Real Return Story

Mom with 2 Kids Returns to India After 6 Years in US: Entrepreneur Journey to Pune

Mani's journey from Mumbai career woman to US stay-at-home mom to Indian entrepreneur—and how her 7-year-old son went from crying at the airport to saying "I love Pune."

Published: January 25, 2024 • 16 min read

Real Return Story US to India Kids Adjustment Pune Entrepreneur

Key Insights from This Story

6 years in New Jersey with two children
Son moved at 8 months, returned at age 7
Younger son born July 4th (American Independence Day!)
Internal transfer solved the job challenge
Cambridge board chosen for smoother school transition
Now entrepreneur with 200K Facebook followers

The Mumbai Beginning

Mani and her husband were a typical working couple in Mumbai, hustling with the city, the local trains, and spending hours in travel to offices.

The Daily Grind

Left home at 7 AM
Returned by 7 PM
12 hours away from home daily
Baby with nanny all day
Constant "mom guilt"

"I am a person who never wanted to give up career. I was like 'I'm never going to move anywhere, I'm not leaving my job.' But that mom guilt was so big."

The Decision to Move

When their son was 8 months old, Mani's husband got an on-site opportunity in the US.

Despite her career commitment, Mani surprised everyone:

"My husband was like 'what's wrong with you? You never wanted to leave your job!' I said 'I just want to be with my son, I want to see him grow. We'll come back, I'll join my job again.'"

Her company agreed to take her back at the same position whenever she returned.

Life in the US

The family moved to New Jersey and spent 6 years there.

Initial Challenges

First few months: Very lonely
Summers: Good—road trips, going out
Winters: "House arrested" due to harsh New Jersey weather
Feeling unproductive: "What am I doing? Just taking care of the kid, nothing else"

What She Loved About the US

Independence and infrastructure
Road trips during summers
Son's school teachers and therapists—"so good, so generous, so kind"
Visited India twice in first 2 years (sister's and sister-in-law's weddings)

⚠️ Son's Speech Delay

By age 3, their son wasn't speaking. They were very worried.

Got him into early intervention
Received therapy
By age 3.5-4, he started speaking
Evaluated for autism spectrum—thankfully everything was fine
He just "blossomed very late"

Note: People in India said it was because "there's nobody to interact with in the US, no family." Mani didn't fully believe this—she felt there had to be biological reasons too.

"If you spend like more than 2-3 years, it's like a magnet—you don't want to leave that place. And that happened to us."

The Trigger Points

The decision to return wasn't sudden—it built up over time.

The Lingering Thought

Every Indian living abroad has this thought in the back of their mind:

"What if something happens to parents there? What if something wrong happens?"

COVID Impact

Parents alone in India during pandemic
Calling them 3-4 times a day to check if they're okay
Even a little sneeze caused panic
Husband is the only son—parents were elderly and alone

The "Sitting on the Fence" Dilemma

After COVID, they noticed:

Friends buying houses
Friends buying properties
Friends moving into independent houses

Meanwhile, they were stuck:

Couldn't buy a house in the US
Couldn't go back to India
Spent 2 years sitting on the fence

The Financial Reality

A common concern for NRIs:

"The kind of salary you earn there, you cannot match it in India. Somehow we were very mentally prepared with the idea that we would have to compromise somewhere on the salary part."

The July 4th Baby

In 2021, Mani conceived. In July 2022, her younger son was born on July 4th—American Independence Day!

Friends joked: "You guys are supposed to be here since your younger one was born on Independence Day!"

But the family had already made up their minds after COVID in 2021—they were going back to India.

Job Transition Challenges

Finding a job in India while sitting in the US proved difficult.

The Struggle

Tried for 6 months to get interview calls
Out of 5 applications, only 1 would go through to interview
Companies don't take you seriously when you're applying from abroad
Even considered going jobless and starting from scratch

"If you're in the US and you're trying to find a job in India, it's very difficult to get calls."

💡 The Solution: Internal Transfer

Eventually, the husband got an internal shift within his company.

They were given a choice of location—North India or any city of their choice.

They chose Pune.

Why Pune?

Originally from Northern India but didn't want to go there
Had lived in Mumbai—liked Maharashtra's work culture
Didn't want the hustle-bustle of a metro like Mumbai
Pune: "Perfect combination of a big town and a small town"
Comforts of small town + luxuries of big town
Climate: Cooler than many other places

Move Logistics

Mani shares practical tips from their move experience.

