How Tejas Achieved Financial Independence By Early 30s and Moved Back to India
Tejas spent 11 years in the US, achieved financial independence in his early 30s, and moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion in the creative field. Learn his FIRE strategy, property investments in Seattle, and why he chose India over the US.
How Tejas Achieved Financial Independence By Early 30s and Moved Back to India
Tejas spent 11 years in the US working in tech, achieved FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), and moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion in the creative field. Discover his investment strategy, why he chose India over waiting for a Green Card, and his insights on living costs in Mumbai.
Key Highlights from Tejas's Journey
- Went to US for Masters in Computer Science, worked there for close to 11 years
- Achieved FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) in his early 30s
- Owns two properties in Seattle in good school districts
- Monthly budget: 2 lakh rupees in Mumbai + 1 lakh for travel
- Did a 3-month trial run in India before making the final decision
- Moved to Bandra, Mumbai to pursue screenwriting and filmmaking
- Key insight: The H1B trap was restricting his freedom to take risks
- Advice: Don't romanticize either country - make a rational pros and cons list
Breaking Free from the H1B Trap: "I felt like I couldn't use my potential as much as I could if I didn't have visa restrictions. The Green Card line is so long - I was going to lose my prime years of life waiting for it. Even if I get it in 5-10 years, I'd have to live 5 more years to get citizenship. It wasn't worth it."
📚 Background: Why Tejas Went to the US
Tejas's journey to the US began during his engineering days in India. While doing his Bachelor's in Computer Science, he looked at the entry-level salaries and wasn't sure if he'd be able to buy a property in India or achieve financial comfort quickly.
Tejas went to the US for his Masters in Computer Science and decided to stay for work. He didn't have a fixed plan about when he would leave or return to India - he was just going with the flow.
Early Financial Discipline
Even before knowing about the FIRE movement, Tejas was following its principles:
- Focused on getting financially comfortable as quickly as possible
- Maintained discipline with savings throughout his career
- Always had the thought of eventually returning to India
🇺🇸 Life in the US: The Good and the Frustrations
Tejas describes his life in the US as generally good with no major complaints. Work-life balance was good, life was easy, and everything was fine on the surface.
The Positives
- Good work-life balance
- Easy, comfortable life
- Decent income in tech
- Ability to save and invest
However, beneath the surface, Tejas felt something was missing. The life was monotonous and restrictive.
The Travel Hassle
One of Tejas's biggest frustrations was the complexity of international travel on an H1B visa:
The Travel Nightmare
- Even going to Europe required getting a Schengen visa
- Embassy appointments often in different cities - requiring flights
- Coming to India meant visa stamping hassles
- Not many vacation days in the US (though Tejas took unpaid leaves anyway)
- Couldn't even use the money he was earning for travel due to all the restrictions
Tejas emphasizes that it's not like being in a prison - you're not trapped. But the choices you make are constrained by the hassle involved in everything.
🔒 The H1B Trap: Why He Decided to Leave
Tejas identifies himself as a "free bird" who doesn't like being in a contract with any entity. The 9-to-5 job wasn't for him, and he realized early that he wanted to retire anyway. But the H1B visa added another layer of restriction.
The H1B Restrictions
"Even if I was in tech, I couldn't explore opportunities by taking risks. I always had to play safe. I felt I couldn't use my potential as much as I could if I didn't have these visa restrictions."
Tejas's initial hope was that in 10 years he'd get a Green Card or citizenship and have more freedom. But reality hit hard:
The Green Card Math
- Current wait: Green Card line is extremely long for Indians
- Timeline: Could take 10-15 more years
- After Green Card: Need to live 5 more years for citizenship
- Total wait: 15-20 years of prime life
- His conclusion: "I'm going to lose my prime years of life if I keep waiting"
The Double Taxation Issue
Even if Tejas got US citizenship, there was another problem he wasn't comfortable with:
This made Tejas think that if he ever wanted citizenship for travel flexibility, he'd rather get it from a country without double taxation requirements.
Immigration Status at Time of Move
Tejas had his I-140 approved but decided not to wait for the Green Card. He chose freedom over the potential benefits of staying longer.
🔥 The FIRE Journey: Achieving Financial Independence
Tejas always knew he wanted to retire early and return to India at some point - perhaps after getting citizenship and having more freedom, around his 40s. But last year, everything changed when he started running the numbers.
The FIRE Number Revelation
Initially, Tejas had a "crazy" multi-million dollar FIRE number in mind. He thought he'd need to work until 40 to reach it.
Then he started following the FIRE community on Reddit and YouTube and learned the simple formula:
Annual Expenses × 25 = FIRE Number
"When I calculated that, I thought - that's achievable! I was just overthinking. You don't need a crazy number to retire."
When Tejas realized his FIRE number was within reach, combined with being single and having the energy and excitement to do things, he decided to make the move within a year.
