How Did 24 Years in the US Lead to Returning to India?
"I went to the US to do my Master's. Post-Masters I was going to come back, but then I decided I'll stay for a little longer... and that became 24 years."
- Education: Undergraduate in Hyderabad, Master's in the US
- Career Start: Small startup (10 years, went through multiple funding rounds)
- Comcast: Joined later, worked with an amazing team for 10+ years
- Family: Wife, two boys (ages 14 and 10), and father
- Background: Grew up in Africa, parents lived there before moving to the US
Yashwant's father retired from Baltimore Airport after 10 years as an electrical engineer and is now living with the family in India — still very active and recently completed the Char Dham trip.
If you're considering a similar move after a long career in the US, understanding financial planning strategies for returning NRIs is crucial for a smooth transition.
What Are the Main Reasons NRIs Return to India with Families?
"Right before COVID we were seriously evaluating coming back, but when COVID hit, things collapsed. We locked ourselves in for two years and lost track of time."
The decision crystallized around several key factors:
🎯 Primary Triggers
- ✓ Kids' Age: Elder son entering middle school — if not now, high school would make it too difficult
- ✓ Mother-in-Law's Surgery: She needed both knee replacements and wanted family support for recovery
- ✓ Family Proximity: Most family members were outside the US
- ✓ Father's Flexibility: Dad was willing to move wherever the family settled
The family agreed to give India a try for a couple of years before making a permanent decision.
Many families face similar timing dilemmas. Learn more about when is the best time to return to India from the US based on your children's age and family circumstances.
How to Plan Your Return to India: Timeline and Logistics
The decision was made in 2021, with execution in 2022:
- Decision Point: January 2021 — committed to the move
- Preparation: Gave themselves 6 months to plan
- House Sale: Put primary residence on sale, got it renovated quickly
- Movers Booked: Locked in moving date to create commitment
- School Visit: Came to Hyderabad 6 months before to explore schools
- Final Move: June-July 2023 (14-15 months ago from recording)
⚠️ Work Arrangement
Yashwant got an exception from Comcast to work remotely from India due to family reasons. However, the company eventually couldn't allow international work long-term unless he transferred to their Chennai office. Since he wanted to stay in Hyderabad for family reasons, he decided to leave Comcast and explore local opportunities.
Understanding remote work options when returning to India can help you negotiate better arrangements with your US employer or plan your career transition.
How to Choose the Right International School in Hyderabad?
"We explored all the international schools, did a drive for a week in Hyderabad. Kids didn't really like all the schools — only one fell at the borderline."
The school selection process was thorough:
- Research Trip: Visited all international schools in Hyderabad
- Kids' Choice: Let the kids decide — both had to agree on the same school
- Final Choice: Indus International School in Mokila
- Location Factor: School location influenced housing choice
💡 School Experience Insights
Year 1: Younger son (5th grade) had an amazing class teacher — much better experience
Expat Grouping: School initially put all expat kids in one classroom, which helped with transition
Year 2: More mixed classes — kids still compare with US education
Approach: Family deemphasized top academic performance, focused on holistic development and self-competence
For more guidance on helping your children adjust, explore our comprehensive guide on helping kids adjust when returning to India from abroad.
Why Choose Gated Communities in Hyderabad for Returning NRIs?
"We wanted to find a middle ground — equidistant from the school and where my in-laws live. We picked Gandipet and found a neighborhood with 20-30% expats."
Housing considerations were strategic:
🏘️ Why Gated Community?
- Kids need like-minded peers who've returned from abroad
- Even with 20-30% expats, kids still struggle — 100% local would be harder
- Walking around and meeting similar families helps everyone adjust
- Easier transition period until fully comfortable
📍 Location Choice: Gandipet
- Middle ground between Indus School (Mokila) and in-laws (Vinayak Colony)
- Avoided traffic nightmare areas
- Found community with returning expats
- Had family house in Sindabad but chose not to live there (too old neighborhood)
How Do Kids Adjust When Moving from US to India?