What They Packed

Packed 6 years of life into 8 suitcases
Did NOT bring electronics (regret this now)
Did NOT use cargo shipping
Just clothes and essentials

⚠️ What They Wish They'd Brought

Item	US Price	India Price
75-inch TV	$200-300 (Black Friday)	₹1.5 lakhs for 65-inch
Coach bags	$100-120 on sale	Super expensive
Michael Kors bags	Affordable on sale	Very expensive
Kids' toys	High quality available	Quality differs significantly

Tip: Even after customs duty and shipping, electronics from the US are often cheaper than buying in India.

What Others Brought

Friends who shipped via cargo brought:

Furniture (most economical via ship)
Cardboard slides for kids
Quality toys not available in India
Branded items

Kids' Adjustment

This was Mani's biggest worry—and the most emotional part of the journey.

The Airport Moment

At the airport, her 7-year-old son said:

"Mama, I want to go back home."

Mani asked: "Which home?"

"Mama, the home in US. Mama, I want to go back there. I want to go to my home."

Mani burst into tears. For that little boy, the US was his home—and he had to leave it.

Initial Challenges

Day 2: Mosquito bit him. He cried: "Why so many bugs in India? I want to go back to USA—there are no bugs there!"
This was the only thing that "bugged" him initially

The Transformation

8 months later, the same boy says:

"I don't want to go back to US. I love Pune. I don't want to go anywhere—let's go back to Pune!"

Even when visiting grandparents, he asks: "When are we going back to Pune?"

Why He Adjusted Well

Got him at the right age—7 years old
Not old enough to have deep knowledge of "worldly things"
Chose the right school (Cambridge board)
Teachers are considerate
Good balance of academics and extracurriculars
He's happy—that's what matters most

Language Challenge

The son still cannot speak Hindi—only English with a total American accent.

8 months in India, still lagging in Hindi
Parents talk to him in Hindi
He understands but responds in English
Mani feels: "That's fine—he's been so brave and transitioned so smoothly"

School Board Selection

Choosing the right school board was crucial for a smooth transition.

Why NOT CBSE/ICSE

Son had done Pre-K through Grade 1 in the US
CBSE/ICSE would be too aggressive academically
Difficult to cope with sudden change in structure

Why NOT IB Board

IB is more activity-oriented
Perfect for those planning to go back to the US
But they plan to stay in India
After 12th, son will face Indian competition
Needs some academic grounding

Why Cambridge Board

Cambridge board is the "middle path":

Balance between academics and extracurriculars
Has some CBSE/ICSE curriculum elements
Has extracurricular focus like IB
12th board affiliated to UK/Cambridge
Kids are equipped for competitive exams if needed
Smoother transition from US curriculum

"My prerogative was never to send my son into that race. I don't believe in that race. I don't want my son to go for IIT or IAS—whatever he wants to do, he's free. Living in the US for 6 years has changed my mindset totally."

Entrepreneur Journey

Mani didn't return to a traditional job—she became an entrepreneur.

The Background

As H4 spouse, couldn't work in the US
Always had the drive to do something on her own
In 2020, started a Facebook page about kids' activities
Focus: Fine motor, gross motor, cognitive skills
Page grew to 30K in 6 months
Now a group of 200K followers

The Perfect Setup

Mani planned her return carefully:

Husband: Works remotely from home
Mani: Runs business from home
School: 5 minutes away, bus comes to building
Full-time maid: Help with household
No traffic commute for anyone

"If you create this kind of lifestyle in India, believe me, it is 100 times better than being in the US."

India's Convenience Advantage

Zomato, Swiggy: Food delivery at doorstep
Everything delivered: Pin to plane in 5 minutes
No wasting time at grocery stores
Full-time house help available

Settling Down

The family moved fast to establish roots.

Timeline

Arrived: Moved into rental apartment
Within 1 month: Started house hunting
Bought apartment: In the same building as rental!
Interior work: Customized everything
Puja planned: 21st of the month

"The feeling is so satisfying—having your own house, decking it up your own way. Every single thing we've customized as per us."

The Mindset Shift

In the US, there was always uncertainty (especially on H1B):

Always in doubt
Didn't want to live in uncertainty
Wanted to settle down
Get own house, deck it up, get a car—"that's how we settle"

Advice for NRI Parents

Move When Kids Are Young

Move when kids are in early years—it's easier on everyone. Once they become 10-12+ (teenagers), there will be cultural shock and questions you won't have answers to.

