A 32-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad has shared his mixed emotions about returning to India after losing his H-1B visa job in the United States. Five months after relocating, he says he is still struggling to adjust to life back home.
In a Reddit post, the techie spoke about his years in the US, where he enjoyed a good quality of life but often felt lonely due to the lack of meaningful personal connections.
After being laid off, he returned to Hyderabad and is currently living with his parents. While the comfort of family has helped, he admitted that the transition has not been easy.
“I made many good memories in the US and lived alone for most of my time there. It’s not all perfect, as many people know. There were times I felt miserable because I lacked close connections. I even thought of moving back to India earlier. Still, I did enjoy the quality of life I had in the US,” he wrote.
He added that returning to Hyderabad feels like going back in time.
“Even though I’m happy to be with my parents, I feel like I’ve gone back nine years and am living the same life again,” he said.
His feelings have been further complicated by the fact that several of his friends are now moving to the US for work. Adding to this, his former girlfriend is also relocating there, which has increased his desire to return.
“All of this makes me feel like going back to the US,” he shared.
With his I-140 petition still not approved, he is now hoping that his current employer in India will help him find a way to return to the US.
The post drew several reactions from other users. Many shared similar experiences of returning to India after spending years abroad.
Some encouraged him to be patient, while others advised him to move on and build a new life in Hyderabad.
One user said it usually takes about a year to settle after returning from the US and pointed out that emotional factors, like relationships and friends moving abroad, can delay the process.
Another reminded him to value his overseas experience and focus on the present instead of looking back.
Others highlighted that adjusting to life in India after enjoying independence and quality of life abroad takes time and mental strength.
A few users from Europe also shared similar thoughts, saying the lack of meaningful connections abroad often pushes people to rethink their long-term plans.
The discussion reflects the emotional and practical challenges faced by many professionals who return to India due to visa issues, even when their hearts are still tied to the lives they built overseas.