A professional recently shared reflections on life as a series of exits after returning to India following a prolonged stay in the United States. From leaving school for a first job to retiring decades later, life is punctuated by transitions. However, the experience of living abroad, particularly in the US, revealed the hidden costs of every exit — financial, administrative, and emotional.
The financial toll of leaving the US
Even after years abroad, individuals often remain tied to the US financial system. Filing tax returns, disclosing foreign accounts under FBAR and FATCA, and navigating complex regulations are mandatory. For those attempting to give up a green card or citizenship, the exit tax can be significant, with global assets treated as if sold overnight, generating substantial capital gains on paper. In some states, estate taxes can consume up to 40% of inherited wealth, leaving a heavy burden on families.
Administrative and emotional costs
Beyond money, the immigration treadmill adds further strain. Keeping track of visa expiries, passport renewals, consulate appointments, and coordinating family travel across continents makes even leisure time feel like a bureaucratic exercise. The professional reflected, “Life there never truly lets you leave — not your money, not your time, not even your peace of mind.”
Life back in India: simplicity and clarity
Returning to India brought a profound sense of relief. The cost of living is less punitive for slowing down, and citizens are not beholden to multiple tax systems. Children inherit assets without deductions for foreign taxes, and administrative burdens are greatly reduced. “Freed from juggling continents, visas, and passports, life became simpler and more manageable,” the professional noted.
Exits in India feel complete
The move was described not just as a financial decision, but a spiritual one. In contrast to the US, where exits always carry a price, life in India allows transitions to feel complete. The professional encouraged others to reflect on their experiences, asking whether returning home also brought a sense of lightness and clarity, and how it reshaped perspectives on life, legacy, and freedom.
Conclusion
For professionals returning to India after years abroad, the experience highlights the hidden costs of living overseas — monetary, bureaucratic, and emotional. In India, exits are simpler, and transitions come without constant penalties, offering a renewed sense of control and peace of mind.