Pros & Cons of Moving to the US from India

Is India better for me, or is the US better for me? India has my family, friends, and food. The US also has friends, and it has given me so many opportunities to become the person I am today. 

We're sure many of you must have had this internal conflict at some point in time. Whether you're dreaming about a new beginning or already have your bags packed, this blog post will provide a detailed analysis of the pros and cons. As always, we'll be your friend by your side, presenting the information in a straightforward and relatable manner.

We’ll first discuss the pros

Let's start with the bright side of this journey - the pros of moving to the US. And trust me, there are plenty of reasons to consider.

Diverse Opportunities: 

The United States offers a vast array of opportunities across various fields. Whether you seek higher education, career growth, or entrepreneurial ventures, this country has it all. It’s what this country likes to call the American Dream. 

Quality Education: 

The US is home to some of the world's most prestigious educational institutions. The universities here are known for their cutting-edge research, expert faculty, and dynamic learning environments. There’s a reason why it has been the go-to destination for international students from not just India but from across the world. 

Standard of Living: 

In many aspects, the standard of living in the US can be higher than in India. Access to advanced infrastructure, better healthcare facilities, and well-developed public services contribute to a comfortable lifestyle. To give you a very small example. At the end of each footpath/side walk there’s a ramp. That ramp is useful for both wheelchairs as well as strollers. Most things are usually very standardized. You can follow the process and in most cases, your job will be done. You most likely will not have to resort to jugaad here. 

Cultural Exposure: 

Moving to the US exposes you to a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. Embracing diversity and encountering people from various backgrounds can be a transformative and enlightening experience. I think it is a very important aspect for your personal growth. Meeting people from different countries, speaking different languages, eating different kind of food is an experience that isn’t valued that much in this world. You can learn a lot just by exposing yourself to different cultures. 

Technological Advancements: 

The US is at the forefront of technological advancements. Being here gives you access to the latest innovations, opportunities in tech-related fields, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Some may argue that India is also picking up. Yes, true. But India is picking up while things here are in a mature state of things already. 

Research and Innovation: 

For those inclined towards research and innovation, the US provides an ideal environment. Top-tier research institutions, government support, and industry collaborations fuel innovation and creativity.

Networking and Collaboration: 

The US offers excellent networking opportunities. Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds can lead to fruitful collaborations and career advancements.

Here comes, The Cons

Now, let's address the flip side. It's essential to be aware of the challenges you may encounter when moving to the US.

Culture Shock and Homesickness: 

Moving to a new country with a different culture can be overwhelming. Adapting to new social norms, customs, and traditions might take time. Additionally, homesickness can be a genuine struggle, especially during special occasions and festivals.

Guilt of Leaving Family Behind: We’ve spoken about this a lot. Yes, most Indians tend to feel guilty of leaving their parents back home. It is natural and all we can say is that there are ways to manage this guilt. It never fully goes away but we’ve learnt to manage it over the years. And we’ve also created a video about it. I’m linking it here. Do check it out. 

Cost of Living and Financial Planning: 

While the US offers a higher standard of living, it can come with a significant cost. Major cities, in particular, can be expensive, so planning your finances and budgeting is absolutely essential. This is a very capitalist country and there’s a reason why a lot of people live paycheck to paycheck. 

Immigration Processes and Uncertainty: 

Probably the biggest con of this country is its Immigration policy. Navigating the US immigration system can be complex and time-consuming. So much so that we decided to start this channel because of all the immigration and visa related issues that we’ve faced over the years. 

There’s decades of backlog to get a green card for Indians and if you’re on the H1B visa you get only 60 days to find a new job if you’re laid off. H4 visa holders can’t work and International students have to go through a crazy high demand lottery to secure a H1B visa.  Understanding visa processes, green cards, and potential policy changes is crucial for a smooth transition.  

Healthcare System: 

The US healthcare system can be costly and confusing, particularly for newcomers. You know in the movies how people call 911 and then an ambulance takes them to the hospital. That ambulance can sometimes cost you a good $4K-5K. 

We can tell you that even after living for 6 years in this country, we do not understand a lot of things related to Health insurance, medical costs, and the overall healthcare system. Terms such as copay, out of pocket, in-network can be confusing and still give me nightmares. 

Social Integration: 

Building a social circle and integrating into the local community may take time and effort. Overcoming social isolation is crucial for a fulfilling life in the US.

Now, some parameters to consider before you make that choice. These aren't pros and cons but more of a personal choice when deciding whether to move to the US or not. 

Field of work: what field are you looking to join - tech, banking etc def have really high salaries so if your goal is to grow fast and make a lot of money, then moving to the US in these fields is an easy decision to take.

Location: How much do people and community matter to you - remember moving to NY/SF or any of the big cities even Chicago/Dallas etc will give you access to a large community but the trade off is that it comes with a higher cost of living. However, if you move to Minnesota or somewhere in Michigan, your experience and time to settle might be much different.

Lifestyle and professional trajectory at home: salaries in India have increased considerably even in the last 5 years and the opportunities are plenty so if you are making 80-90lakhs in a household then moving here will feel like your quality of life has gone down - esp because you have to do the chores and will have no community support. however if you are the kind of person- who is looking to stretch themselves and build a more global profile and make more money in the process then moving here.might give you a lot of satisfaction. On the flip side if you are making 25-30 in India and end up moving to say NY on a 100k salary you won't be saving much and the only thing would be new experiences and if you are the person who cares about comfort and enjoying what they have already built and achieved you might not like it as much 

Mindset & lifestage Before moving do some internal searching to understand the kind of person you are – are you okay with the uncomfortable and unknown? Are you ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Are you ready for a new adventure? If the answer is yes then you will be able to settle in eventually and remember these answers will change depending on your life stage - if you are in your early 20s you might be ready to explore more vs in your 30s where you are already doing well in India ready to have kids etc .you might not want to go through the hassle of unlearning and relearning so important to ask yourself if you are ready to just navigate ambiguity for the next 2-3 years and if you are ..then moving might not be that bad for you because you are mentally prepared.

Our 2 cents on this whole thing is that everyone should try to at least experience living abroad if they have the opportunity. It's the best way to learn and grow and expose yourself to a whole new world and experiences and worst case if you hate it ; you can always move back but will have great stories and experiences to share!! 

We've covered it all - the pros, cons, and everything in between. But do let us know if we’ve missed anything. 

Remember, the decision to move to the US is personal, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your aspirations, and take the leap with confidence!

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey, my dear friends. As always, We're here for you, so leave your questions or thoughts. Until next time, take care, stay positive, and remember, it's ok yaar!