After spending a significant period abroad, a returning professional on Reddit, reflected on the nature of life as a series of exits. From leaving school for a first job to retiring after decades of work, exits define milestones. Yet, the challenges of living abroad, especially in the US, revealed an unexpected truth: leaving often comes at a steep cost.
US Life: Every Exit Feels Like Paying a Toll
“Even if you live abroad, you must file US returns and disclose every foreign account (FBAR, FATCA),” the professional noted. Attempting to give up a green card or citizenship brings an exit tax — where global assets are treated as if sold overnight, resulting in capital gains taxes on paper wealth. Estate taxes in some states can consume up to 40% of what one leaves behind.
Beyond finances, the constant immigration treadmill adds to the burden. Renewing visas, tracking expiry dates, coordinating passports for family members in different countries, and planning travel around consulate appointments make even vacations feel like administrative tasks. “In short, life there never truly lets you leave — not your money, not your time, not even your peace of mind,” they added.
India: Exits Feel Natural
Returning to India brought clarity and relief. “The cost of living doesn’t punish you for slowing down. I don’t owe two tax systems just for existing. My children inherit what I build — not what’s left after foreign taxes,” they explained. Freed from juggling multiple passports, visas, and continents, life became simpler and more manageable.
The professional reflected on the deeper meaning of the move: “Coming home wasn’t just a financial decision — it was a spiritual one. In the US, every exit had a price. In India, every exit feels… complete.” They encouraged others in the community to share their experiences, asking, “For those who’ve returned — did you also feel this sudden lightness when you stopped juggling continents, visas, and passports? How has that clarity changed the way you think about life, legacy, and freedom?”
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