to the U.S.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 One major pro of moving back is being able to spend more time with family, friends, and close colleagues.
• 💼 Salaries are much lower in India, but the cost of living is also lower, which balances things out.
• 🏢 Work culture differences include more casual attitudes in India, but the speaker enjoys the freedom of running a startup.
• 🏥 Healthcare in India is much cheaper and more accessible compared to the U.S., even with private hospitals.

Q & A

Why did the speaker return from the US to India?

The speaker returned from the US (Los Angeles) to India (New Delhi) after quitting their program, though they mention that they will share the detailed reasons in a future video. Their decision appears to be influenced by a desire for a change and the support they received from their followers during this transition.

What was the speaker's initial reaction upon returning to India?

The speaker initially felt that their surroundings seemed much smaller and worse than they remembered, especially in terms of the air quality and pollution, which was far more intense compared to Los Angeles. The roads and general atmosphere also seemed worse to them.

What are some of the cons the speaker identified after returning to India?

The speaker identified several cons: the quality of life had dropped, especially due to pollution, they missed the vibrant party scene in Los Angeles, the general happiness of people seemed lower, and conveniences like centralized air-conditioning were lacking.

How did the speaker adjust to the cons they experienced in India?

The speaker quickly adjusted to the lower quality of life, although they noticed the differences. They became used to the changes over time, accepting them as part of the transition back to India.

What were some of the pros the speaker found after returning to India?

The speaker found that spending more time with family and close friends was a major pro. They also appreciated the lower cost of living, the absence of the H1B visa race, and the freedom that came with starting and running their own startup in India.

How does the speaker compare salaries between India and the US?

The speaker acknowledges that salaries are significantly lower in India compared to the US, where it's common to earn $80,000 to $100,000 annually in cities like Los Angeles. However, they point out that the lower cost of living in India balances this out to some extent.

What challenges in the work culture did the speaker notice after moving back to India?

The speaker noticed that salaries were often credited late, employees worked long hours, and there was a more casual attitude toward work. They also observed that a small percentage of employees in Indian companies tend to handle the bulk of the workload.

What is one benefit the speaker appreciates about starting a business in India?

The speaker values the freedom of not having to compete for an H1B visa and the ability to start their own business in India, where they built a successful startup from scratch. They find joy in the independence and growth their company has achieved.

What are the speaker's thoughts on networking opportunities in India compared to the US?

The speaker finds that networking opportunities in India are limited compared to the US, where events and gatherings were frequent and easy to attend. In India, these events are less common, which makes it harder to connect with professionals in their field.

What is the speaker’s overall message regarding living in India vs. the US?

The speaker emphasizes that happiness should guide the decision of whether to live in India or the US. For them, happiness came from starting a company, having freedom, and being close to family and friends in India. They encourage others to pursue experiences abroad but also acknowledge the rewards of returning home.