Workplace culture varies widely across countries, and one tech professional’s recent return to India after more than a decade in the United States is shedding light on just how stark those differences can be. In a social media post that has quickly gained traction, the individual shared their experience of reentering the Indian tech scene—only to be met with an unexpectedly rigid and hierarchical work environment.
The professional, who secured a position at a major product-based tech firm within two weeks of arriving in India, described their first week on the job as a culture shock. What stood out most was the communication style during daily stand-ups and team meetings.
“In one meeting, a teammate showcased a feature they’d been working on,” the post read. “Instead of acknowledging the effort, the feedback was blunt and nitpicky. The tone felt less like professional critique and more like a teacher scolding a student for late homework.”
The returnee also expressed concerns over work-life balance, noting that the company did not follow standard working hours. “On my first day, I was told there’s no fixed 9-to-6 schedule. I should just do whatever it takes to get the work done,” they wrote. “Since then, I’ve seen several colleagues routinely working late into the night.”
Having become accustomed to a more empathetic and structured work environment in the U.S., the individual admitted to feeling unsettled. “It feels like I’m back in school, with managers acting more like strict principals than supportive leaders,” they said. “I’m not sure if I’m just reacting too quickly or if this is something I need to seriously consider before settling in.”
The post has sparked wide discussion on Reddit, resonating with professionals who have made similar transitions or are considering a return to India. A user claimed, ” I returned after five years, and professionalism still seems lacking. You’ll need plenty of patience. Since you’ve been away for a while, the transition won’t be easy. Give it a solid six to eight months without judgment, and focus on being part of the change. Lead by example—drive well and encourage improvement. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Another noted, ” It’s not *work* culture. It’s the culture as a whole, and a company is just a subset of that. There is a general lack of empathy when dealing with others, competition, and stepping on others to get ahead. People generally are rude and talk in a condescending tone to those that are seen as *below* them in class, caste, etc. Realistically, you’re going to have to work incredibly hard to mould yourself from a person with compassion and empathy into a person with a cut-throat mindset, given how much time you’ve spent outside India. It all boils down to what do you have at stake in India and why did you move back in the first place and how important are those reasons. If not, you’re better of, planning a return to the West.”
A user noted, “This is why people are afraid of moving back to work there. This type of culture where people cut you off, disrespect work, openly joke about unethical things etc.. employees are treated as slaves who is there to serve endlessly. This shit culture is why people like me who are highly educated, who went to top Unis etc.. dont want to move there. Those who do, do so for very strong family reasons. I am sure they hate every day of such work culture. Man I hate HR in India the most. Worst creatures of all.”
“I moved back to India in 2018 after I did not get picked in 4 straight H1b attempts. After getting multiple offers from India, I was happy to start working at a reputed MNC. It took me less than a month at the new job to make the decision to move to Canada. In 2018, CRS scores were lower than what they are now and I was able to move to Canada within a year. It is the best decision I have made in my life. I did not even serve the “mandatory” 90 day notice period. Once I got my COPR, I resigned, sent a polite mail that I wont serve the notice period and that I left my laptop+charger and ID card at my desk. I cannot imagine working in India ever again,” noted another.