A Reddit post by an Indian woman working in Ireland has sparked a thoughtful online discussion on career growth, belonging, and the emotional realities of returning to India after years abroad.
The post, titled “Return to India”, was shared on the Reddit subreddit r/returnToIndia by a 33-year-old single professional currently based in Dublin. Introducing herself, she wrote that she works in a US-based multinational company and is financially comfortable, with a supportive workplace culture.
However, despite these positives, she admitted to feeling a growing sense of disconnect.
‘Hard to connect in a sales role’
The woman explained that her role in sales requires strong interpersonal connections, something she has struggled with abroad. “While everything is nice — package, people, etc — since my role is Sales, I find it so hard to connect with people in my team,” she wrote.
Over time, this challenge led her to reflect deeply on her professional trajectory and sense of belonging. She added that she has come to realise that the disconnect may not necessarily be about racism, but “more of human nature”, prompting her to reassess where she could thrive better.
Considering career growth back in India
According to her, building organic relationships is critical to succeeding in sales-driven roles. She believes that returning to India could help her connect more naturally with colleagues, enabling her to be more productive and progress further in her career.
“To reach the next level of my career, I need to be in India where I can connect with them and be more productive,” she wrote, adding that she is considering job opportunities in Bengaluru or Noida.
Seeking advice on finances and planning
The post also sought practical advice from fellow Reddit users. She asked how to plan a move back if she were to secure a job before returning and raised concerns about financial preparedness. “How much money should I have to save for me to feel settled in India?” she asked.
Mixed reactions from the community
The post resonated with many users, drawing a mix of cautionary and reflective responses. Some advised her not to rush the decision and suggested frequent visits to India before committing to a permanent move. Others urged her to first define the kind of lifestyle she wants, saying that clarity on lifestyle expectations would help answer financial questions.
The discussion reflects a familiar dilemma faced by many Indian professionals abroad — balancing global exposure and comfort with cultural familiarity, emotional connection, and long-term career fulfilment back home