We Left Google, PayPal & Microsoft Jobs in US and Moved Back to India for Good
After spending 10+ years building careers at Google, PayPal, and Microsoft in Silicon Valley, Himanshu and Purwa made the bold decision to return to Pune with their two young daughters. Their story reveals the emotional triggers, careful planning, and real-life adjustments of leaving top tech jobs for family, culture, and a more balanced life in India.
In this story
- Key Highlights from Himanshu & Purwa's Journey
- Background: From Pune to USC to Bay Area
- The Trigger: When Daycare Wasn't Enough
- The 3-Year Planning Journey (2022-2025)
- Financial Planning & House Sale
- Career Transitions: From Big Tech to New Beginnings
- School Selection in Pune: Options & Process
- Life After Return: The Good, The Challenging
- Advice for NRIs Considering Return
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
After 10+ years building careers at top Silicon Valley companies, Himanshu and Purwa chose family over fortune, trading Bay Area tech jobs for Pune's warmth, grandparents' love, and a life where their daughters could grow up rooted in Indian culture.
Key Highlights from Himanshu & Purwa's Journey
- Both worked at top tech companies (Google, PayPal, Microsoft) for 10+ years in Bay Area before returning to Pune in 2025
- The trigger was their first daughter's daycare experience - they wanted grandparents involved in their kids' formative years
- They spent 3 years planning (2022-2025), trying different options including one spouse taking a break before committing to the move
- Sold their US house within a week at desired price, closed deal just before moving to avoid rental management hassles
- Found excellent school options in Pune with international boards, state boards, and alternative education models
- Their 4-year-old daughter adjusted to school and made friends within days, proving kids are more adaptable than parents expect
- They don't regret the decision despite missing clean air, parks, and US infrastructure - family time is worth it
- Quick delivery services (15-min groceries), affordable household help, and family support make daily life easier than expected
Central Theme: When your "why" is strong enough - in this case, giving their daughters a childhood surrounded by grandparents and Indian culture - even leaving dream jobs at Google, PayPal, and Microsoft becomes not just possible, but deeply fulfilling.
Background: From Pune to USC to Bay Area
Himanshu and Purwa's story begins in Pune, where they both completed their engineering degrees and worked for a year and a half before deciding to pursue higher education in the United States. In 2013, they moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California (USC) for their Master's in Computer Science.
"We went to US in 2013. We did our engineering from Pune and then we were in a job for a year and a half. We thought let's explore something else, let's learn more technically, be robust, work with the best people in the world," Purwa explained.
After completing their master's degrees, both landed jobs in Silicon Valley - the heart of the tech world. Purwa joined Google, where she worked for 10 years across different teams. Himanshu started at Yahoo for a year, then spent 9 years at PayPal, and finally moved to Microsoft for about a year before their return to India.
During their time in the US, they built successful careers, traveled extensively, explored national parks, and enjoyed the Bay Area lifestyle. They were always in the same city, which made their dual-career journey smoother than many couples who have to navigate long-distance relationships or relocations.
Learn more about how dual-career couples successfully navigate returning to India and maintain professional growth.
The Trigger: When Daycare Wasn't Enough
The turning point came in May 2021 when their first daughter was born. Like many working parents in the US, they faced the reality of full-day daycare for their infant - a necessity when both parents work and grandparents live thousands of miles away.
Purwa's words capture the emotional struggle many NRI parents face: watching their children spend more waking hours with daycare providers than with family. The situation became even more poignant when grandparents would visit and then have to leave.
"Grandparents also they we felt like each trip they are getting older, they are aging. So those are the golden years that they want to spend with their grandkids and grandkids are also fond of them. So we it really broke our heart when they left because our daughter would cry and then we had to console her, even my mom, my mother-in-law like they were very emotional leaving the kids."
This emotional trigger - the desire to give their daughter a childhood surrounded by grandparents and family - became the foundation of their decision to return. It wasn't about career dissatisfaction or visa issues; it was about what kind of childhood they wanted for their children.
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The 3-Year Planning Journey (2022-2025)
After their December 2022 trip to India, Himanshu and Purwa realized they needed to start planning seriously. But they didn't rush. They gave themselves time to explore different options and ensure this wasn't just exhaustion talking.
Testing Different Scenarios
The couple tried multiple approaches before committing to the move:
Option 1: Internal Transfer
Both Google and PayPal had offices in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Initially, they thought an internal transfer would be the easiest path. However, they realized they didn't want to move to a new city in India - they wanted to be in Pune, close to their families.
"We didn't really want to move to a new city and everything. We are really coming back for our family, our friends. So we dropped that middle way."
Option 2: Remote Work
Himanshu moved to Microsoft specifically to explore remote work possibilities. Unfortunately, Microsoft's return-to-office policies made it difficult to get approval for working remotely from Pune.
