- Despite differing opinions, one sentiment ran through many responses: the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values
- For this NRI, returning home seems less about money and more about rebuilding connections and finding balance after years of struggle abroad
Returning to India after years abroad can be an emotional crossroads for many NRIs. The promise of home, family and familiarity often competes with the practical benefits of staying overseas. A recent story shared by an NRI on Reddit captures this dilemma well. After spending seven years in Australia, the 27-year-old software engineer is preparing to move back to Hyderabad, carrying both financial savings and a decade’s worth of life experiences.
He first moved to Australia at 20, borrowing money from relatives to fund his education. Starting from scratch, he repaid every rupee while balancing studies, odd jobs and, eventually, a full-time tech career. Today, he has saved nearly ₹1.5 crore and holds permanent residency in Australia. Yet, his decision to return is shaped by a personal promise to his mother and a desire to rebuild life in India. He expects to have around ₹50 lakh in liquid funds once he moves back, after essential settlements abroad.
While the financial figure may sound impressive, his journey was anything but easy. He describes years marked by long workweeks—sometimes stretching to 70 or 80 hours—alongside periods of deep loneliness, health problems and emotional burnout. From labour-intensive jobs to navigating criticism from relatives, he pushed forward with one goal: stability. Having finally reached it, he now seeks clarity on the next chapter.
On Reddit, he asked for guidance on investments, job prospects and opportunities in Hyderabad. Netizens quickly weighed in with mixed reactions. Some questioned his choice to leave a developed country after working so hard to establish himself there. They pointed out the challenges of returning to India, including pollution, infrastructure gaps and higher competition in metros for quality jobs.
Others offered practical advice. Several users recommended having a job secured before relocating to avoid financial pressure. Some suggested service-based ventures over capital-heavy businesses if he considered entrepreneurship. Many also emphasised that ₹50 lakh, while a solid base, would not generate enough monthly income to be financially independent without continued full-time work.
Despite differing opinions, one sentiment ran through many responses: the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values. For this NRI, returning home seems less about money and more about rebuilding connections and finding balance after years of struggle abroad.
