An Indian couple who graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur in 2016 moved to the United States for higher education. After several years there, they returned to India last year.
In a recent post on X, Nayrhit B, co-founder of Gushwork, shared his experiences and insights about the differences between life in the two countries, offering advice for those in their 20s and 30s considering a similar move.
“My wife and I decided to return to India from the US after completing our higher education. We committed to dedicating our lives to developing and researching technologies from India for a global audience. We’ve now completed one year back here. To Indian professionals in their 20s to 40s who are contemplating a return but are uncertain, here’s an honest list of 10 differences we’ve observed since coming back,” Mr. Nayrhit wrote on X.
One notable difference he highlighted was the accessibility and affordability of domestic help in India. “The cost of labor might be low, but the convenience of having domestic help is invaluable,” he noted, emphasizing the additional 15-20 hours of free time they now enjoy each week as a working couple.
Culturally, Mr. Nayrhit found it easier to form meaningful relationships in India. “As an Indian, I struggled to make deep connections in the US. It’s easier for me to build new relationships and reconnect with old ones here,” he wrote.
In terms of digital convenience, India impresses with its quick commerce platforms. “While the US has services like Instacart and DoorDash, the efficiency of intra-city logistics in India allows for deliveries in as little as 10 minutes,” he said.
Mr. Nayrhit also praised India’s digital payment system. “UPI and Apple Pay are comparable, but UPI is free and part of government infrastructure, unlike Apple Pay, which incurs a 2%-7% transaction fee for private players,” he explained.
However, he also mentioned aspects of the US he misses, such as the orderly queues that are a hallmark of American life. “In India, queues at counters, coffee shops, security checks, and QSRs can be chaotic and sometimes frustrating,” he remarked.
For those who love outdoor activities, Mr. Nayrhit advised staying in the US. “If you enjoy hiking, biking, or frequenting beaches, you might find India less satisfying. Here, it’s easier to engage in indoor activities,” he suggested.
He also pointed out that India remains judgmental of queer communities. “While there are progressive pockets, mass India is still not very accepting of LGBTQ communities. I am hopeful that this will change rapidly in the next five years,” he wrote.
In conclusion, Mr. Nayrhit noted that the job market is challenging in both countries. “Finding a high-paying job that offers a comparable lifestyle to what you had abroad is not easy. Many of my friends who returned had to significantly adjust their lifestyles,” he said.
Mr. Nayrhit’s post, shared just a day ago, has garnered over 4 million views, more than 8,000 likes, and numerous comments.
