1️⃣ From Bangalore to Wall Street and Back

  • Career Start: Goldman Sachs, Bangalore (2010–2013).
  • Education: M.S. in Mathematics of Finance, Columbia University, New York.
  • Career Path: JP Morgan → Big Four consulting (Quant & Finance Advisory).
  • Milestone: Received I-140 approval in 2017 (EB-2 category) — the last step before a green card.
"When I realized my U.S. green card wait could be 80 years, I knew I couldn't tie my life to paperwork."

That realization sparked a reevaluation: Did she want to keep waiting in line or reclaim control over her career and creativity?

2️⃣ Why Return to India? Flexibility, Family & Freedom

"In the U.S., I was successful but boxed in. I couldn't pursue creative interests or side projects because of visa limits."

As an H-1B visa holder, she couldn't monetize hobbies, start a side business, or consult independently — only her full-time employer defined her identity. Meanwhile, parenthood changed priorities.

"Motherhood made me rethink what freedom means — not just financial, but emotional."

So, she and her husband created a two-year plan to test life in India while keeping options open abroad. This strategic approach allowed them to maintain their green card eligibility while exploring life in India.

3️⃣ How to Plan a Two-Year Return to India

Shivy's company supported her international transfer under the EB-1C multinational executive track, giving her global career continuity while meeting green card eligibility requirements. This immigration pathway is ideal for professionals who want to work in India temporarily while maintaining their US immigration status.

"I moved to Bangalore in 2019 with my 1.5-year-old daughter. My husband stayed in the U.S. to manage work, visiting every few months."

Her in-laws joined her to help care for their daughter, creating a powerful family support system. This multi-generational approach is one of the biggest advantages of returning to India with young children.

"It wasn't easy, but it was worth it — my child grew up surrounded by grandparents and festivals instead of screens."

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4️⃣ Work Culture Differences: U.S. vs. India

What are the real work culture differences between US and India? Shivy compares her years in both countries, offering one of the most honest assessments of professional culture differences that every NRI considering a return needs to understand.

🔹 1. How Do Work Hours and Boundaries Differ?

Aspect U.S. India
Work Hours Structured, 8–5 or hybrid Fluid; late-night calls common
Manager Access Email or scheduled calls Managers text or call anytime
Personal Time Respected Often blurred
"In India, your boss might call you at 10 p.m. — in the U.S., that's unthinkable."

🔹 2. Is Work-Life Balance Better in US or India?

  • U.S.: Weekend work is rare and boundaries are respected.
  • India: Weekend calls and "urgent" meetings are normalized, making it harder to disconnect.
"Weekdays blur into weekends — it's harder to 'switch off.'"

This is one of the most significant work-life balance differences between India and US that professionals experience after returning.

🔹 3. How Does Workplace Hierarchy Differ?

  • India: Tenure still defines respect — 25 years of experience often outweighs results.
  • U.S.: Merit and clarity are rewarded earlier in your career, regardless of age.
"Seniority often outweighs innovation in India. It's changing, but slowly."

🔹 4. What's It Like for Women in the Workplace?

"India has brilliant women in tech — but we still fight the perception that we're diversity hires."

In finance and consulting, gender bias remains subtle but systemic. According to research on women in India's workforce, representation in leadership roles is still significantly lower than in Western countries.

"If a woman succeeds, people say she's there for diversity. If a man succeeds, it's merit. That mindset shift will take a generation."

5️⃣ How COVID Changed Work Culture in India

"When COVID hit, everything changed overnight — firms had to trust employees remotely."

Working from home broke India's obsession with "face time." Today, many multinationals retain flexible hybrid setups, improving work-life balance. This shift has made remote work in India more acceptable and mainstream.

"I used to take a 7 a.m. train daily — now I ask myself, how did I ever survive that?"

Her key learning: Proximity matters when you do need to go to the office.

"If you're moving back, live within 5–10 minutes of your office or daycare. Bangalore traffic can test your sanity."

This is critical advice for anyone planning to relocate to Bangalore from the US — traffic congestion can significantly impact your quality of life.

6️⃣ Building a Side Business in India vs. US

"I wanted to try something new — content creation was exploding in 2019."

One major advantage of returning to India? You can finally pursue side businesses and creative projects without visa restrictions. While in India, she launched a skincare YouTube channel that gained 50,000+ followers and viral traction. But the returns didn't justify the effort.

"I'd get ₹10,000 per brand video — not worth the time. In finance, that's an hour's pay."

When she moved back to the U.S. in 2021, she pivoted her brand toward career, finance, and education consulting, using her expertise to mentor professionals worldwide. This experience highlights the importance of financial planning for NRIs who want to build multiple income streams.

"Now, I help young professionals plan global careers and manage finances — my side hustle evolved into impact."

Explore guided career & finance sessions →

7️⃣ Practical Tips for NRIs Moving to India

"Don't move back impulsively — test the waters first."

How Should You Prepare for Moving Back to India?

  • Rent, don't buy. Use furniture rentals for the first year to maintain flexibility.
  • Expect chaos. The first six months are emotional and logistical adjustment — this is normal.
  • Manage help, don't rely on it. House staff require supervision and clear communication.
  • Accept imperfection. Dust, delays, and differences are real — patience is key to adaptation.
  • Maintain US financial ties. Keep your US bank accounts and credit cards active for flexibility.
"The first year is your experiment — don't decide for life in month one."

For comprehensive guidance on the transition process, explore our complete guide to returning to India from the US.

8️⃣ Career Mindset for Global Professionals

"I'm 35, and I don't believe in 'settling down.' Life is an adventure — not a deadline."

