Former Meta employee Hemant Pandey described his return to India after eight years in the United States as a positive choice. He noted that both he and his wife feel more content in India due to stronger social connections.
In a discussion with career coach Pritesh Jagani, Pandey explained his decision to leave the US stemmed from dissatisfaction with H-1B visa limits. Despite the significant salary difference between the two countries, he said he would always prefer India over alternatives such as Canada or European nations. He acknowledged the US offers the strongest career opportunities for earning and saving, with India as his second choice, though he misses open skies and coastal views.
Pandey began creating content alongside his tech role in the US but could not monetize it under H-1B rules, contributing to his departure. He arrived in the US in 2016 for a master’s degree in computer science. His initial position was at Tesla, where he secured an H-1B visa on his first attempt before being laid off. He later joined another company that also sponsored his visa and began processing a green card.
Pandey returned to India in December 2024 and worked remotely for Meta briefly before taking time off. He has since joined LinkedIn and works from Bengaluru.
Regarding savings required for relocation, Pandey said the amount varies by personal circumstances, such as family obligations or children’s schooling. He advised against fixating on a specific sum. For some, even Rs 5 crore may fall short if planning international schools or luxury housing. He set aside funds for property in a major city and noted that neither he nor his wife planned to stop working, so their savings supplemented Indian earnings.
Pandey added that earning one-third of US income in India can still provide a comfortable life. Rather than targeting an exact figure, he recommended setting a firm return date, as that step often proves more challenging.
He described US life as routine, with limited neighborly interaction and little after-work socializing. In contrast, India offers household support and quick services that free up time, despite daily chaos. He values being able to visit his parents without visa requirements.
