This was long overdue. But i thought i would share what i have experience so far.
General
- I don't regret the decision so far
- Emotionally it was and is a great decision.
- Financially you will definitely do better in the US (Again if you earn and plan to live in the US it might be a wash, but if you plan to come back at some point it is worth accumulating the greens)
- With time you get used to India
India
- A lot has changed and yet nothing has changed (you can fill in the blanks)
- Can get everything (but there is a price to pay)
- What can be got under 1 roof @Target, Costco or Walmart might need 5 trips to different shops and you may not find what you were looking for
Family
- Kids settle in faster, my kids are small so i had no issues
- Wives might take a longer time
Schools
- A lot of pressure to succeed (rightfully so), again my kids are young so my knowledge is second hand.
Work
- Attitudes are different (might be a shock for the R2I'ers)
- A lot of know it all's at the workplace (as Indians we are probably used to this)
- Hours will be long
- Be prepared to work with low quality workers. Though i am a big homer for India and all things Indian this is one area i was shocked. The quality of graduates is appalling, what will take a day in the US to get done will take 5.
Sports
- For the Golf enthusiasts or non enthusiast i suggest investing in it In India you might have to fork out some money to be a part of a Golf club but Golf is the best way to network in India.
Life in General
- If you are person for whom people matter more than the place, India is great. If the place matters you will have to make adjustments. example... if you having a craving for Mexican food you might be hard pressed to find a restaurant.
- Domestic help is available, makes your life a little easy.
- Good friends will make life fun matter where you live
- Lot of people become members of clubs (i.e Gymkhana, Cosmopolitan, Round Table) good way to meet and socialize with the upper crust.
Monthly Expenses:
This is just a rough estimate (without mortgage or rent)
Groceries (for 4 people): Max Rs 15,000 - Rs 17,000
Milk etc: Rs 2500
Domestic help: Rs 12000 (if you have a driver and a maid)
Gas: Avg car gives 12-13 KM/LT, 1 LT @Rs. 75 (Rs 5000 if you travel 20 KM/Day)
Electricity: Paid Once in 2 months (in Chennai) with 2 A/C running in the night (Rs 7000-8000 for 2 months)
I think Rs.1 Lakh should cover all expenses (mortgage/rent and car payments are unknown factors)