1️⃣ The Backstory — From Masters to Amazon
- Moved to the U.S. in 2009 for an M.S. in Computer Science.
- Landed an H-1B role, later initiated green-card processing as a safety net.
- Worked across multiple tech firms; joined Amazon in 2021.
“Even during my master’s, I told myself — I don’t want to settle here forever. But I needed stability first.”
He kept a clear long-term plan: gain global experience and target an employer with India operations to enable an internal transfer.
2️⃣ Why He Moved Back — Family & Fulfillment
Parenthood and proximity to family mattered more than the immigrant checklist.
“Even with money and comfort, something was missing. We had no family life.”
Parents saw the realities of life abroad — distance, stress, and safety concerns — reinforcing the move.
From day one, Bhanu told Amazon his career goal: transfer to India. That honesty paid off.
3️⃣ The Transition — Internal Transfer & Backup Plans
“I had plan B ready in case the transfer failed. I wasn’t waiting on luck.”
- Applied internally for India roles.
- Simultaneously interviewed with product firms after arriving in India to prove availability.
- Secured a U.K.-based product offer as a fallback; Amazon confirmed transfer soon after and covered relocation.
Tip: Create a “worst-case safety net.” Recruiters take you seriously once you’re on Indian soil.
4️⃣ Product vs Service — The Real Differences
| Aspect | Service Companies | Product Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Criteria | Legacy focus on 10th/12th marks | Problem-solving & practical projects |
| Compensation | 30–50% lower on average | Higher; often stock + flexibility |
| Work Model | Delivery targets, volume-driven | Ownership, autonomy |
| Culture | Hierarchical | Flatter, global-minded |
“If you have U.S. experience, don’t undersell yourself to service firms. Go where your skills are valued.”
Product roles aren’t automatically “easy” — mindset and communication matter more than brand names.
5️⃣ Adjusting to Indian Work Culture
He set expectations early and created a sustainable overlap with U.S. timezones.
- Works roughly 3 p.m. – midnight IST to align with U.S. teams.
- Communicated limits; agreed on balanced hours.
“Work culture isn’t the problem — expectations are.”
What Should You Sell, Ship, or Leave Behind When Moving to India?
Logistics can make or break your return experience. Bhanu's approach was ruthlessly practical: sell most things, ship only what truly matters, and buy fresh in India. Here's his complete relocation strategy:
- Sold most furniture and appliances: Used Facebook Marketplace to sell bulky items that would cost more to ship than replace.
- Shipped only high-value electronics: Focused on items like laptops, cameras, and specialized equipment that are expensive in India.
- Paid extra airline baggage for fragile items: Brought his 55-inch TV as checked baggage (with extra padding) rather than risk shipping damage.
- Timed U.S. home sale strategically: Coordinated the sale with his India arrival date and kids' school admission deadlines.
- Minimized shipping costs: Only shipped 2-3 boxes of personal items and important documents.
The math is simple: if an item costs less to replace in India than to ship from the U.S., sell it. This applies to most furniture, kitchen appliances, and household goods. For detailed guidance on shipping household goods to India, check our comprehensive guide.
Join the Inner Circle to access our vetted list of relocation and shipping partners who specialize in US-to-India moves.
7️⃣ Settling Down — Life in Hyderabad
They came with open minds — and it showed.
- Kids adapted quickly; joined an IB school and enjoy it.
- Living close to parents transformed daily life.
- Traffic and delays exist — patience and perspective help.
“Don’t compare highways in the U.S. with local roads in India. Drive slower, stay patient.”
8️⃣ Cost of Living — Honest Numbers
- Monthly expenses (family of 4): ~₹1 lakh (without EMI/rent).
- Rent in premium areas: ₹25k–₹50k+.
- Dining out: ₹3k–₹8k per family meal.
- Groceries: a fraction of U.S. costs.
“Choose product-scale pay for comfort and savings; keep housing ≤ 40% of income.”
9️⃣ His Philosophy — No Looking Back
- Stop romanticizing abroad.
- Adjust expectations to reality.
- Lead with pride and belonging.
“In the U.S., you’re an immigrant forever. In India, you’re home — act like it.”