She emphasizes that both ambition and adaptability can coexist in a successful international career:

  • Keep learning new skills regardless of your age or seniority level.
  • Stay open to new geographies — your career doesn't have to be tied to one country.
  • Don't wait till retirement to live — integrate experiences into your current life.
  • Build portable skills that work across borders and industries.
"We tell ourselves we'll write, travel, or paint when we retire. But arthritis doesn't care about your bucket list."

Her family's motto: "Stability is good. Stagnation isn't." This philosophy is essential for NRI career planning in an uncertain world.

9️⃣ Staying Flexible in Your Career Journey

"Will we stay in the U.S.? Maybe. Return to India? Maybe. Move to the U.K.? Also maybe."

She views geography as a tool — not a cage. This flexible mindset is increasingly important as remote work and global mobility reshape career possibilities.

"We go where growth and happiness align. India will always be home, but adventure keeps us alive."

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🔟 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main work culture differences between US and India?

A: The main work culture differences include boundaries and work hours. In the U.S., work hours are structured (typically 8-5 or hybrid schedules), and personal time is respected. Managers communicate via email or scheduled calls. In India, work hours are more fluid with late-night calls being common. Managers may text or call anytime, and personal time boundaries are often blurred. Weekend work is rare in the U.S., but weekend calls and "urgent" meetings are normalized in India, making it harder to switch off. Additionally, hierarchy matters more in India where tenure still defines respect, while the U.S. rewards merit and results earlier in your career.

Q: Can I keep my US job while living in India?

A: Yes, you can keep your US job while living in India through an international transfer. Shivy's company supported her international transfer under the EB-1C multinational executive track, giving her global career continuity while meeting green card eligibility requirements. This immigration pathway is ideal for professionals who want to work in India temporarily while maintaining their US immigration status. However, you'll need your employer's support and the right visa category. Many multinational companies now offer flexible arrangements, especially post-COVID, that allow employees to work from India for extended periods.

Q: How long should I plan to stay in India before deciding permanently?

A: You should plan for at least a two-year test period before making permanent decisions. Shivy and her husband created a two-year plan to test life in India while keeping options open abroad. As she advises, "The first year is your experiment — don't decide for life in month one." The first six months are emotional and logistical adjustment, so you need time beyond that initial period to truly evaluate if the move works for your family and career. This timeframe allows you to experience different seasons, festivals, work cycles, and life situations before committing long-term.

Q: Is work-life balance better in the US or India?

A: Work-life balance is generally better in the U.S. due to stronger boundaries and structured work hours. In the U.S., weekend work is rare and boundaries are respected. In India, weekend calls and "urgent" meetings are normalized, making it harder to disconnect. As Shivy explains, "Weekdays blur into weekends — it's harder to 'switch off.'" However, post-COVID hybrid work has improved work-life balance in India significantly. Working from home broke India's obsession with "face time," and today many multinationals retain flexible hybrid setups. The key is choosing the right company culture and, if you need to go to the office, living within 5-10 minutes of your workplace to avoid traffic stress.

Q: What should I know about moving to Bangalore from the US?

A: If you're moving to Bangalore from the US, proximity to your office or daycare is crucial. As Shivy advises, "If you're moving back, live within 5–10 minutes of your office or daycare. Bangalore traffic can test your sanity." Other practical tips include: rent furniture instead of buying for the first year to maintain flexibility, expect chaos during the first six months of emotional and logistical adjustment, be prepared to manage house staff rather than rely on them completely, and accept imperfection as dust, delays, and differences are real. Most importantly, maintain your US financial ties by keeping your US bank accounts and credit cards active for flexibility.

Q: How does the green card wait time affect career planning for Indians?

A: The green card wait time significantly impacts career planning for Indian professionals. Shivy received her I-140 approval in 2017 under the EB-2 category, which was the last step before a green card. However, as she realized, "When I realized my U.S. green card wait could be 80 years, I knew I couldn't tie my life to paperwork." That realization sparked a reevaluation of whether to keep waiting in line or reclaim control over her career and creativity. The extreme wait times force many Indian professionals to consider alternatives like the EB-1C multinational executive track, which allows international transfers while maintaining green card eligibility, or returning to India where they have more freedom to pursue side businesses and creative projects without visa restrictions.

Q: What are the advantages of returning to India for NRI professionals?

A: The main advantages of returning to India include freedom from visa restrictions, family support systems, and the ability to pursue side businesses. As an H-1B visa holder in the US, you cannot monetize hobbies, start a side business, or consult independently — only your full-time employer defines your identity. In India, you can finally pursue side businesses and creative projects without these restrictions. Additionally, returning to India provides powerful family support, especially for young children. As Shivy shares, "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it — my child grew up surrounded by grandparents and festivals instead of screens." Her in-laws joined her to help care for their daughter, creating a multi-generational support system that's difficult to replicate abroad.

Q: How has COVID changed work culture in India?

A: COVID fundamentally changed work culture in India by breaking the obsession with "face time" and proving that remote work is viable. As Shivy explains, "When COVID hit, everything changed overnight — firms had to trust employees remotely." Working from home broke India's traditional requirement to be physically present in the office. Today, many multinationals retain flexible hybrid setups, significantly improving work-life balance. Shivy reflects on the change: "I used to take a 7 a.m. train daily — now I ask myself, how did I ever survive that?" This shift has made remote work in India more acceptable and mainstream, giving professionals more flexibility in how and where they work.

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✍️ Editorial Summary

Shivy's journey captures the essence of modern global professionals — rooted in India, refined abroad, and restless for purpose. Her story is less about "returning" and more about realigning — redefining freedom, family, and fulfillment beyond borders.

"India taught me roots. The U.S. taught me wings. Together, they taught me balance."