IT Family Returns After 17 Years in the U.S. — How They Built a Life & Startup in India
After 17 years in Chicago, Shyam and his wife returned to Hyderabad in 2019 with a deliberate 5-year plan. Today, they've built a thriving startup, reconnected with family, and rediscovered spontaneous living—without missing the U.S. for a single day. Their proven strategy can guide your return journey.
IT Family Returns After 17 Years in the U.S. — How They Built a Life & Startup in India
"I didn't miss the U.S. for even a single day. That was the most surprising part." For nearly two decades, Shyam and his wife lived what most would call the American dream—thriving IT careers, financial comfort, and a settled life in Chicago. But somewhere in the comfort, life turned mechanical. In 2019, after years of deliberation, they packed up their U.S. life and came home to Hyderabad—with no return plan, no half-step, and a clear goal: to rebuild life, purpose, and connection in India.
Key Takeaways
- Plan for 3-5 years: Successful returns require deliberate planning across finances, education, career, and community—not rushed decisions.
- Keep one foot steady: Internal transfers or remote work arrangements provide stability while you adjust to life in India.
- Build your social bubble early: Finding like-minded returnees is the hidden key to successful transition—many who skip this step return abroad.
- Entrepreneurship is viable: Starting a business in India after returning is possible with patience, mentorship, and global best practices.
- Zero regrets possible: With proper planning and realistic expectations, you can return without missing your life abroad—even after 17 years.
How did this IT family spend 17 years in the U.S.?
Shyam moved to Chicago in 2003 for a master's in Computer Science. He built a steady IT career, working across multiple U.S. cities. He got married, bought a home, and had a daughter—life was stable but static.
The shift began with reflection—not dissatisfaction, but a realization that achievement isn't the same as fulfillment. Like many NRIs who spend decades abroad, they had checked all the boxes of success but felt something fundamental was missing—the warmth of family, the spontaneity of community, and the sense of truly belonging somewhere. This emotional journey is common among those considering returning to India after years abroad.
Why did they decide to move back to India after 17 years?
1. Family First
The couple wanted their daughter, Nia, to grow up knowing her grandparents—to form the same multigenerational bond they once had. This family-first approach aligns with India's cultural values and is increasingly common among the growing NRI community choosing to return.
2. Belonging
Despite 17 years abroad, the U.S. never felt like "home." Festivals were solo efforts, social circles transient. India's collective energy was irreplaceable. Many returnees cite this sense of belonging as a primary reason for why NRIs choose to return to India.
3. Breaking the Routine
They longed for a life that felt alive—spontaneous, people-driven, connected.
4. The 60-Year Vision
The question wasn't "Why go back?" It became "Why not now?" This long-term thinking is what separates successful returnees from those who struggle—they're not running away from something, but moving toward a life they actively want to build.
How do you plan a successful return to India?
The decision wasn't overnight. Between 2014 and 2019, they built a detailed plan focusing on three critical pillars:
| Pillar | Focus | Actions Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Child's Education | Quality schooling, environment | Researched top IB and CBSE schools in Hyderabad; shortlisted before move |
| Financial Readiness | Security and debt-free base | Bought a house 3 years before returning, fully paid; built savings for 3–5 years of cushion |
| Career Transition | Minimizing professional shock | Wife arranged an internal transfer; Shyam designed a hybrid plan to consult for his U.S. firm remotely while starting his own company |
👉 Start your structured relocation blueprint: Financial Transition Blueprint
👉 Plan your return with a 30-min support session: 30-Minute Consultation Call
If you're wondering how to plan your return to India, this structured approach is your blueprint. The key is starting early and addressing each pillar systematically rather than trying to solve everything at once.
What are the best career transition strategies when returning to India?
Shilpa's MNC Transfer
She worked in a global consulting firm that allowed relocation within the organization—a smooth landing.
Shyam's Transition
As VP of Engineering, he negotiated a contractor role with his U.S. firm while setting up his own company in India. This approach let him maintain work culture consistency while navigating Indian systems.
👉 Career Transition Strategy for Returnees: 60-Minute Consultation Call
Many NRIs worry about career opportunities when returning to India, but with strategic planning, you can maintain income stability while exploring new opportunities. The key is not burning bridges but building new ones while keeping the old intact.
Can you start a successful startup in India after returning?
