Life in India After 17 Years in Canada: One Year Update from Kolkata — Challenges, Financial Planning & Career Lessons
Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after 17 years abroad. In this honest 1-year update, he shares the real challenges — weather adjustment, financial planning, health insurance importance, and finding leadership jobs through networking. His key message: 'There is hope. The country has changed. There are ample opportunities.'
Life in India After 17 Years in Canada: One Year Update from Kolkata — Challenges, Financial Planning & Career Lessons
Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after spending 17 years abroad. In this honest follow-up interview, he shares what life has really been like — the weather challenges, financial planning lessons, health insurance importance, finding leadership jobs through networking, and why despite everything, there's still hope and opportunity in India.
Key Highlights from Abhishek's 1-Year Update
- Moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after 17 years abroad
- Deliberately chose summer for the move to save on relocation costs
- Lived on savings for the first few months before finding work
- Recommends minimum 3 months of savings before moving
- 20% savings rule: Save 20% of salary immediately after stabilizing
- Health insurance is critical due to 11-13% medical inflation in India
- Networking is the only way to find leadership positions
- India has changed dramatically — accept this reality quickly
- Still misses Canada at times, especially during weather transitions
- Describes his India experience in one word: "Experimentation"
The Message of Hope: "There is hope. The country has changed. There are ample opportunities. If you tap at the right avenue, if you knock at the right door, you will be able to see the opportunity." — Abhishek's encouraging words for NRIs considering the move.
Life in India: Exciting Yet Challenging
It's been almost a year and a half since Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata after spending 17 years abroad. When asked how life has been, his answer captures the essence of the NRI return experience:
This balanced perspective — acknowledging both the excitement and the challenges — is what makes Abhishek's story so valuable for NRIs considering the move. He doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties, but he also doesn't let them overshadow the opportunities.
The Weather Challenge: Why He Chose Summer
The foremost challenge Abhishek faced was something he had technically prepared for but still found difficult: the weather.
But here's the interesting part — he deliberately chose summer for the move. Why?
Why Summer is Better for Moving to India
- Lower costs: Flight tickets are cheaper in summer
- Less competition: Winter months are peak season for travel
- Faster adaptation: Get the hardest weather adjustment done first
- Avoid festival rush: Winter has more festivals, exhibitions, and social events
India Has Changed: Accept This Reality Quickly
One of the most important lessons Abhishek shares is about managing expectations. After 17 years abroad, the India in your mind is not the India you'll return to.
What has changed?
How India Has Transformed
- Digital India: UPI payments, digital services, online everything
- GST system: New taxation structure affecting expenses
- Social dynamics: Neighbors have changed, new generation has emerged
- Cost of living: Inflation has significantly impacted expenses
- Medical costs: Healthcare inflation at 11-13% annually
Abhishek and his wife approached this with openness: "We both were open to this change. Of course, we found glimpses of our childhood years, but at the same time, we have to adapt to the new things."
The 3-Month Savings Rule: Don't Move Without It
Abhishek's most practical advice for anyone planning to move to India is about savings:
Why 3 months specifically?
Why 3 Months of Savings is Essential
- Uneven initial expenses: First 3 months have unpredictable costs
- Setup costs: Buying things, setting up home, groceries
- Job search buffer: Time to find the right opportunity
- Adjustment period: Understanding your real budget takes time
The key insight: Don't wait passively for opportunities. Use the savings buffer to actively search while you have financial security.
Planning Your Return to India?
Calculate your savings needs, understand the cost of living in different Indian cities, and create a personalized financial plan for your return.
Do You Miss Canada? The Honest Answer
When asked if he misses Canada, Abhishek gives a refreshingly honest answer:
The challenges that trigger these feelings:
When NRIs Miss Their Adopted Country
- Relationship rebuilding: Having to equilibrate relationships at every domain — personal and professional
- Pace of things: Things don't move at the speed you desire
- Emotional differences: EQs are very different between India and Canada
- Weather transitions: Missing snow during winter, struggling with humidity in summer
- Things not going your way: Many times things were not happening to our liking
This honesty is valuable because it normalizes the experience. Missing your adopted country doesn't mean you made the wrong decision — it's a natural part of the transition.
Financial Planning: The 20% Savings Rule
Abhishek emphasizes that financial planning is critical in "new India" — without it, you won't be able to combat general inflation, medical inflation, or any other kind of inflation.
The First 3 Months: Expect Uneven Expenses
Don't try to budget strictly in the first 3 months after arrival:
After Stabilizing: The 20% Rule
Once you've stabilized (typically after 3 months), implement this formula:
Abhishek's Financial Planning Formula
| Priority | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Save 20% of salary | Immediately after receiving salary, before any spending |
| 2 | Health Insurance | Start early to complete the 1-year waiting period |
| 3 | Start SIPs | Even ₹500/month works — compound interest is magic |
| 4 | Emergency Fund | Liquid cash for medical emergencies |
| 5 | Retirement Planning | Only after basics are covered |
The beauty of this formula is that it works at any income level:
Health Insurance: Why It's Non-Negotiable
Abhishek's strongest advice is about health insurance. He admits he wasn't a believer before, but India's medical inflation changed his mind.
The Reality of Medical Costs
The Waiting Period Trap
Here's the critical insight most people miss:
⚠️ Critical Advice: Get health insurance immediately after moving to India — even if you're healthy. The 1-year waiting period means you need to start early to be covered when you actually need it.
For more on health insurance options, see our comprehensive guide on health insurance for NRIs moving back to India.
