Expectations & Reality: 6 Realities NRIs Can Expect After Moving Back To India
NRIs seem to come with common expectations. I’ve seen it cross all the 400+ NRIs I have consulted and numerous surveys I have done— every NRI expects: bad work culture, to earn less, and be prepared for “in case things don’t workout”. Here are some surprises in store for you NRIs
It Takes Wayyy Longer Time to Settle in
NRIs expectations are to get settled in real quick. In their mind, the maximum magnitude of time for settling in is in months. Reality is— the time for settling in is in years! For many NRIs post moving, It takes a long time to get into a regular routine. If you're expecting to snap into a routine, the same routine of walking to Starbucks in high heels at 8:55am, from the F train in NYC and taking a fast elevator to your floor-- you won't be happy with the shift in schedule. India has many things to offer so and every day is different. Your office schedule might take anything from 1 to 2 years to settle in.
People are friendly in a different way
Indians are warm and friendly, but in a different way than what you're used to in America. NRIs find themselves in social awkwardness in their initial years. “No one came to say Hi to my desk”, “They didn’t shake my hands”, “They didn’t introduce the other person next to them. Rude!” Perhaps Indians might not nod at you in the office, or welcome you into a store, but if you're stuck with your car tire in a sandy field, or have a broken chair you need to fix-- people will fall like rain from all clouds and come from all sides to help you. In india, first impressions are not correct. Don't go by that. People need time to know if they can trust you.
Earn less but save more $
Afraid about earning less? Surprise surprise! Given the amount of $ you earned and spent on rent, you might end up saving more in India than in the US. So yes, you earn less in India. But also yes, you will spend less total and end up saving more money. For example you got $3000 a month in the US and spent $1500 of it. You might earn $2500 in India but save $2000 because of the lower rents and cost of living. My friends earn like $20,000 a month— this doesn’t apply to them. Gosh please stay in the US or retire early if you have that much per month :)
Bad Culture Could Be You
NRIs pointing at Indians about bad culture have to rethink this. I’ve seen a lot of NRIs bring in bad culture— in these ways
1. Expecting everyone to behave like you. Representing yourself as the “international standard” and feeling superior, as if you knew where the treasure is and everyone else is still solving the scavenger hunt.
2. Snapping back into “desi” mentality. Being on-time, polite while talking to foreigners but snapping into bring late and thoughtless talk with desi co-workers
Don’t be that person.
You might hate the apartments
I still can't get over the fact that you can't find a US style apartment in India. It's difficult if not very expensive. Be prepared for that. Actually, you can never be prepared. I just about survived my bangalore apartment and my delhi apartment. The kitchen floor would flood, or the water would run out, Or i just didn't like the bed, or the bathroom. I can't complain though. It's possible i didn't look too hard for the apartment that i would have liked. You need to push the budget up, or the street hustle to find an apartment that fit international standards.
Payments in India is advanced
India is more advanced than you think! UPI has been the game changer. You can pay by phone at many places. I have stopped taking my wallet with me now! Beauty parlour aunty takes Google Pay. So yea :)
Learn more about Returning to India through my book "Back Home", an emotional guide for NRIs. Book a coaching session here
This is in response to a quora post