Once settled, Shyam launched his own IT product and services startup in Hyderabad, hiring locally and mentoring young engineers. Starting a business in India after years abroad comes with unique challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities. If you're exploring entrepreneurship opportunities for NRI returnees, this journey offers valuable lessons.
He noticed:
- Indian teams work fast but need structure and mentorship: The talent is there, but systematic processes and clear communication frameworks are essential.
- Quality delivery depends on communication discipline: Setting expectations clearly upfront prevents the "jugad" approach that can derail projects.
- Startups thrive when guided by global best practices: Your international experience is your competitive advantage—use it to build companies that can compete globally.
According to the Government of India's Startup India initiative, the country has become the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, making it an ideal time for returnees to launch ventures. The Startup India program provides tax benefits, easier compliance, and funding support for new entrepreneurs.
What is life like in India after returning from the U.S.?
The first few months felt like coming home—no nostalgia, no regret.
✅ What Worked Instantly
- Emotional closeness and community living
- Affordable help and reduced mental load
- Vibrant social life with spontaneous plans and festivals
⚠️ What Needed Adjustment
- Inconsistent service quality ("jugad" fixes everywhere)
- Need for patience—delayed timelines, last-minute culture
- Managing staff, schools, and bureaucracy personally
What are the unexpected challenges of returning to India?
Healthcare Navigation
India's healthcare is world-class but not standardized: outcomes depend heavily on the doctor.
He advises creating networks for:
- Trusted doctors and hospitals
- Reliable schools and local service providers
- Emergency and backup contacts
👉 Consult verified healthcare & insurance partners: All Services
Healthcare navigation is one of the most underestimated challenges when returning to India. Unlike the U.S. where insurance and hospital systems are standardized, India requires you to build personal networks of trusted providers. Start this process before you move, not after an emergency. Understanding healthcare and insurance options for NRIs returning to India is crucial for a smooth transition.
Will you miss living in the U.S. after returning to India?
Their daughter adapted quickly, Shyam rediscovered cricket, and life regained spontaneity. This is the surprising reality for many well-planned returnees—the things you think you'll miss often fade away when replaced by deeper connections and purpose.
The mechanical routine of weekends spent on chores and planned activities gave way to spontaneous living. Family dinners happen without scheduling weeks in advance. Festivals feel communal again, not like solo efforts to maintain culture in isolation.
What are the key insights from this return journey?
| Question | Shyam's Answer |
|---|---|
| Biggest Surprise After Return | "That I didn't miss the U.S. even for a day." |
| Favorite Destination | Goa — "Connectivity, balance, and food." |
| Favorite Restaurant | Sanctuary (Hyderabad) |
| Best Part of India Life | "Organic living. I feel time again—not just routine." |
What are the most important lessons for NRIs planning to return?
Plan in Layers
Focus on finances, schools, work, and community. Don't try to solve everything at once. Break your planning into manageable phases over 3-5 years, addressing one pillar at a time while keeping the big picture in mind.
Minimize Unknowns
Secure a familiar income source early. Keep one foot steady while the other explores. Whether through internal transfers, remote work, or consulting arrangements, maintaining financial stability reduces stress and gives you bandwidth to adjust to everything else.
Build Your Bubble
Like-minded returnees change everything. Find your community early. Join returnee groups, expat communities, and professional networks before you move. This social foundation often determines whether your return succeeds or fails.
Prepare Mentally
The emotional reset is harder than the logistics. Give yourself time to adjust. Expect a recalibration period of 6-12 months where things feel different. This is normal and temporary—don't make major decisions during this phase.
Accept Imperfection
Chaos and warmth often coexist here. Embrace the trade-offs. You're not moving to a perfect system—you're moving to a place with different strengths. Focus on what you gain (family, community, spontaneity) rather than what you lose (systematic processes, cleaner air).
These lessons apply whether you're considering moving back to India for tech jobs in Bangalore or exploring entrepreneurship in Hyderabad. The fundamentals of successful return remain the same: plan deliberately, maintain stability, build community, and embrace the journey.
🏁 Your Next Steps
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How important is building a social circle when returning to India?
They met other U.S. returnees within their community—creating a circle with shared values and global exposure. This network became essential for emotional stability and daily support.
👉 Join the Inner Circle Community of Returnees: Inner Circle Membership
Building a strong social network is often more important than financial planning. If you're looking for the best cities in India for NRI returnees, consider not just job opportunities but also the presence of returnee communities that can provide this crucial support system.