My R2I (Bangalore) diary - chaloIndia
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:17 pm
Background
Came to US 7 years back. Spent 2 years doing M.S and 5 year at work. Married for the last 4 years, and wife just completed her masters in teaching.
PREMOVE
Why R2I?
Just because we always wanted to, closer to family, and sense of belonging.
Why now?
When I first came to for education, I planned to return back after my degree. Then decided to work for 2 years, and got into +1 syndrome. Finally wife and I decided we need to settle down. So year back we decided that we will either return within a year or settle in USA. In the meanwhile we got the the work permit, so we were confused for a while on whether we should really abandon our green card processing in the middle, but finally decided to take the plunge.
Finances
After only 5 years of work and paying for my wife's education we barely saved enough for a small flat in bangalore. Few years back I thought the savings will go a long way but as thanks to inflation and falling dollar the saving didn't amount to much. About one fourth of my money is in 401k, another fourth in mutual funds / stock investments, and rest I have transferred to India.
Top Concerns before moving
* Work enviornment, quality of work, work life balance in India.
* Leaving close friends in USA
* Lack of infrastructure in India
Job
Had an option to move hyderabad with my current employer, but wanted to move to either Delhi ( where most of my family is) or Bangalore. Hence looked around and got a offer in another company in Bangalore.
The Move
The company paid for the container. But we decided buying any applicances from USA. Just took what we already had ( TV/DVD/computer). Decided to take a six week vacation before joining the new job to meet family and pace things. Packed and took flight on 16 Dec'07.
POST MOVE
Job
After vacation, its been about 3 weeks at my new job here. Till now things look great. The work enviornment is awesome, and the work seems to be at par with what I was doing in USA. Only thing is that you don't get to be in the company of industry leaders and who's who of technology as was the case in US. But again its been only 3 weeks.
Home
Currently living in company guest house. Would move to a rented apartment about 10 min walk from work after a week. Initially budgeted Rs 15 K but had to increase is to Rs 18.5 K. A compromise made to avoid time in traffic. Once I get a better idea of the city and real estate market, I will try to buy an apartment.
Shipment
The container is expected to arrive in week, about the same time I get the apartment.
City Life
Nothing unexpected in this front. The traffic is really bad , but as long as we are not on the road things are great. Work, home, malls etc are all comfortable enough.
Pending...
* Buy home applicances
Have more or less decided on what we need. Just need to place the order.
* Get a driving license
This is take a bit longer. We need an address proof just to get the learners. So this process will start once we move to the apartment.
* Handle finances in USA
Need to figure out the best way get money out from my 401k in USA. Will look for CA/CPA to help with this.
* India taxes
In general need to understand Indian tax system. How to save taxes etc.
* Make a new friend circle
Came to US 7 years back. Spent 2 years doing M.S and 5 year at work. Married for the last 4 years, and wife just completed her masters in teaching.
PREMOVE
Why R2I?
Just because we always wanted to, closer to family, and sense of belonging.
Why now?
When I first came to for education, I planned to return back after my degree. Then decided to work for 2 years, and got into +1 syndrome. Finally wife and I decided we need to settle down. So year back we decided that we will either return within a year or settle in USA. In the meanwhile we got the the work permit, so we were confused for a while on whether we should really abandon our green card processing in the middle, but finally decided to take the plunge.
Finances
After only 5 years of work and paying for my wife's education we barely saved enough for a small flat in bangalore. Few years back I thought the savings will go a long way but as thanks to inflation and falling dollar the saving didn't amount to much. About one fourth of my money is in 401k, another fourth in mutual funds / stock investments, and rest I have transferred to India.
Top Concerns before moving
* Work enviornment, quality of work, work life balance in India.
* Leaving close friends in USA
* Lack of infrastructure in India
Job
Had an option to move hyderabad with my current employer, but wanted to move to either Delhi ( where most of my family is) or Bangalore. Hence looked around and got a offer in another company in Bangalore.
The Move
The company paid for the container. But we decided buying any applicances from USA. Just took what we already had ( TV/DVD/computer). Decided to take a six week vacation before joining the new job to meet family and pace things. Packed and took flight on 16 Dec'07.
POST MOVE
Job
After vacation, its been about 3 weeks at my new job here. Till now things look great. The work enviornment is awesome, and the work seems to be at par with what I was doing in USA. Only thing is that you don't get to be in the company of industry leaders and who's who of technology as was the case in US. But again its been only 3 weeks.
Home
Currently living in company guest house. Would move to a rented apartment about 10 min walk from work after a week. Initially budgeted Rs 15 K but had to increase is to Rs 18.5 K. A compromise made to avoid time in traffic. Once I get a better idea of the city and real estate market, I will try to buy an apartment.
Shipment
The container is expected to arrive in week, about the same time I get the apartment.
City Life
Nothing unexpected in this front. The traffic is really bad , but as long as we are not on the road things are great. Work, home, malls etc are all comfortable enough.
Pending...
* Buy home applicances
Have more or less decided on what we need. Just need to place the order.
* Get a driving license
This is take a bit longer. We need an address proof just to get the learners. So this process will start once we move to the apartment.
* Handle finances in USA
Need to figure out the best way get money out from my 401k in USA. Will look for CA/CPA to help with this.
* India taxes
In general need to understand Indian tax system. How to save taxes etc.
* Make a new friend circle