Key FIRE Insights
- The FIRE number is highly flexible - you can control your expenses
- Moving to India makes FIRE much more achievable
- Don't overthink with crazy multi-million dollar targets
- Being single gives more flexibility to take the leap
📈 Investment Strategy: Properties and Risky Assets
Almost all of Tejas's investments are in the US. The only investment he made in India was buying a flat (condo) right when he got his first job - which he considers a mistake in retrospect.
The India Property Mistake
Lesson Learned
"I bought this flat right when I got the job, so I got into huge debt for 3-4 years. The loan APR was so high in India that I wanted to pay it off as soon as possible. Until then, I couldn't buy property in the US or make any investments."
The flat didn't appreciate much, but his parents live there now, so he considers it worth it for the mental peace. However, he believes he could have grown his wealth much more by waiting 5 years.
The US Property Strategy
After paying off the India flat, Tejas had mental security knowing he had a place to go if anything went wrong (like H1B not getting picked). This allowed him to start taking risks with investments.
Seattle Real Estate Portfolio
| Property | Strategy | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|
| First House | 10% down payment (paid PMI) | Reinvested the other 10% in risky market assets - nearly doubled in 2 years |
| Second House | 15% down payment | Used gains from risky investments for down payment |
Key Investment Principles
Tejas's Investment Philosophy
- Location matters: Always chose properties in good school districts to attract quality tenants and maintain prices
- Compromise wisely: Was okay to cut down on interior/square feet, but lot size and neighborhood were non-negotiable
- Leverage PMI: Sometimes paying PMI and investing the difference makes more sense
- Learn by doing: Over time, he got better at understanding market psychology and individual stocks
- Trusted management: Has a reliable broker in Seattle managing both properties
Tejas's portfolio is structured with properties for long-term retirement income and other investments for current expenses and life goals.
💰 Cost of Living in Mumbai: Real Numbers
Tejas lives in Mumbai, which he acknowledges is probably the most expensive city in India (and one of the most expensive in the world). But he loves the flexibility India offers.
Tejas's Monthly Budget in Mumbai
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Monthly Budget | ~2 lakh rupees | Rarely reaches this even with lavish spending |
| Rent | Major portion | Biggest expense in Mumbai |
| Living (excluding rent) | Within 1 lakh | Easily covers eating out, entertainment, etc. |
| Travel Budget | 1 lakh/month | Separate budget for traveling the world |
The Flexibility Factor
Tejas emphasizes that costs in India are highly flexible and controllable:
Cost Comparison
- Mumbai (Bandra): ~2 lakh/month for comfortable living
- Pune (where his parents live): About one-third of Mumbai costs
- Tier-2 cities: Even more affordable
- Key insight: "If you want to cut down expenses, just eating at home is pretty inexpensive"
No Regrets Philosophy
One thing Tejas wanted before moving was to ensure he wouldn't have regrets about leaving the US lifestyle:
🧪 The Trial Run: Testing Life in India
A couple of years before moving permanently, Tejas came to India for 3 months on unpaid leave. This trial run was crucial in changing his perspective.
Why the Trial Run Mattered
"I just wanted to see how my life is now that I have money. When I was growing up, I came from a middle-class family. But when I saw the 1% life in India, it is way better - it's way different and has a lot of things to offer."
During the trial run, Tejas:
- Lived with friends in different cities
- Observed their jobs and lifestyles
- Realized life in India was not as bad as he had imagined
- Found it was actually better in many ways
Trial Run Recommendation
"If you really are in doubt, maybe just do a trial run. Take short-term leave or whatever and live for at least a couple of months. Even if you spend money on this trial, you can always live 3 months longer in the US to cover that cost, but you won't have regret that 'oh I should have tried this or that.'"
🇮🇳 Life in India: Adjustments and Observations
Tejas has been loving life in India so far. While moving, he was unsure if it would work out because everyone kept saying "you're not going to get used to India once you've lived in the US for so many years." But he found that wasn't true.
What He Gained
Benefits of Life in India
- Time freedom: So much time in his hands
- Personal freedom: No visa restrictions
- Good weather: Especially in Mumbai
- Community: Community-based society vs individualistic
- Best of both worlds: Can implement individualistic learnings in community setting
Why Bandra, Mumbai?
Tejas specifically chose to live in Bandra, Mumbai for several reasons:
Bandra's Appeal
- Western exposure: More exposed to the Western world
- Accessibility: Most things from the US available within 5-10 minutes
- Creative community: Many creative people live in the area
- Expat community: Big expat group with monthly meetups
- Familiarity: Grew up around Mumbai, so familiar with the area
- Networking: Easy to meet people at friends' places, parties, etc.
Tejas notes that both individualistic and community-based societies have pros and cons. The key is choosing what works for you and making it work.
🎬 Career Transition: From Tech to Creative Field
After working in tech for a decade, Tejas wanted a real break - not just time off, but mental space to not think about "what's next."
