A heartfelt submit by an Indian skilled on Reddit has sparked a wave of emotional dialogue amongst expats navigating the uncertainty of life after their US scholar visas expire. The consumer, who recognized himself as a 32-year-old at the moment on a STEM OPT visa, opened up about feeling “misplaced” and conflicted as his time within the US nears an finish.
In his submit, the consumer shared that he got here to the US in 2021 on an F1 visa and had deliberate to proceed working via a Day 1 CPT program after his Optionally available Sensible Coaching (OPT) interval. Nevertheless, after his mission was ramped down and he was launched from work, his plans got here crashing down with just some months left earlier than his visa expiry.
“Actually, I’m battling combined feelings… it nearly appears like I tousled someplace — like I did not benefit from the prospect I had,” he wrote. “I do know rationally that success doesn’t rely upon staying right here, however deep down these lingering ideas maintain bothering me — that I by some means missed out on a golden alternative.”
Blended reactions
The submit rapidly gained traction amongst members of the Reddit neighborhood, lots of whom shared related experiences or provided phrases of encouragement.
One consumer wrote empathetically, “Take into consideration this: whenever you got down to get your diploma, was your aim to be glad and effectively employed? Or was it to easily stay within the US ceaselessly? The 2 usually are not the identical! You possibly can nonetheless make good cash and lead a cheerful life wherever on the planet, together with India.”
One other consumer, who went via the identical part, suggested staying optimistic, “I went via the identical factor in 2019 after being within the US for five.5 years. I do know it feels daunting, however this isn’t the tip. I moved again house, figured issues out in security, and bounced again stronger. Bear in mind, you’ve got training and expertise to construct on.”
Nevertheless, not everybody agreed. A 3rd consumer provided a starkly totally different opinion, arguing that returning to India could be a “step backward.”
“You could possibly have stayed within the US and maximised your incomes potential. The peace of thoughts individuals speak about will evaporate in six months — all you’ll be left with is crumbling infrastructure and lack of privateness,” the remark learn.
Widespread dilemma
The submit highlights a well-known dilemma confronted by 1000’s of Indian college students and professionals within the US — torn between the pursuit of stability overseas and the pull of house. For a lot of, the uncertainty round H-1B visas, job safety, and the emotional toll of long-distance life typically complicates the choice.
Whereas opinions stay divided, the dialogue underscores a rising sentiment amongst younger Indians overseas — that life after returning house doesn’t essentially mark the tip of success, however the begin of a brand new chapter.
