A Reddit post by a 39-year-old Indian IT professional has sparked conversations about the challenges of moving abroad with a family, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate. With 17 years of experience in Mainframe Technology, the user, who earns ₹30 lakh per annum (LPA) in India, recently received a job offer from a U.S. firm in New Jersey with an annual salary of $116,000 under an H1B visa.
Despite the visa approval and the attractive prospect of international exposure, the user expressed deep apprehension about uprooting his family — which includes a spouse (a homemaker) and two young children aged 6 and 4 — without a financial safety net. Ongoing debt repayments have left the family with minimal savings, and the thought of surviving in the U.S. on a single income feels risky, especially considering current inflation and the high cost of living.
“After doing some research, we realized that with $116K for a family of four in the U.S. we will not be able to save much,” the user wrote, further adding that friends already working in the U.S. have advised against the move unless the pay package is significantly higher.
The post reflects a dilemma faced by many mid-career Indian professionals — choosing between stability and proximity to family in India versus potential long-term benefits and growth in the United States. Questions of regret also loom large. “What would I regret more — going and struggling, or staying and wondering ‘what if’?” the user pondered.
The post has attracted a wave of responses from the Reddit community, with users sharing their own migration experiences, financial advice, and personal reflections. While some encouraged taking the leap for the sake of future opportunities, others emphasized the importance of financial preparedness and emotional readiness for such a transition.