Investment Strategy: SIPs and Emergency Funds
Abhishek notes that investment options have evolved since he left India in 2008:
The Investment Priority Order
Abhishek's Investment Checklist
- Regular SIPs: For long-term savings — start with even ₹500/month
- Liquid cash: Medical emergency fund for uncertainties
- Health insurance: To cover hospitalization costs
- Retirement plan: Only after the basics are built
What NOT to Bring from Abroad
When it comes to physical assets, Abhishek has practical advice:
What to bring: Emotional items like photographs and things with sentimental value. What to leave: Electronics and items that won't work with India's electrical system.
Finding Leadership Jobs Through Networking
Abhishek's career advice is perhaps the most valuable part of his experience. At 40+, he was looking for leadership positions, not entry-level jobs.
The Networking Mistake Most NRIs Make
Here's the critical insight:
Why? Because most advertised jobs are entry-level. Leadership positions come through networking — and that networking needs to happen while you're still abroad.
Abhishek's Networking Strategy
- Never detach from your network: Stay in touch with former colleagues throughout your time abroad
- Follow peer growth: Know who got promoted, what institutions are doing well
- Stay updated: Follow industry news, salary structures, pros and cons
- Use LinkedIn: Keep the networking going on professional platforms
- Don't ask for jobs: Network by asking "What are you doing? How are things?"
Key Insight: "The next job is actually hidden there [in your network]. That's all I would say."
For more on career transitions, see our guide on choosing between product and service jobs when returning to India.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in India
For those who don't want a traditional 9-to-5 job, Abhishek highlights the growing startup ecosystem:
Not everyone has a family business to join, and not everyone wants a corporate job. The avenues for entrepreneurship are much easier now than when Abhishek left India in 2008.
Opportunities in India for NRIs
- For-profit sector: Plenty of opportunities in corporate roles
- Not-for-profit sector: Growing opportunities in NGOs and social enterprises
- Hybrid models: Institutions that combine both (like schools with social missions)
- Startups: Easier regulations and growing ecosystem
Abhishek himself works in a hybrid institution: "I am working in an institution which is kind of a hybrid of for-profit because it runs a school, and also not-for-profit. So I'm learning from both the domains."
Know the Taxation System
Abhishek emphasizes the importance of understanding India's taxation system before and after moving:
Documentation Checklist for Returning NRIs
- PAN Card: Essential for all financial transactions
- Aadhaar Card: Required for many services
- Bank accounts: Convert NRE/NRO to resident accounts
- Tax knowledge: Understand income tax filing requirements
For detailed guidance on taxation, see our article on the new Indian Tax Bill 2025 and its impact on NRIs.
The Message of Hope
Despite all the challenges, Abhishek's overall message is one of hope and encouragement:
Abhishek's Encouraging Words
His advice to NRIs considering the move:
One Word to Describe Life in India
When asked to summarize his India experience in one word, Abhishek chose:
"Experimentation" — "At every step, I have seen it's not a feeling that 'I have achieved this, so this is done.' At every step, I'm opening a new box and experimenting with it. The results are unknown, but it's falling into my favor. So it's an ongoing experimentation."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much savings should I have before moving to India from abroad?
According to Abhishek's experience, you should have at least 3 months of savings before moving to India. This buffer helps you navigate the surprises and unexpected expenses during the initial settling period. The first 3 months after arrival will have very uneven expenses as you buy things, set up your home, and adjust to the new cost of living. Only after stabilizing can you understand your real budget.
Q: What percentage of salary should NRIs save after moving to India?
Abhishek recommends saving 20% of your salary immediately after you stabilize (typically after the first 3 months). His formula: 20% goes to savings, then prioritize health insurance, start SIPs (you can begin with as low as ₹500/month), maintain liquid cash for medical emergencies, and only then think about retirement planning. His mantra: "First health, then wealth."
Q: Why is health insurance critical for NRIs returning to India?
India's medical inflation is 11-13% annually — much higher than other countries. Abhishek warns: "A single hospitalization will take away everything you've saved — it could be something as simple as a dental procedure or gallstone removal." Important: Start health insurance early because most policies have a 1-year waiting period before you can claim.
Q: How can NRIs find leadership jobs in India?
Don't wait until you move to India to start networking. Most advertised jobs are entry-level; leadership positions come through networking. Maintain your professional network while abroad — stay in touch with former colleagues, follow their career growth, learn about industry changes. Use LinkedIn actively. Without networking, "you are actually Mr. No One" when you land in India.
Q: What are the biggest challenges when moving from Canada to India?
Key challenges include: 1) Weather adjustment — summers are extremely hot after years in Canada. 2) India has changed dramatically with Digital India, GST, and new systems. 3) Relationships need rebuilding — neighbors have changed, a new generation has emerged. 4) Things don't move at the speed you desire. 5) Emotional quotients (EQs) are very different between India and Canada.
Q: Is it better to move to India in summer or winter?
Abhishek chose summer despite the heat challenge because: Winter months have higher expenses — flight tickets are expensive, and it's peak season for festivals and socializing. Moving in summer helps you "get adapted quickly" to the weather while saving money on relocation costs.
Q: What investment options should returning NRIs consider in India?
Priority order: 1) Build 3 months of savings before moving. 2) After stabilizing, save 20% of salary monthly. 3) Get health insurance immediately. 4) Start SIPs — even ₹500/month works. 5) Maintain liquid cash for medical emergencies. 6) Only then plan for retirement. The key is to "start early" regardless of income level.
Q: Are there entrepreneurship opportunities for NRIs in India?
Yes, Abhishek highlights that startup possibilities have "skyrocketed in India with new set of rules." There are opportunities in for-profit, not-for-profit, and hybrid sectors. His advice: Know the taxation system, get your documentation ready (PAN, Aadhaar), and pursue your interest while leveraging your professional network.
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Abhishek's journey shows that returning to India requires careful planning — from savings to health insurance to networking. Whether you're considering a move in 6 months or 6 years, having a structured plan makes all the difference.
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