Should I Move Back to India? A 28-Year-Old NRI Woman’s Career Dilemma Sparks Wider Debate

By: Editorial Desk
Published on: July 3, 2025
Source: Financial Express

Introduction

In a time when global mobility and hybrid jobs are becoming mainstream, stories of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) questioning the long-term value of living abroad are gaining traction. Recently, a 28-year-old NRI woman based in Canada raised eyebrows online by expressing dissatisfaction with her professional life in North America and seeking advice about potentially moving back to India. Contrary to the popular ‘diaspora dream’ that many Indians aspire to, her case sparked widespread commentary and introspection among working professionals, particularly those in India contemplating overseas opportunities.

With economic and personal dimensions at play, her narrative is not just personal—it’s symptomatic of a broader discourse that resonates strongly with job seekers in India. This blog post takes a closer look at her case, analyzes its implications within the Indian context, and offers insights to those considering similar life-altering decisions. Using credible data and socio-economic indicators, this article aims to help readers better evaluate the evolving value proposition of staying in or returning to India.

Key Takeaways from the Given Text

According to a report by Financial Express, the woman’s decision to move abroad was initially shaped by optimistic aspirations. However, her experience since then appears to be mixed, particularly on the professional front. Here’s what we can gather:

• Background: Formerly in a satisfying non-tech role in India earning ₹16 lakh per annum.
• Current Status: Now employed in a remote job from Canada—which appears to lack personal fulfillment or career alignment.
• Dilemma: Despite the potential for higher income, she feels professionally unfulfilled and socially isolated.
• Community Reaction: The online Indian community responded with mixed but largely empathetic perspectives—highlighting both the merits and challenges of living abroad.
• Psychological Impact: Feelings of stagnation, limited support systems, and a mismatch between career expectations and reality contribute to her growing dissatisfaction.

This real-world scenario illustrates that financial gains often don’t compensate for career misalignment and emotional displacement—factors often overlooked during the initial migration decisions.

Additional Information from a Reliable Source

To put the case into a broader context, we turn to supplemental data from the Ministry of External Affairs and the India Migration Report 2024, which provide relevant insights into the realities NRIs face in their host countries:

• Job Satisfaction Gap: Several surveys from Statista and the World Economic Forum confirm a growing dissatisfaction among mid-level international workers, especially in service-sector roles that lack upward mobility.
• Isolation and Social Support: A 2023 study by OECD found that 34% of skilled migrants in North America reported lower levels of workplace integration and community bonding.
• Comparative Salary Analysis: While salaries abroad may appear higher in absolute terms, the cost of living in metros like Toronto or Vancouver eats into effective savings—which are not significantly higher than what professionals with INR 15-20 LPA packages in Indian Tier 1 cities earn today.
• Professional Growth: According to LinkedIn India’s Career Progression Report 2023, many returnees find roles with better alignment to their core skills, leadership opportunities, and the added benefit of being close to aged parents or familiar culture.

India-Specific Insights & Analysis

India’s job market has undergone a seismic shift in the past six years. The once clear line between job opportunities in India and the West is now blurred:

1. Rise of High-Paying Domestic Roles

Non-tech professionals in domains such as product management, consulting, and public policy are commanding packages between ₹15-25 lakh per annum in metro cities. The deepening talent pool and startups backed by global investors mean that India is no longer merely a ‘cost center.’

2. Remote Work Normalization

The woman’s remote job in Canada reflects a global trend. However, Indian companies have also embraced remote and hybrid models. This allows professionals to work flexibly while maintaining social and cultural proximity.

3. Women-Centric Policies Driving Retention

Policies focusing on mental health, flexible hours, childcare, and leadership development for women are more visible in Indian corporates now than ever before. Large employers like Infosys, TCS, and even mid-cap firms are actively working toward gender inclusion.

4. Sense of Purpose and Belonging

Beyond monetary factors, professionals often cite the emotional satisfaction of working in an environment where they feel understood and socially integrated. Many women executives, upon return, report improved mental health and a stronger work-life balance.

Practical Takeaways & Actionable Tips

If you’re an Indian job seeker or an NRI considering a return, here are some key points to evaluate before making that decision:

• Assess the Long-Term Alignment: Does your current role overseas align with your skill set and values?
• Calculate the Effective Salary: Consider savings after tax and cost of living, not just gross income.
• Monitor India’s Job Market: Stay updated on roles in your niche through platforms like iimjobs, LinkedIn, and industry Telegram groups.
• Leverage Remote Work: If mobility is your challenge, explore Indian employers offering global assignments or hybrid work.
• Mental Health Matters: Factor in emotional well-being, cultural belonging, and access to family and social systems while making your decision.

In Summary: Key Points

• A 28-year-old NRI woman is contemplating a move back to India due to career dissatisfaction in Canada.
• Despite a decent salary, she feels a lack of alignment and emotional disconnection abroad.
• The Indian job market now offers competitive roles, especially in non-tech functions.
• Remote work, better HR policies, and robust startup culture are changing the narrative inside India.
• Returning to India is no longer seen as a step back, but as a calibrated strategic move for better integration and purpose.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

As our globalized work culture evolves, careers are no longer just about geography—they’re about purpose, wellbeing, and alignment. If you are on the fence about going abroad or coming back, take the time to assess more than just the numbers. Real success is increasingly being defined not by where you work, but how you feel while doing it.

Have you considered returning to India or changing your job geography? Share your journey in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more articles on career trends and global workforce shifts.

Source: Financial Express