Current Status
After about a year of sabbatical, Tejas has started:
Creative Career Journey
- Networking with people in the creative field
- Met people at breweries who guided him on what to read and do
- Started reading books about the industry
- Currently exploring screenwriting
- Eventually wants to explore filmmaking and production
- Learning skills to offer something to the industry
- Hoping to start an internship soon
Tejas's approach is methodical - just like in coding where you start with "Cracking the Coding Interview," then LeetCode, then job search, he's following a similar path for the creative field: find the right people, ask how they achieved success, and follow the steps.
Why Financial Independence Matters for Career Change
"There's going to be a money crunch problem in creative fields, so I wanted to make sure I'm comfortable enough before getting into this because there's uncertainty."
This is why achieving FIRE before the move was crucial - it gives him the freedom to explore without financial pressure.
💡 Advice for NRIs Considering the Move
For US Residents Specifically
Critical US-Specific Advice
- Keep I-140 approved: Even if you regret the move, you can easily go back - companies will be happy to sponsor you
- Don't burn bridges: Keep doors open in the US
- Complete 40 Social Security credits: If you've worked 8 years and are close, finish those points - it's a big amount to let go
- Alternative: You can go back later to finish the 40 credits as long as you have I-140 and stay in the same field
General Advice
Don't Romanticize Either Place
"We shouldn't romanticize the idea of living anywhere. I did that while going to the US and was disappointed. A lot of people do that while moving back to India - that's not going to work. It's going to disappoint you in many ways."
Decision-Making Framework
- List pros and cons: Write down what's important to you and what's not
- Make a rational decision: More rational than emotional
- Choose where you'll be frustrated less: Both sides have pros and cons
- Do a trial run: Spend at least a couple of months in India before deciding
- Don't buy a house immediately: Start with rental - there are so many possibilities of living anywhere, and renting is cheap
On Housing
Finding Your Community
One of Tejas's major challenges while deciding was not knowing who to ask. He knew no one who had moved back to India, and people thought it was a crazy idea.
You're Not Alone
"I wish I could have found a resource like this when I was deciding. People think 'oh that's a crazy idea, why would you do that, no one does that.' But it's not a crazy idea - there are a lot of people who are moving. It's a minority, but still there are a lot of people who move."
Tejas notes that this year alone, four of his friends decided to move to India, and after he moved, people in the US started calling him asking how it is - and they're now considering moving too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tejas decide to move back to India after 11 years in the US?
Tejas's primary reasons were: 1) The H1B visa restrictions limited his freedom to take risks and explore opportunities in tech, 2) The Green Card line was too long - he calculated he'd lose his prime years waiting 10-15 more years, 3) He wanted to pursue creative fields like screenwriting and filmmaking which required being in India, 4) The double taxation issue with US citizenship meant he'd pay taxes in both countries even if living abroad, 5) He did a 3-month trial run in India and realized life with money was much better than he remembered from his middle-class upbringing.
What is Tejas's monthly budget for living in Mumbai?
Tejas keeps his budget around 2 lakh rupees per month in Mumbai (one of the most expensive cities in India). He found that even with fine dining and spending lavishly, he barely touches that number. Rent is the major component. He also budgets an additional 1 lakh per month for travel. He notes that within a lakh, a single person can easily enjoy life, eat out, and do everything comfortably. The cost varies significantly - his parents in Pune spend about one-third of what he spends in Mumbai.
How did Tejas calculate his FIRE number?
Tejas initially had a "crazy" multi-million dollar FIRE number in mind, thinking he'd need to work until 40. After following the FIRE community on Reddit and YouTube, he learned the simple formula: annual expenses multiplied by 25. When he calculated this, he realized the number was achievable much sooner than expected. He was closely towards his FIRE number last year and is now comfortably past it. His calculation includes monthly living expenses plus 1 lakh per month for travel.
What investments does Tejas have in the US?
Tejas has two properties in Seattle in good school districts (to attract quality tenants and maintain property values). He bought the first property with only 10% down payment (paying PMI) and reinvested the other 10% in risky market assets, nearly doubling that money in two years. He then used that for a 15% down payment on a second house. Both properties are managed by a trusted broker in Seattle. He also has investments in risky assets/stocks. His properties are for long-term retirement income, while other investments cover current expenses.
What advice does Tejas give about the 40 Social Security credits?
Tejas strongly advises that if you've worked 8 years in the US and are close to the 40 credits needed for Social Security benefits, you should finish those credits before moving. It's a significant amount to let go. Since Tejas was leaving tech to pursue creative fields, he decided to stay a few extra months until January to accumulate those points. Alternatively, you can go back to the US later to finish the 40 credits as long as you have an approved I-140 and stay in the same field.
Planning Your Return to India?
Tejas's story shows that with proper financial planning and the right mindset, moving back to India can open doors to new opportunities and a fulfilling life. Whether you're considering FIRE, career change, or simply want to be closer to family, having a community of like-minded people helps.
Ready to Plan Your Return Journey?
Like Tejas, many NRIs are discovering that India offers incredible opportunities for those who plan well. Whether you're interested in FIRE, career transitions, or simply want to understand the financial aspects of moving back, we're here to help.
Join thousands of NRIs who have successfully planned their return to India with proper financial and career strategies.
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