🔟 Rapid Fire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Biggest Surprise After Return | Hyderabad’s skyline — “I thought photos were edited until I saw it myself.” |
| Favorite Indian Food | Homemade biryani — “My mom’s wins every time.” |
| Favorite Destination | Next up: Coorg |
| Best Part of India Life | “Everyone lives well — from vendor to CEO. India lets everyone belong.” |
🏁 Your Next Steps
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Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to India and Product vs Service Jobs
Q: What is the difference between product and service companies in India?
A: Product companies typically pay 30-50% more than service companies, plus stock options and better benefits. Service companies focus on delivery targets and volume-driven work with hierarchical culture, while product companies offer ownership, autonomy, and flatter organizational structures. Product companies evaluate candidates based on problem-solving and practical projects, whereas service companies often have legacy hiring criteria focused on academic marks.
Q: How do I secure an internal transfer from the US to India?
A: Declare your transfer goal early to your employer from day one. Build multiple pathways by applying internally for India roles while simultaneously interviewing with external companies. Create a "worst-case safety net" by securing backup offers before you move. Recruiters take you seriously once you're physically on Indian soil. Having multiple options gives you negotiating leverage and increases your chances of success.
Q: What is the cost of living in Hyderabad for a family of 4?
A: Budget approximately ₹1 lakh monthly for a family of 4 (excluding rent/EMI), which includes groceries, utilities, transportation, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses. Rent in premium areas like Gachibowli, Hitech City, or Kondapur ranges ₹25k-₹50k+ for a 3BHK apartment. Dining out costs ₹3k-₹8k per family meal at mid-range to upscale restaurants. International/IB schools range ₹2-₹8 lakhs annually per child, while CBSE/ICSE schools cost ₹50k-₹2 lakhs annually.
Q: Should I join a product or service company after returning to India?
A: If you have U.S. experience, product companies are generally the better choice. They value your skills and compensate you accordingly with 30-50% higher salaries plus stock options. Product companies offer ownership culture, autonomy, and flatter organizational structures that align better with Western work styles. Service companies often have outdated hiring criteria and hierarchical cultures that may not reflect your actual capabilities or provide the compensation you deserve.
Q: How do you adjust to Indian work culture after working in the US?
A: Set clear expectations from day one about your working hours and boundaries. Create a sustainable schedule that works for both you and your team — for example, working 3 p.m. to midnight IST to align with U.S. timezones. Communicate your limits clearly during the interview and onboarding process. Agree on balanced hours that respect both timezone requirements and personal life. Product companies with global teams are generally more flexible about work arrangements than traditional service companies.
Q: Is Hyderabad a good city for returning NRIs?
A: Yes, Hyderabad has emerged as one of the top destinations for returning NRIs, especially those in tech. Major tech companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple) have large offices, creating a strong professional network. The city offers modern infrastructure, international curriculum schools for kids, and a comfortable cost of living. The key to success is adjusting your expectations — you're not trying to recreate your U.S. life in India, but building a new life that combines the best of both worlds.
Q: What should I sell, ship, or leave behind when moving to India?
A: Sell most furniture and appliances via platforms like Facebook Marketplace — if an item costs less to replace in India than to ship from the U.S., sell it. Ship only high-value electronics like laptops, cameras, and specialized equipment that are expensive in India. Consider paying extra airline baggage for fragile items rather than risk shipping damage. Minimize shipping costs by only sending 2-3 boxes of personal items and important documents. Time your U.S. home sale strategically with your India arrival date and kids' school admission deadlines.
Q: Why do NRIs return to India?
A: Parenthood and proximity to family matter more than the immigrant checklist for many NRIs. After years abroad, many realize that money and comfort can't replace family connections. Living close to parents transforms daily life — grandparents help with childcare, family dinners become regular, and kids grow up with extended family. The distance, stress, and safety concerns of life abroad often reinforce the decision to return. Being transparent about your intentions with your employer from day one can open doors you didn't know existed.
✍️ Editorial Summary
Bhanu’s path shows how modern returnees can blend intention with execution: declare goals early, build options, and choose workplaces that value your experience. India isn’t a compromise — it’s completion.
“You can’t change 1.4 billion people — so change your mindset. That’s how you truly come home.”