IT Family's Return to India After 10 Years in US: Karthik's 2020 Journey
Karthik was intentional about returning—never applied for green card. Moved in March 2020 just before COVID lockdown with 6-month-old baby. After 5 years in India, he shares financial planning (kept 401k in Vanguard), work culture reality, and what he'd do differently.
AAvinash Peddi
June 5, 2025Jun 5, 202511 minShare:
Real Return Story
IT Family's Return to India After 10 Years in US
Karthik was intentional about returning—never applied for green card. Moved in March 2020 with 6-month-old baby just before COVID lockdown. Here's his 5-year update.
Background
- Graduated: 2006 in India, worked in Bangalore
- Moved to US: 2009 for MBA in Analytics (full scholarship + stipend)
- Career: Analytics professional
- Locations: Indiana → Seattle
- Return: March 2020 (just before COVID lockdown)
"I always had the mindset that I want to go visit the country, explore, but ultimately come back to India. That's why I didn't apply for green card."
The Intentional Approach
The Balance Theory
"There's always a balance—US on one side, India on the other. When that balance tilts in favor of India, making the move becomes easy. If you're not ready, I would not suggest making the move."
They wrote down pros and cons of each country. When India pros outweighed US, they moved.
Financial Planning
What He Did
- Consolidated bank accounts: Multiple → one Chase account (still active)
- Consolidated 401k: All to Vanguard (free, no maintenance fees)
- Consolidated stocks: One low-cost provider
- Transferred to India: 6-month buffer amount
- Kept in US: Most investments—"emerging market, plus dollar went from 72 to 84-86"
401k Decision
Kept 401k in US because:
- Employer had matching—"free tax-free money"
- Even with 10% penalty, still profitable
- US market growing faster
Work Culture: 5-Year Perspective
⚠️ Honest Assessment
"Work culture in India—I'm sorry to say—has probably been the same since last 20 years. People slogging through evening, through night. Little or no respect for personal time."
What Helps
- Set boundaries: "If you say not available after 7, people start respecting it"
- Senior roles: Easier to set boundaries in mid-management
- Company policy: Some companies have break time 4-7pm for US liaison
Practical Tips
US Account Access from India
- Switched to Google Fi before moving (cheap international roaming)
- After 6 months, transferred to Google Voice
- Still receives OTPs for banking
- Need actual US number (friend's) to keep Google Voice active
Job Advice
"Have offer letter in hand before moving. My company promised salary, then cut 10-15% after I moved because of pandemic. I had no option."
What He Misses
- Driving: "Relaxing there, taxing here"
- Food: Burgers, Thai food—"India has Americanized versions"
- Friends: Good friendships from Seattle days
But: "Never repented moving back. Kids spending time with grandparents—I wouldn't think twice."
Planning Your US to India Move?
Frequently Asked Questions
A:
He was intentional about returning from day one. 'I've seen friends say they'll apply for green card as safety net, then wait for date to be current, then citizenship—by then kids are older and don't want to move. It becomes a vicious cycle.' He stayed on work visa to avoid this trap.
A:
Consolidated all bank accounts to one (Chase), consolidated 401k to Vanguard (free, no maintenance fees), consolidated stocks to one low-cost provider. Transferred some money to India for 6-month buffer. Kept most investments in US—'emerging market growing faster, plus dollar appreciation from 72 to 84-86.'
A:
Switched to Google Fi before moving (cheap international roaming). After 6 months, transferred number to Google Voice. Still receives OTPs for banking. Needs to provide actual US phone number (friend's unused number) to keep Google Voice active.
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