As an engineer working in the US, the decision to move back to India was not an easy one. I know many others are in the same position—wondering if it makes sense from a career, financial, and personal standpoint. Having gone through this process myself, I wanted to share my thought process and a framework that might help others considering this transition.

How I made my decision

For me, the decision revolved around three key factors: career opportunities, personal and social well-being, and a sense of purpose/giving back.

1. Career and opportunities

The first thing I considered was whether India had the right career opportunities for me. When I moved back in 2017, the tech ecosystem in India was already growing. With the rise of big tech, the boom of e-commerce fueled by cheap internet from Jio, rapid advancements in fintech and big data, things felt like they were moving fast. Today in 2025, something feels similar with the explosion of Agentic AI, AI enabled services, and deep tech, opportunities have multiplied significantly.

• Jobs and entrepreneurship: India has become a hotbed for both employment and entrepreneurship. Many global companies have expanded their R&D centers here, and the startup ecosystem has matured, creating strong leadership and innovation opportunities.
• Autonomy and growth: While high-end research in some fields might still be more advanced in the US, I found that professionals in India often enjoy greater autonomy in their work, leading to more fulfilling experiences. In the US, I felt like a cog in a large system, but in India, I had more ownership and impact in my work.
• Ecosystem leverage: The regulatory environment in India enables rapid innovation, particularly in fintech and healthcare. The ease of starting up and securing partnerships in India is much simpler than navigating large institutions in the US. I saw startups here landing partnerships with major banks in a fraction of the time it would take in the US.

2. Personal and social factors

Beyond work, lifestyle played a huge role in my decision.

• Family and support system: Being close to family and having a strong social network was invaluable. Over time, I realized that while I enjoyed my life in the US, it never quite felt like home.
• Lifestyle and belonging: The US offers great exposure, but after a certain point, the sense of belonging matters more. India felt like home in ways the US never quite did. I found it exhausting to always feel like an outsider in the US, whereas in India, I felt truly at ease.
• Freedom and flexibility: There’s an ease to life in India—whether it’s managing bureaucracy, setting up a business, or even small day-to-day conveniences like house help and community support. I no longer had to plan months in advance for small things like car repairs or home services; everything was much more accessible.

3. Purpose and contribution

Another major factor for me was the ability to give back.

• Alumni & mentorship: Being able to contribute to institutions like IIT Bombay, mentor students, and hire interns from local colleges gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. In the US, I could make financial contributions, but being physically present to guide and support students was far more meaningful.
• Impact on society: While it’s possible to contribute financially from anywhere, being physically present allows for deeper engagement in mentorship and community-building.
• Nation-building: India’s tech industry is at an inflection point, and I wanted to be a part of its growth. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to the ecosystem that helped shape my own career.

The trade-offs

Moving back wasn’t without its trade-offs. These were some of the key concerns I had:

• Infrastructure & environment: Clean air, potable water, and overall infrastructure still have room for improvement in India compared to the US. I miss being able to drink water straight from the tap or take a deep breath of fresh air without worrying about pollution levels.
• Bureaucratic inefficiencies: While many processes have improved, dealing with government systems and regulatory compliance can still be frustrating. Things that take a few clicks online in the US might require multiple in-person visits in India.
• Cutting-edge research: Some fields, particularly in deep tech and academia, may still have better opportunities in the US. However, the gap is closing, and India offers unique advantages like lower regulatory barriers in some industries. A few of my friends returned from top US research institutes and found that they had more autonomy and less pressure to chase grants here in India.

Financial considerations

One of the biggest concerns I hear is whether moving back to India means taking a financial hit. At first glance, salaries in the US are higher, but when you look at cost of living and savings, the gap is much smaller than people assume.

• US Scenario:
  
  • Salary: $150,000 per year
  • Taxes (40%): $60,000 → Take-home salary: $90,000
  • Living expenses in NYC/Bay Area: $4,500 per month → $54,000 annually
  • Travel to India and discretionary expenses: $6,000
  • Savings: $30,000–$35,000 per year (~₹25-30L)
    ‍
• India Scenario:
  
  • Salary: ₹60L per year
  • Taxes (30%): ₹18L → Take-home salary: ₹42L
  • Living expenses in urban India: ₹1.5L per month → ₹18L annually
  • Savings: ₹22-24L per year

At first glance, the US salary seems much higher, but when you account for cost of living and lifestyle, the actual difference in savings is only around ₹3-6L annually. This means that financially, the gap is far smaller than it appears on paper.

Other considerations:

• Dual-income households: Many returning professionals find that both partners can have strong careers in India, further closing the financial gap.
• Visa & stability: No longer worrying about visa status or green card delays provides significant peace of mind.
• Long-term wealth creation: India’s rising real estate market and investment opportunities can offset perceived financial disadvantages.

The changing tech landscape in India

India’s tech ecosystem has evolved tremendously, offering unique opportunities across industries:

• Fintech & digital payments: UPI and digital payments are transforming India’s economy, creating opportunities that don’t exist in the US.
• Healthcare & MedTech: India’s regulatory environment allows for faster innovation compared to the heavily regulated US healthcare system.
• B2C & consumer tech: The sheer scale of the Indian market presents massive untapped opportunities.
• AI & Machine Learning: While foundational research happens in the US, India is the perfect place for large-scale applications, given the abundance of data and lower deployment costs.

A simple checklist for making the decision

If you’re considering the move, here are some key questions to ask yourself:

✅ What are my primary motivations—career growth, family, quality of life, or impact? 

✅ Have I evaluated career opportunities in India in my specific field? 

✅ How does my long-term financial planning compare in both geographies? 

✅ Have I spoken to friends, mentors, or professionals who have made the move? 

✅ Would I be comfortable with the lifestyle trade-offs (infrastructure, bureaucracy, pollution, etc.)? 

✅ Can I try working remotely from India for a few months before making the final move?

Final thoughts

Moving back to India is a deeply personal decision. For me, the combination of career growth, financial stability, personal fulfillment, and the ability to contribute to India’s development made the decision clear.

If you’re on the fence, I’d encourage you to look beyond just salary numbers. Consider your long-term goals, lifestyle aspirations, and where you see yourself thriving—not just professionally, but personally. The opportunities in India are growing rapidly, and now might be the best time to take the leap.