Coming Back is Not Punishment

Many think returning to India will lower their standard of living. It's all about how you create your life. With family nearby, festivals, common culture—there's a lot to enjoy.

Plan Your Lifestyle

If you can work remotely, have school nearby, and get household help—India can be 100 times better than the US.

Choose the Right School Board

For US-return kids, Cambridge board offers a good middle ground between academic rigor and activity focus.

"Make up your mind—if you have to settle there, that's good, your priority. If you have to come back to India, that's even better. Whatever you're doing, it's a wonderful thing."

Key Takeaways

Mani's Journey Summary

Mom guilt drove the initial US move
6 years in New Jersey with two sons
COVID and parent concerns triggered return decision
Internal transfer solved the job challenge
Pune chosen for work culture and balance
Cambridge board for smoother school transition
7-year-old adjusted within months
Entrepreneur with 200K followers
Bought house within months of arrival

Planning Your Return with Kids?

Connect with other NRI parents who have navigated school transitions and kids' adjustment. Share experiences and learn from each other.

Join the Desi Return Community →

Ready to Plan Your Family's Return?

Get guidance on school selection, kids' adjustment, and creating the right lifestyle in India.

Book a Planning Call →

Join the Community →

Have questions about kids' adjustment or school boards? Drop them in the comments!

Real Return Story

Mom with 2 Kids Returns to India After 6 Years in US: Entrepreneur Journey to Pune

Mani's journey from Mumbai career woman to US stay-at-home mom to Indian entrepreneur—and how her 7-year-old son went from crying at the airport to saying "I love Pune."

Published: January 25, 2024 • 16 min read

Real Return Story US to India Kids Adjustment Pune Entrepreneur

Key Insights from This Story

6 years in New Jersey with two children
Son moved at 8 months, returned at age 7
Younger son born July 4th (American Independence Day!)
Internal transfer solved the job challenge
Cambridge board chosen for smoother school transition
Now entrepreneur with 200K Facebook followers

The Mumbai Beginning

Mani and her husband were a typical working couple in Mumbai, hustling with the city, the local trains, and spending hours in travel to offices.

The Daily Grind

Left home at 7 AM
Returned by 7 PM
12 hours away from home daily
Baby with nanny all day
Constant "mom guilt"

"I am a person who never wanted to give up career. I was like 'I'm never going to move anywhere, I'm not leaving my job.' But that mom guilt was so big."

The Decision to Move

When their son was 8 months old, Mani's husband got an on-site opportunity in the US.

Despite her career commitment, Mani surprised everyone:

"My husband was like 'what's wrong with you? You never wanted to leave your job!' I said 'I just want to be with my son, I want to see him grow. We'll come back, I'll join my job again.'"

Her company agreed to take her back at the same position whenever she returned.

Life in the US

The family moved to New Jersey and spent 6 years there.

Initial Challenges

First few months: Very lonely
Summers: Good—road trips, going out
Winters: "House arrested" due to harsh New Jersey weather
Feeling unproductive: "What am I doing? Just taking care of the kid, nothing else"

What She Loved About the US

Independence and infrastructure
Road trips during summers
Son's school teachers and therapists—"so good, so generous, so kind"
Visited India twice in first 2 years (sister's and sister-in-law's weddings)

⚠️ Son's Speech Delay

By age 3, their son wasn't speaking. They were very worried.

Got him into early intervention
Received therapy
By age 3.5-4, he started speaking
Evaluated for autism spectrum—thankfully everything was fine
He just "blossomed very late"

Note: People in India said it was because "there's nobody to interact with in the US, no family." Mani didn't fully believe this—she felt there had to be biological reasons too.

"If you spend like more than 2-3 years, it's like a magnet—you don't want to leave that place. And that happened to us."

The Trigger Points

The decision to return wasn't sudden—it built up over time.

The Lingering Thought

Every Indian living abroad has this thought in the back of their mind:

"What if something happens to parents there? What if something wrong happens?"

COVID Impact

Parents alone in India during pandemic
Calling them 3-4 times a day to check if they're okay
Even a little sneeze caused panic
Husband is the only son—parents were elderly and alone

The "Sitting on the Fence" Dilemma

After COVID, they noticed:

Friends buying houses
Friends buying properties
Friends moving into independent houses

Meanwhile, they were stuck:

Couldn't buy a house in the US
Couldn't go back to India
Spent 2 years sitting on the fence

The Financial Reality

A common concern for NRIs:

"The kind of salary you earn there, you cannot match it in India. Somehow we were very mentally prepared with the idea that we would have to compromise somewhere on the salary part."

