How Did This IT Family Build Their Life in the United States?
Rajiv and Meena represent thousands of Indian IT professionals who built successful careers in America. Their journey started like many others — with education, hard work, and the pursuit of the American dream.
- Both Rajiv and Meena worked in IT and software development, building expertise in federal contracting and enterprise software
- Rajiv pursued his M.S. in the U.S. and started his tech career in Washington D.C. as a federal contractor, gaining valuable experience in government IT systems
- Meena worked for several years in India before moving to the U.S. after marriage, bringing her technical skills to American companies
- Together, they built a comfortable life — stable jobs, community connections, and their young daughter's early schooling in the American education system
"The move back was always on the horizon, but timing it right mattered — we wanted to do it when it made the most sense for family."
Like many complete NRI return planning guide seekers, they knew the decision would eventually come. The question was when and how to make it happen.
What Triggers the Decision to Return to India After 20 Years?
The turning point came when Rajiv's parents' health began to decline. At 43, he realized there was a narrow window to make the move meaningful — both for his parents and his daughter. This is a common trigger for many emotional aspects of returning to India that NRIs face.
"If you move when your parents need you, and your kids are young enough to adapt — that's the sweet spot."
Their daughter was in first grade in the U.S.; they decided to return right after the school year ended to minimize disruption. This strategic timing is crucial for families with school-age children.
"We chose to move during the June window — her school ended in the U.S. and began here within weeks."
According to research on Non-Resident Indians, family obligations and aging parents are among the top reasons for return migration.
How to Plan Your Return to India: A One-Year Transition Strategy
Successful returns don't happen overnight. Rajiv and Meena spent a full year preparing every aspect of their move, demonstrating the importance of thorough financial planning strategies for NRIs returning to India.
"We planned quietly for a year — finances, logistics, schooling, jobs. Nothing impulsive."
Their Strategic Approach to Return Planning:
- Financial restructuring: Adjusted investments to allow online management from India, ensuring continued access to US retirement accounts and investment portfolios
- Education planning: Found a local school in Chennai through Rajiv's mother's research — one that accepted remote entrance tests from the U.S., avoiding the stress of last-minute admissions
- Cultural immersion: Decided against international schools to encourage full cultural immersion, helping their daughter adapt to Indian society and values
- Exit strategy: Set a two-year trial mindset — if it didn't work, they'd consider returning to the U.S., reducing the psychological pressure of permanence
"We gave ourselves the freedom to reverse the decision — that took the pressure off."
This flexible mindset is essential for anyone considering how to manage reverse culture shock when returning to India.
Can I Continue My IT Career After Returning to India?
One of the biggest concerns for returning IT professionals is career continuity. Rajiv and Meena's experiences show two different but equally successful paths for IT career opportunities in India for returnees.
Meena's Internal Transfer Strategy
"I got lucky — my U.S. startup got acquired by a firm with a Chennai office. I transferred internally. It wasn't planned, but it was perfect timing."
Internal transfers are one of the smoothest ways to maintain career momentum. If your company has Indian operations, explore transfer opportunities before making your move.
Rajiv's Career Reinvention Path
He decided to step away from corporate life to pursue his long-held dream — a Ph.D. in Data Science. This bold move demonstrates that returning to India can be an opportunity for career transformation, not just continuation.
"It had been on my mind for years. I thought, if not now, when?"
He completed his Ph.D. in five years and now works remotely for a U.S.-based company, earning in dollars while living in India — a strategy many returnees are now adopting.
"Remote work made it possible to stay in India while staying globally relevant."
The rise of remote work has transformed the landscape for remote work opportunities from India for US companies. You can maintain your global career while enjoying the benefits of living in India.
What Are the Challenges of Settling in India After Living in the US?
The first few years back in India come with inevitable adjustments. They faced the usual challenges: reverse culture shock, bureaucracy, and India's infamous traffic. But over time, the benefits outweighed the inconveniences.
"We stopped comparing. Once we accepted India as India, peace followed."
This mindset shift is crucial for anyone dealing with managing reverse culture shock in India. The key is acceptance, not comparison.
How Do Children Adapt to India After Growing Up in the US?
Their daughter adapted quickly — making friends, joining school activities, and feeling at home within months. This is encouraging news for parents worried about how children adapt to education system in India.
"She loved the cafeteria food, the festivals, and the fact that everyone looked and spoke like her. She's now more Indian than we are!"
Children often adapt faster than adults, especially when they're young and immersed in local schools rather than international schools. Learn more about education system in India for returnee children. The cultural connection and sense of belonging can be powerful for kids who felt like minorities in the US.
What Are the IT Career Opportunities in India for Returnees in 2025?
After 10 years, they've seen India's IT landscape transform dramatically. The opportunities available today far exceed what existed when they first returned in 2013.
India's Booming Tech Ecosystem
- Startup explosion: Startups and tech hubs have exploded across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and NCR, creating thousands of high-paying roles for experienced professionals
- Remote work revolution: Remote and hybrid work has opened doors for returnees with global experience, allowing you to work for US companies while living in India
- Emerging technologies: Data, AI, and cloud roles are in high demand, often matching global compensation with the added benefit of lower cost of living
- Global companies in India: Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have expanded their Indian operations significantly
"When we moved back, we worried about limited options. Now, India's tech ecosystem feels boundless — even more dynamic than the U.S."