"It's difficult — you can't meet every expectation. Kids always compare saying it's better in the US in terms of education."
The adjustment journey has been gradual:
📊 Progress Report
Success Rate: 25% achieved, 75% still to go
Strategy: Keep kids busy with after-school activities and sports, deemphasize academic pressure
Reality: Kids still prefer US education system but are adapting
Approach: Holistic development over top percentile rankings
Understanding the differences between education systems can help set realistic expectations. Read about US vs India education system comparison for returning families.
What Are the Biggest Challenges When Returning to India?
"You get bogged down into micromanagement of labor — maids, drivers, delivery guys, Swiggy, Amazon. The bar level of expectation in the US versus here is different."
Key challenges faced:
🚧 Reality Checks
- Service Management: Half your day goes into managing maids, drivers, delivery personnel
- Sense of Urgency: People don't understand urgency — "I need it tomorrow" often doesn't happen
- Time Buffering: Need to buffer extra time for everything
- Convenience Trade-off: More services available but require active management
- Expectations Reset: Must adjust expectations or risk frustration
What Are the Positive Surprises of Returning to India?
"Living in the right community — once you pick the right community, things fall in place quickly. That takes up half your burden."
Positive surprises:
- ✓ Community: Amazing neighbors and community friends who share experiences
- ✓ Helpfulness: People reach out to help when you ask
- ✓ Food Delivery: Convenience is amazing
- ✓ School Improvement: International schools are leveling up with training and new talent
- ✓ City Growth: Hyderabad is improving — holistic effort making life easier
- ✓ Investment Opportunities: Growing city with opportunities
Understanding India's economic growth can help you identify opportunities. The Reserve Bank of India provides official data on economic indicators and policies that affect returning NRIs.
How Much Money Do You Need to Return to India?
"Keep money for two years. Understand your expenses for 24 months. If you don't have that, reconsider."
💰 Financial Preparation Checklist
- Join Communities: Join Return to India or Desi Abroad groups for discussions
- Hard Look at Finances: Calculate 24 months of expenses
- Account for Inflation: People say 8-9% but realistically it's 25% in Hyderabad
- Research Current Costs: If you did finances 2 years ago, redo them now
- Include Everything: Housing, car, servants, maids, travel, pleasure trips
- Think Extremes: Account for all the extremes you'd go to in the US
- Understand Tax Implications: Review Indian Income Tax regulations for returning residents to plan your finances properly
💡 Cost Reality in Hyderabad
| Area | Rent Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Older Part of City | ₹10,000-15,000 | Basic amenities |
| Western Part (Gachibowli, etc.) | ₹75,000+ | Gated communities, expat-friendly |
| International Schools | Increasing 10% yearly | Expensive for expats wanting similar lifestyle |
What Advice Would You Give to NRIs Planning to Return?
🎯 Key Takeaways
1. Answer the "WHY" Question
Have a clear reason for moving. Don't regret lost opportunities later. Whether financial, medical, or family reasons — be clear on your why.
2. Be Ready to Adapt
Coming for 6 weeks vacation is different from living 12 months. People won't make time for you the same way once they know you're here permanently.
3. Reset Medical Expectations
Volume of patients is 20x. You might spend 6-8 hours at a clinic. No holistic general practitioner — you'll manage multiple specialists. It's getting better but takes time. For information about healthcare facilities and standards, visit the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website.
4. It's a Family Journey
"The journey is not a single person journey — it's a family decision. Everybody's a stakeholder. Give credit to the wife for adapting — it's difficult from their perspective too."
🚀 Ready to Plan Your Return?
Join the Desi Return community for support, insights, and practical guidance from people who've made the move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to India After Long US Stay
Q: How much money should I save before returning to India from the US?
