“What if I only get to see my mom 10–15 more times in my life? : Man on returning to India after 4 years abroad, says, ‘Best decision of my life’
“What if I only get to see my mom 10–15 more times in my life? : Man on returning to India after 4 years abroad, says, ‘Best decision of my life'
Reddit user shares how life in a tier-3 South Indian town offers comfort, affordability, and family closeness compared to the West
A Reddit user who spent four years abroad—two in Texas and two across Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich—has described returning to India as “the best decision of my life.” In a widely discussed post, he outlined the benefits and challenges of settling back in a tier-3 South Indian town while continuing to work remotely on a good salary.
One of the greatest comforts, he explained, was freedom from racial undertones that he and his family had experienced abroad. “I feel genuinely good knowing my kids will go to school where no one will call them ‘Jeets,’ ‘brown curry,’ ‘poop blocker,’ or whatever the latest insult might be. That peace of mind is priceless,” he wrote. While he never faced direct racism, he said subtle biases abroad left a lasting impression—such as waiters hesitating to serve them or a lack of basic politeness in interactions.
Healthcare was another major factor. Unlike in the US or Europe, where he dealt with long waiting times, India provided immediate and affordable medical help. Citing his uncle’s free liver transplant at Vellamal hospital, he said, “In India, you can get a same-day appointment with a brain surgeon or super-specialty doctor, and it’s surprisingly affordable.”
Financially, too, he feels more secure. With commercial property investments, he earns around ₹1 lakh monthly while keeping his household expenses under ₹20,000. Affordable domestic help, including a former hotel cook, further improves his lifestyle.
Emotional reasons, however, proved the most powerful. “What if I only get to see my mom 10–15 more times in my life? That hit hard. Now, I see her every day, and that kind of comfort is irreplaceable,” he shared.
The Redditor also praised India’s education system, saying children here are sharper compared to their US counterparts. He further dismissed the stereotype of Indians being overworked. “There’s a misconception that people in India work too much. I work a maximum of 5 hours a day—2 hours in the morning and 3 in the evening to align with the US team. The rest of my time is spent on my farm near the villa. It’s a peaceful life.”
Still, he acknowledged drawbacks, such as poor public transport, lack of cleanliness, and corruption. But, he stressed, these challenges have little impact on his daily life compared to the peace, affordability, and family closeness he now enjoys.