The July 4th Baby

In 2021, Mani conceived. In July 2022, her younger son was born on July 4th—American Independence Day!

Friends joked: "You guys are supposed to be here since your younger one was born on Independence Day!"

But the family had already made up their minds after COVID in 2021—they were going back to India.

Job Transition Challenges

Finding a job in India while sitting in the US proved difficult.

The Struggle

Tried for 6 months to get interview calls
Out of 5 applications, only 1 would go through to interview
Companies don't take you seriously when you're applying from abroad
Even considered going jobless and starting from scratch

"If you're in the US and you're trying to find a job in India, it's very difficult to get calls."

💡 The Solution: Internal Transfer

Eventually, the husband got an internal shift within his company.

They were given a choice of location—North India or any city of their choice.

They chose Pune.

Why Pune?

Originally from Northern India but didn't want to go there
Had lived in Mumbai—liked Maharashtra's work culture
Didn't want the hustle-bustle of a metro like Mumbai
Pune: "Perfect combination of a big town and a small town"
Comforts of small town + luxuries of big town
Climate: Cooler than many other places

Move Logistics

Mani shares practical tips from their move experience.

What They Packed

Packed 6 years of life into 8 suitcases
Did NOT bring electronics (regret this now)
Did NOT use cargo shipping
Just clothes and essentials

⚠️ What They Wish They'd Brought

Item	US Price	India Price
75-inch TV	$200-300 (Black Friday)	₹1.5 lakhs for 65-inch
Coach bags	$100-120 on sale	Super expensive
Michael Kors bags	Affordable on sale	Very expensive
Kids' toys	High quality available	Quality differs significantly

Tip: Even after customs duty and shipping, electronics from the US are often cheaper than buying in India.

What Others Brought

Friends who shipped via cargo brought:

Furniture (most economical via ship)
Cardboard slides for kids
Quality toys not available in India
Branded items

Kids' Adjustment

This was Mani's biggest worry—and the most emotional part of the journey.

The Airport Moment

At the airport, her 7-year-old son said:

"Mama, I want to go back home."

Mani asked: "Which home?"

"Mama, the home in US. Mama, I want to go back there. I want to go to my home."

Mani burst into tears. For that little boy, the US was his home—and he had to leave it.

Initial Challenges

Day 2: Mosquito bit him. He cried: "Why so many bugs in India? I want to go back to USA—there are no bugs there!"
This was the only thing that "bugged" him initially

The Transformation

8 months later, the same boy says:

"I don't want to go back to US. I love Pune. I don't want to go anywhere—let's go back to Pune!"

Even when visiting grandparents, he asks: "When are we going back to Pune?"

Why He Adjusted Well

Got him at the right age—7 years old
Not old enough to have deep knowledge of "worldly things"
Chose the right school (Cambridge board)
Teachers are considerate
Good balance of academics and extracurriculars
He's happy—that's what matters most

Language Challenge

The son still cannot speak Hindi—only English with a total American accent.

8 months in India, still lagging in Hindi
Parents talk to him in Hindi
He understands but responds in English
Mani feels: "That's fine—he's been so brave and transitioned so smoothly"

School Board Selection

Choosing the right school board was crucial for a smooth transition.

Why NOT CBSE/ICSE

Son had done Pre-K through Grade 1 in the US
CBSE/ICSE would be too aggressive academically
Difficult to cope with sudden change in structure

Why NOT IB Board

IB is more activity-oriented
Perfect for those planning to go back to the US
But they plan to stay in India
After 12th, son will face Indian competition
Needs some academic grounding

Why Cambridge Board

Cambridge board is the "middle path":

Balance between academics and extracurriculars
Has some CBSE/ICSE curriculum elements
Has extracurricular focus like IB
12th board affiliated to UK/Cambridge
Kids are equipped for competitive exams if needed
Smoother transition from US curriculum

Entrepreneur Journey

Mani didn't return to a traditional job—she became an entrepreneur.

The Background

As H4 spouse, couldn't work in the US
Always had the drive to do something on her own
In 2020, started a Facebook page about kids' activities
Focus: Fine motor, gross motor, cognitive skills
Page grew to 30K in 6 months
Now a group of 200K followers

The Perfect Setup

Mani planned her return carefully:

Husband: Works remotely from home
Mani: Runs business from home
School: 5 minutes away, bus comes to building
Full-time maid: Help with household
No traffic commute for anyone

"If you create this kind of lifestyle in India, believe me, it is 100 times better than being in the US."

