‘Losing identity’ after moving to the US: A 32-year-old Indian man’s heartfelt confession about the emotional toll of relocating abroad strikes a chord with non-resident Indians worldwide
A candid Reddit post by a 32-year-old Indian man, who moved to the United States two years ago, has gone viral for its raw honesty about the emotional struggles of life abroad. Despite professional success and financial stability, the man expressed feeling a deep void and a loss of identity since leaving India. His post has resonated with thousands of NRIs, highlighting the lesser-discussed emotional price many pay for pursuing opportunities overseas, reported indiatoday.in.
The man, who remains unnamed, wrote, “Even though I am making a good amount of money, there’s a big void in my life. I feel like I’ve lost my identity.” He revealed that the distance from India, the end of a meaningful relationship, and the struggle to build new friendships in a new country had left him emotionally adrift.
The NRI community rallied around the emotional post, offering advice on rebuilding identity, fostering friendships, and accepting change in a new country.
In his post, the man shared how his attempts to fill the void — from taking vacations to chasing promotions — had fallen short. The combination of geographical distance from loved ones, professional stagnation amid layoffs, and a dwindling social circle led him to question his sense of belonging.
The post sparked an outpouring of supportive comments from fellow NRIs, many of whom offered practical advice and personal stories of adjusting to life abroad. One user wrote about the importance of initiating conversations, even at the gym or office, to slowly rebuild connections. Another suggested that accepting change and letting go of one’s “old self” was key to finding peace in a new environment.
Others highlighted the need for familiarity, emphasizing that making friends and maintaining regular social interactions can transform feelings of isolation into comfort over time. The viral conversation has spotlighted the emotional resilience required for life away from home, beyond the financial perks and career opportunities that typically dominate the immigrant narrative.
