Dear Indians, how do you make a choice?
For the past few months, I have a question constantly circling around in my mind, and I cant come to a conclusion. The pros and cons on both sides are quite a lot, and I just cant decide:
Weather to continue living abroad (Europe) or come back to India?
I, 24f, have been living in Europe for 6 years now. I'm working in finance/reporting at a big MNC, and earning good. I'll first talk about the pros of living and working in Europe. There is really good job security, free health care, free public transport (given by company), etc. I can travel to a new country every month, and the location mskes it flexible to travel to other countries outside of Europe too (compared to India's location). I feel very safe even if I am alone in the streets at 3 am, and the air I breathe, the food I eat, and the water I drink, are clean. The work life balance is also really good. You really do get your after work hours, and weekend to yourselves. Sick leaves and paid vaaction days are quite good. Now coming to the cons - You can get quite lonely. Most of my friends are internationals people, and so people keep on coming and leaving. And with local people, its quite hard to integrate. It is difficult to make friends, and there are less Indians when you vcompare to countries like US or UK. Currently the rent, and price of food is at an all time high. So I'm not saving as much. Language issue still remains, and you can face subtle racism because of that. International schools are extremely expensive, so you have to make a choice to either enroll your kid in local language school, or drain all your savings for international school.
So I was thinking of maybe moving back to India,
Here the pros are that, "apne log hai". I have my family and friends, and I think it will be easier for me to make more friends compared to there. Most conversations in Europe (at office, bars, events, etc.) seem superficial. And I dont have to worry about integrating in the crowd. Because of accessiblity of services like cleaners, cooks, plumbers, electricians etc (for which you need to make an appointment in Europe and pay a lot) also will make a lot of difference. It will also be easier for me to find a good life partner here :)) compared to Europe with lack of Indians. I know that in India we have to socialise a lot, but I like socialising. People in India are also more helpful and welcoming. I like festivities. I believe I will not be dedicating 25 % of my salary to rent like I do in Europe. But now we come to the cons, which I dont really need to point out, but, just to add to the list, lack of safety, pollution, no justice. traffic, yada yada. I might not be able to travel as much as I do now, specially internationally. I might not have a good work life balance as now.
Now I'm just looking at these lists. I have been looking at this list for the past months. I know this is a decision I have to come to on my own, but I like the idea of living at both places :( And I just cant decide.
What are your stories? What changed your mind to come back to India? Or, what made you decide that living abroad is end game?
Help a girl out plis :)