Viral post highlights hidden struggles of moving back to India after life in North America
A brutally honest post by a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who returned to Chennai after 15 years in North America has gone viral on social media for laying bare the emotional and logistical shocks of repatriation, reported financialexpress.com.
From high rents and costly schools to poor infrastructure, the NRI says the ground reality doesn’t match the romanticised ‘return to India’ narrative.
The NRI’s post, which begins on a hopeful note, quickly shifts into a candid commentary on the daily struggles of adjusting to life in India. “Kids have barely adjusted. Schools are terribly expensive and the competition is off the roof. Even after paying exorbitant fees (3 to 4 lakhs+), we still have to put them in extra classes like robotics etc., which cost an arm and leg,” the user wrote.
They described being overwhelmed by lifestyle adjustments, including underwhelming playgrounds, unaffordable indoor activities, and lack of infrastructure.
“Cost of living was another major pain point, something many assume would be lower in India. Decent gyms cost at least 4 to 5K per month. I used to get swimming and other activities included for that price in NA,” the post read.
The user also criticised soaring rents, poor food quality, and an unsustainable work-life balance, adding that even Toronto seemed more affordable in comparison. “Rents are off the roof, honestly, not sure why people complain about rents in Toronto. Food quality is abysmal. WLB is non-existent.”
The post sparked wide debate online, with many empathising but also urging a reality check. One user said, “You still seem to be wearing Toronto lenses after moving to Chennai. Give it some time and you will start embracing your home country more even with its limitations.”
Others pointed to flawed expectations. “Anyone who said India is cheap and life will be easy is simply deluded at this point. Silicon Valley is cheaper in many ways compared to Bangalore,” wrote one commenter.
One reply highlighted possible missteps: “4-5 hrs commute per day means you haven’t selected appropriate areas for living/work. Traffic in India is definitely bad but never heard 4-5 hrs from anyone.”
Another user summed up the dilemma bluntly: “You can’t compare a first world country like Canada to India. Surely you knew that? Complaining about it is like banging your head against a brick wall.”
While the post may seem harsh, it resonates with many expats who dream of returning home—only to discover the ground realities are far more complex than imagined.
