A high-earning professional in his early 40s is standing at a major crossroads, one that could redefine their future, their finances, and their family’s path for decades to come.
With a lucrative offer from a U.S.-based employer on the table, a senior executive currently earning ₹80 lakh per annum in NCR is considering relocating to New Jersey on an L1A visa. The U.S. salary, a sizable $250,000 to $270,000 per year. His wife, also earning the same in her marketing career, would need to find new work abroad.
What complicates this decision is not just the economics ,but the broader lifestyle impact. “If we stay in India, I believe we can achieve FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) by the time I’m 50,” he shared. “But moving to the U.S. means resetting financially in a high-cost environment where our rupee savings won’t stretch far. It likely means working much longer.”
Yet for this family, with a 5-year-old daughter, the calculus is about more than just money. Cleaner air, reliable infrastructure, better public systems, and more diverse recreational opportunities are strong pulls ,especially for their child’s future. Adding to the momentum: his wife’s strong desire to experience life in the U.S.
“I never really planned to move,” he admits, “but now I feel I should give it a try, for my wife, for our daughter, and maybe for myself too.”
The company is willing to sponsor his green card after three years of U.S. residence. And with a long-term view, he’s clear, if they go, there’s no coming back. “I don’t want to expose my daughter to cultural changes multiple times. If we move, we’ll settle there for good.”
” I wouldn’t do it”
The internet swiftly reacted to this post. A user said,”Moving to the US is a big step, and it comes down to what you and your family value most. At 42, adjusting to a new country won’t be easy. You’ll be starting fresh in a place without family support, house help, or the familiarity you have now. Your wife might need time to find a job, and the cost of living will be a lot higher, which could push your FIRE goals further out.”
The user further added, “But it’s also a chance to live in a cleaner, more organized environment, give your daughter opportunities she might not have otherwise, and experience a new culture, something your wife clearly wants and that might grow on you too. The salary your company is offering is strong, and with careful planning, you could still build savings while enjoying a different quality of life. If the thought of “what if” weighs on you, it might be worth giving it a shot. Life’s about balance, and this could be a step toward something great, even if it takes some adjusting at first.”
Another noted, “The answers to such questions are personal, so here’s my take. I wouldn’t do it. If you are set for retirement, then just work a couple of more years and give your child enough money so they can afford undergrad in the US or in Europe. If you move now, you’ll have to work until 60 to retire there and deal with all the visa issues. Plus family will need you here, so no point.”
A netizen suggested, “Don’t do it. You’re trading a 1.6Cr annual family package for $250k. Yes your wife might get a job, but she might not get one so easily. With Fx rate it’s already very close, but with cost of living, etc you’ll be worse off. Work till 50, retire up to a hill station after that for the clean air.”
“A combined salary of 1.6 CR/annum, family, friends, freedom. Are you telling me you want to give all that up for a 250k salary, depression, everlasting longing for home, potential identity crises for kids, a million visa issues ? Sure the US has cleaner air and better infrastructure. It also has 2 school shootings per day. What’s the point of clean air when you can’t breathe it ? Also, it’s not FIRE of you’re doing it at 50. 70-80% of your life would be done by then. You’re not retiring early. If your wife fancies the US, go on a trip and have fun. Don’t be a fool at 40. Because a fool at 40 is a fool forever,” added another.