A: "Keep money for two years. Understand your expenses for 24 months. If you don't have that, reconsider. Join Return to India or Desi Abroad groups for discussions. Take a hard look at finances and calculate 24 months of expenses. Account for inflation - people say 8-9% but realistically it's 25% in Hyderabad. If you did finances 2 years ago, redo them now. Include everything: housing, car, servants, maids, travel, pleasure trips. Think extremes and account for all the extremes you'd go to in the US."
Q: What is the best age for kids to return to India from the US?
A: "If I don't go now, once kids get into high school, it's going to be very difficult. It's unfair to them once you've given them so much out there. Kids' Age was a primary trigger - Elder son entering middle school — if not now, high school would make it too difficult." The window before high school is critical for a smoother transition, as teenagers find it much harder to adjust once they've established their social circles and academic trajectory in the US.
Q: Can I work remotely for my US company after moving to India?
A: Yashwant got an exception from Comcast to work remotely from India due to family reasons. However, the company eventually couldn't allow international work long-term unless he transferred to their Chennai office. Since he wanted to stay in Hyderabad for family reasons, he decided to leave Comcast and explore local opportunities. Most US companies have policies that limit long-term international remote work due to tax, legal, and compliance issues.
Q: Why should returning NRIs choose gated communities in India?
A: "We wanted to find a middle ground — equidistant from the school and where my in-laws live. We picked Gandipet and found a neighborhood with 20-30% expats. Kids need like-minded peers who've returned from abroad. Even with 20-30% expats, kids still struggle — 100% local would be harder. Walking around and meeting similar families helps everyone adjust. Living in the right community — once you pick the right community, things fall in place quickly. That takes up half your burden."
Q: What are the main challenges of returning to India after living in the US?
A: "You get bogged down into micromanagement of labor — maids, drivers, delivery guys, Swiggy, Amazon. The bar level of expectation in the US versus here is different. Half your day goes into managing maids, drivers, delivery personnel. People don't understand urgency — 'I need it tomorrow' often doesn't happen. Need to buffer extra time for everything. More services available but require active management. Must adjust expectations or risk frustration."
Q: How do you choose the right international school in India?
A: "We explored all the international schools, did a drive for a week in Hyderabad. Kids didn't really like all the schools — only one fell at the borderline." The school selection process included: visiting all international schools in Hyderabad during a research trip, letting the kids decide with both having to agree on the same school, and choosing Indus International School in Mokila. The school location also influenced the housing choice, making it important to coordinate both decisions together.
Q: What is the cost of living in Hyderabad for returning NRIs?
A: The cost varies significantly by area. In the older part of the city, rent ranges from ₹10,000-15,000 with basic amenities. In the western part including Gachibowli and gated communities that are expat-friendly, rent is ₹75,000 or more. International schools are increasing fees by 10% yearly, making it expensive for expats wanting a similar lifestyle. "Account for inflation - people say 8-9% but realistically it's 25% in Hyderabad."
Q: How long does it take to adjust after returning to India?
A: "It just takes time to settle, especially when you lived in a different country for 24 years and are starting almost fresh. It takes time to create your own accountant, CPAs, doctors — all these aspects." After 14 months, Yashwant honestly assessed his adjustment as "25% achieved, 75% still to go," showing that the transition is gradual and requires patience. The strategy includes keeping kids busy with after-school activities and sports while deemphasizing academic pressure.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Yashwant's story highlights the importance of timing, financial preparation, and realistic expectations. After 24 years abroad, the transition isn't seamless — but with the right community, clear motivations, and family support, it's achievable. His 25% success rate after 14 months is honest and refreshing — the journey continues.
"It just takes time to settle, especially when you lived in a different country for 24 years and are starting almost fresh. It takes time to create your own accountant, CPAs, doctors — all these aspects."
How to Build a Social Network After Returning to India?
Social life requires intentional effort:
⏰ Time & Distance Reality
"With Hyderabad traffic and people scattered all over, you would assume you'd meet once a week — but it's actually once every three months."
For official information about overseas citizenship and residency status, visit the Ministry of External Affairs OCI page to understand your rights and obligations as a returning Indian.