According to the Government of India, the country's digital economy is growing rapidly, creating unprecedented opportunities for skilled IT professionals.
For those exploring IT career opportunities in India's booming tech sector, the timing has never been better.
What Is Life Really Like in India After Returning from the US?
After a decade in India, Rajiv and Meena have a balanced perspective on the realities of daily life. Here's what you can expect when you make the move.
The Benefits of Living in India
- Family proximity and emotional security: Being close to aging parents and extended family provides irreplaceable emotional support and cultural connection
- Affordable household help: Domestic help for cooking, cleaning, and childcare is accessible and affordable, improving quality of life significantly
- Strong education options and social structure: Quality schools, coaching centers, and strong community networks support children's development
- Vibrant, young work culture: India's workforce is young, energetic, and entrepreneurial, creating a dynamic professional environment
"Workplaces here are younger, more energetic — it feels alive."
The Challenges You'll Face
- Long commutes and unpredictable traffic: Urban traffic in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai can add 2-3 hours to your daily commute
- Limited green spaces and libraries: Public infrastructure like parks, libraries, and recreational facilities lag behind US standards
- Inflation — especially in healthcare (≈15% annually) and education: Rising costs in critical areas require careful financial planning and investment strategies
"Inflation is real. You need to plan investments that grow faster than India's cost curve."
Understanding cost of living in Chennai and other major Indian cities is essential for financial planning. The Reserve Bank of India tracks inflation data that can help you plan your budget.
Manage post-return inflation with smart financial planning →
Why Do People Say Returning to India Was Worth It?
Beyond the practical considerations of career and finances, the emotional dimension of returning to India often proves most meaningful. Rajiv reflects deeply on what truly mattered:
"My dad passed away two months ago. I spent 10 years with him after we moved — years I would've missed otherwise. That alone makes every challenge worth it."
This is the reality many NRIs face — the regret of missing precious time with aging parents. Their return gave them meaning over convenience, and that perspective shaped their peace.
"We traded infrastructure for intimacy — and never regretted it."
For many families considering emotional and psychological aspects of returning to India, this trade-off becomes the defining factor. Material comfort matters less than emotional fulfillment and family connection.
What Are the Key Lessons for NRIs Returning to India?
After 10 years of living their return journey, Rajiv and Meena have distilled their experience into actionable wisdom for others considering the move.
✅ Be Clear on Your "Why"
Don't return out of frustration with the US — return with intention and purpose. Whether it's family, career opportunities, or cultural connection, your "why" will sustain you through challenges. Understanding top reasons why NRIs return to India can help clarify your own motivations.
✅ Avoid Analysis Paralysis
"Overthinking can kill action. You'll never find the 'perfect time.'"
Many NRIs spend years planning and never execute. While preparation is important, waiting for perfect conditions means you'll never move. Set a timeline and commit to it. Learn about step-by-step NRI return planning strategies.
✅ Prepare Financially
Account for inflation, healthcare, and schooling costs in your budget. Build a financial cushion that can handle 15% annual inflation in critical categories. Comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies for returning to India should start at least 12-18 months before your move.
✅ Choose the Right Location
Reduce commute time — it directly affects quality of life more than any other factor. Living close to work, schools, and family can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving in India.
✅ Keep an Open Mind
"If you see India as a downgrade, you'll never feel settled. See it as a rediscovery."
Your mindset determines your experience. Approach India with curiosity and acceptance rather than comparison and judgment. This mental shift is essential for overcoming reverse culture shock and adapting to life in India.
What Do Returnees Miss Most About Living in the United States?
Even after a successful return, there are aspects of American life that Rajiv and Meena still miss. Being honest about these trade-offs helps set realistic expectations.
- Green spaces and county parks: The abundance of well-maintained parks, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation areas in the US is unmatched
- Public libraries: Free access to books, community programs, and quiet study spaces that serve as community hubs
- Seasonal beauty — especially fall colors: The dramatic seasonal changes and natural beauty of American landscapes
- Recreational infrastructure: Swimming pools, skating rinks, community gyms, and sports facilities that are accessible and affordable
"The U.S. gave us comfort. India gives us connection. Both matter — but at different stages of life."
This balanced perspective is important for anyone weighing the pros and cons of returning to India from US. Both countries offer different values, and your life stage determines which matters more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to India After 20 Years
Q: How long does it take to adapt to India after living in the US for 20 years?
Q: Can I work remotely for a US company while living in India?
Q: What is the biggest financial challenge when returning to India?
Q: Should I choose international schools or local schools for my children in India?
Q: What are the IT career opportunities in India for returnees?
Q: When is the best time to return to India from the US?
Q: How much money should I save before returning to India?
Q: What do people miss most about the US after returning to India?
🏁 Your Next Steps
Your Return, Simplified — Expert-Guided, Community-Powered
Join over 21,000+ families who are making their return smoother with DesiReturn.
✍️ Editorial Summary
Rajiv and Meena's decade-long reflection reveals the real rhythm of "returning home" — not glamour, but grace. Their story is proof that homecomings succeed not because they're perfect, but because they're purposeful.
"We didn't just come back to India — we came back to life as we wanted it."