The struggles extend beyond the job market, with returning tech professionals facing social stigma related to job loss
The plight of Indian tech professionals returning from the United States due to layoffs is shedding light on the challenges they face in their homeland, A report from restofworld.org said.
Illustrating this issue is Deepak, who had spent six years at Amazon India before accepting an internal transfer to the company’s Seattle headquarters. However, within seven months of the move, Deepak, quoted by restofworld.org, found himself among the 18,000 employees laid off by Amazon, citing an “uncertain economy.”
Forced to return to India with his US visa tied to employment, Deepak encountered difficulties securing a job, particularly due to his previous high salary, making him less affordable for Indian tech employers. After two months of job hunting, he eventually accepted a position with a significantly lower salary than what he earned in the US, highlighting the stark economic contrast.
In addition to the economic hardships, these returning tech professionals encounter a notable shift in the hiring landscape and cultural expectations, adding further layers of complexity to their reintegration into the Indian job market
This scenario is not unique to Deepak, as numerous Indian tech professionals who worked for major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta in the US and Canada have faced similar challenges upon returning home. The mass layoffs of more than 200,000 tech workers in the US between November 2022 and January 2023, with 30% to 40% being Indian IT professionals, have added to the complexity.
The job market in India is proving challenging for these returning professionals, with many struggling to secure positions due to a heightened level of competition. The skepticism from potential employers stems from a trust deficit, as they fear these individuals might prioritize returning to the US. The report quoted Kamal Karanth, co-founder of HR firm Xpheno, who explained, “Employers find it difficult to trust this cohort as there is always an inclination to return to the U.S.”
Furthermore, the substantial salaries these professionals commanded in the US create a mismatch in compensation expectations with Indian companies, making it challenging for both parties to reach an agreement. Even if the returning tech workers are willing to accept a pay cut of 10% to 20%, Indian companies are reportedly offering reductions of 40% to 50%, exacerbating the situation.
The struggles extend beyond the job market, with returning tech professionals facing social stigma related to job loss. Pushpak, who returned to India after an MBA in the US, highlighted the pressure from extended family and community expectations. He emphasized the challenge of explaining his situation, noting that while his parents were understanding, many of his peers faced criticism and questions about their capabilities upon returning.
In addition to the economic hardships, these returning tech professionals encounter a notable shift in the hiring landscape and cultural expectations, adding further layers of complexity to their reintegration into the Indian job market.
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