For many Indians, moving to the USA represents the promise of better education and career opportunities. Social media is filled with stories of those who have succeeded abroad, inspiring thousands to follow a similar path.
However, not every journey follows the same route. A recent Reddit post by a 27-year-old NRI has gone viral for sharing an “unlucky” experience in the US, where, despite following the conventional steps of higher studies and job applications, he remained unemployed and decided to return to India.
According to the post, the user moved to the US in August 2022 to pursue a master’s degree. He completed the course in December 2023 and began looking for work soon after. “My USA story is pure unlucky. I came to the US in Aug 22 and completed Masters in Dec 23. From Feb 24 to the present, I have been unemployed (sic),” the user wrote on Reddit.
He explained that he applied for jobs daily and made consistent efforts to secure interviews. However, he said most opportunities ended once employers learned about his visa status. He explained, “It’s not like I’m not trying; I was aggressively applying to jobs. Daily 30+ application. By chance, if I got an interview, they said, due to the visa status, you’re not eligible, or since you need sponsorship, we can’t consider you. And now I’m planning to go back to India.”
The Reddit post drew significant attention, with many users expressing support and sharing similar experiences. Several highlighted that personal effort does not always guarantee success.
“You can do everything right and still fail. That’s life. Sorry, man. Lots of amazing things are happening in India, though,” said one user.
Another comment suggested that returning to India may not be a setback. The comment read, “I believe that is meant to be. Your destiny is written in India. Trust me, you will be fine, and one day you will say thank god I did not get the job.”
Some users offered broader explanations linked to global labour trends. A user explained, “There is a massive oversupply of white collar workers in first world countries thanks to offshoring (ironically to India), layoffs (advent of AI and whatnot) and the aftereffect of a large influx of international students (like yourself) that were injected to boost up these economies after CoVid. There just aren’t enough jobs for all the people looking, and companies aren’t going to spend extra for you when they can get a local for cheaper with more relevant job experience. Just bad timing, especially when combined with the massive anti-migration sentiment brewing in most of these countries. Your story might have been different only 3 or 4 years earlier than when you finished.”
Another user highlighted that leaving early could have long-term benefits, “Sometimes you can do everything right, and it’s not just the right place, time, etc. The silver lining here is that you are making the move early in your career and will have time to do well back in India.”
Several comments challenged the idea that returning to India should be considered a failure. Users argued that career growth is possible outside the US, “You still tried. If circumstances didn’t align, it is not a failure. Frankly, there are more avenues in life than just being in the US. You will realise that soon. Best wishes in your life.”
Another added, “You don’t fail. People assume the US is some sort of litmus test to their life and goals. If it doesn’t work out, work someplace where there are plenty of opportunities. India is amazing, and most of the jobs are there anyway.”