India's Convenience Advantage

Zomato, Swiggy: Food delivery at doorstep
Everything delivered: Pin to plane in 5 minutes
No wasting time at grocery stores
Full-time house help available

Settling Down

The family moved fast to establish roots.

Timeline

Arrived: Moved into rental apartment
Within 1 month: Started house hunting
Bought apartment: In the same building as rental!
Interior work: Customized everything
Puja planned: 21st of the month

"The feeling is so satisfying—having your own house, decking it up your own way. Every single thing we've customized as per us."

The Mindset Shift

In the US, there was always uncertainty (especially on H1B):

Always in doubt
Didn't want to live in uncertainty
Wanted to settle down
Get own house, deck it up, get a car—"that's how we settle"

Advice for NRI Parents

Move When Kids Are Young

Move when kids are in early years—it's easier on everyone. Once they become 10-12+ (teenagers), there will be cultural shock and questions you won't have answers to.

Coming Back is Not Punishment

Many think returning to India will lower their standard of living. It's all about how you create your life. With family nearby, festivals, common culture—there's a lot to enjoy.

Plan Your Lifestyle

If you can work remotely, have school nearby, and get household help—India can be 100 times better than the US.

Choose the Right School Board

For US-return kids, Cambridge board offers a good middle ground between academic rigor and activity focus.

"Make up your mind—if you have to settle there, that's good, your priority. If you have to come back to India, that's even better. Whatever you're doing, it's a wonderful thing."

Key Takeaways

Mani's Journey Summary

Mom guilt drove the initial US move
6 years in New Jersey with two sons
COVID and parent concerns triggered return decision
Internal transfer solved the job challenge
Pune chosen for work culture and balance
Cambridge board for smoother school transition
7-year-old adjusted within months
Entrepreneur with 200K followers
Bought house within months of arrival

Planning Your Return with Kids?

Connect with other NRI parents who have navigated school transitions and kids' adjustment. Share experiences and learn from each other.

Join the Desi Return Community →

Ready to Plan Your Family's Return?

Get guidance on school selection, kids' adjustment, and creating the right lifestyle in India.

Book a Planning Call →

Join the Community →

Have questions about kids' adjustment or school boards? Drop them in the comments!

Mom with 2 Kids Returns to India After 6 Years in US: Entrepreneur Journey to Pune

Key Insights from This Story

The Mumbai Beginning

The Daily Grind

The Decision to Move

Life in the US

Initial Challenges

What She Loved About the US

⚠️ Son's Speech Delay

The Trigger Points

The Lingering Thought

COVID Impact

The "Sitting on the Fence" Dilemma

The Financial Reality

The July 4th Baby

Job Transition Challenges

The Struggle

💡 The Solution: Internal Transfer

Why Pune?

Move Logistics

What They Packed

⚠️ What They Wish They'd Brought

What Others Brought

Kids' Adjustment

The Airport Moment

Initial Challenges

The Transformation

Why He Adjusted Well

Language Challenge

School Board Selection

Why NOT CBSE/ICSE

Why NOT IB Board

Why Cambridge Board

Social Life in India

Current Status

The Positives

The Halloween Story

Entrepreneur Journey

The Background

The Perfect Setup

India's Convenience Advantage

Settling Down

Timeline

The Mindset Shift

Advice for NRI Parents

Move When Kids Are Young

Coming Back is Not Punishment

Plan Your Lifestyle

Choose the Right School Board

Key Takeaways

Mani's Journey Summary

Planning Your Return with Kids?

Ready to Plan Your Family's Return?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do NRI children adjust to schools in India?

What is the best school board for NRI kids returning to India?

How hard is it to find a job in India while living in the US?

Why do NRIs choose Pune over other Indian cities?

What is the best age to move children back to India?

What should NRIs bring when moving back to India?

Can H4 visa spouses build a career in the US?

Table of Contents

Mom with 2 Kids Returns to India After 6 Years in US: Entrepreneur Journey to Pune

Key Insights from This Story

The Mumbai Beginning

The Daily Grind

The Decision to Move

Life in the US

Initial Challenges

What She Loved About the US

⚠️ Son's Speech Delay

The Trigger Points

The Lingering Thought

COVID Impact

The "Sitting on the Fence" Dilemma

The Financial Reality

The July 4th Baby

Job Transition Challenges

The Struggle

💡 The Solution: Internal Transfer