"I moved to Microsoft trying to think if we could get remote but of course things didn't plan that way because Microsoft started the RTO back to office."
Option 3: One Spouse Takes a Break
In May 2024, Purwa took a career break to see if having one parent at home would solve their challenges. They wanted to try everything before leaving the US.
"We wanted to try like everything. So we had our second daughter. Then I took a break. We moved back when our second daughter was just 6 months."
This methodical approach - trying different options over 3 years - gave them confidence that returning to India was the right choice, not just a reaction to temporary stress.
Understand more about how to make data-driven decisions about returning to India using a structured framework.
Financial Planning & House Sale
One of the biggest decisions was what to do with their house in the Bay Area. They had owned two homes during their time in the US - a starter home purchased in 2017 and a second home they were living in.
The House Sale Decision
Rather than becoming long-distance landlords, they decided to sell. Their reasoning was practical:
- No hassle of managing tenants from India
- No dealing with property taxes and maintenance remotely
- Clean break to focus on their new life in India
- Avoid the stress of being a long-distance landlord
The house sold within a week at their desired price. They even postponed their flight by a week to close the deal in person, though they had given power of attorney to Himanshu's brother as a backup plan.
Financial Corpus Planning
Their approach to financial planning was pragmatic rather than overly detailed:
"We didn't really do like very nitpicky. We had like an idea like yeah just scale back of the paper envelope things. The only thing is like going completely like transitioning yourself into retirement mode was very difficult because with our young kids it's just too many uncertainties."
They had confidence that with their tech backgrounds, at least one of them would find work within 6 months to a year. They built a financial cushion to support a modest lifestyle on one income if needed.
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Career Transitions: From Big Tech to New Beginnings
Purwa's Journey at Google
Purwa had spent 10 years at Google, working across different teams with great managers. She had even changed teams internally, building a fulfilling career. Her original plan was to apply for an internal transfer to Google's Pune office.
She decided to take a few years off to focus on their younger daughter's early years, with plans to explore opportunities later.
Himanshu's Career Path
Himanshu's career journey took him through three major tech companies:
Yahoo (1 year)
Started his Bay Area career at Yahoo after completing his master's degree.
PayPal (9 years)
Had a great stint at PayPal, building expertise and growing professionally over nearly a decade.
Microsoft (1 year)
Moved to Microsoft hoping to secure remote work approval, but RTO policies made it difficult.
When remote work didn't materialize, Himanshu decided to focus on wrapping up their US chapter and exploring opportunities after settling in India.
The Career Freedom Mindset
Both Himanshu and Purwa had a healthy perspective on their careers:
"I felt like it could come back again whenever we want and even if that doesn't happen I'll probably do something else, maybe not even in software engineering. But yeah we were from software so we were we still have the thinking like at least in 6 months to a year we should be able to find something, at least one of us should be able to find something."
This confidence came from their strong tech backgrounds and the knowledge that India's tech ecosystem was thriving. They weren't worried about finding work - they were focused on finding the right work that aligned with their new lifestyle goals.
Explore career transition strategies for returning NRIs and how to leverage your US experience in India's job market.
School Selection in Pune: Options & Process
One of their biggest concerns was finding the right school for their 4-year-old daughter. What they discovered pleasantly surprised them.
The School Landscape in Pune
They found a diverse range of options:
School Options Available
- International boards (IB, Cambridge)
- State boards (CBSE, ICSE)
- Alternative education models
- Schools with different teaching philosophies
- Options across different areas of Pune
Their Selection Process
After Diwali, they started seriously looking at schools. They realized the schools they liked were either on the east or west side of Pune, not near where they were initially staying with family.
"We liked many schools on the west side. So we decided to move within Pune. We got a rental here. That was definitely hectic with a baby. I just used to go on like to take an Uber, go there in the west side, search for home, search for schools, come back, talk to her at night once the kids slept."
Their daughter adjusted remarkably well to her new school:
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Life After Return: The Good, The Challenging
The Positive Surprises
Family Time & Support
Both sets of grandparents live in the same building, making family time effortless. Their daughters see their grandparents regularly, and the emotional connection they hoped for is now a daily reality.
Quick Delivery Services
One unexpected benefit was India's ultra-fast delivery ecosystem. Groceries arriving in 15 minutes became a lifesaver with two young kids.
Household Help
Having affordable household help made managing daily life much easier than in the US, where they had to do everything themselves.
"In terms of house and the amount of help you get is like we are not used to it but we are very happy that we get it."
Cultural Celebrations
They celebrated their first Diwali in India after 12-13 years, surrounded by family. It was everything they had hoped for.
The Challenges
Traffic & Commute
Pune's traffic was a significant adjustment. A 5km distance could take 45 minutes during rush hour.
"Traffic still bothers me a lot. So I that I'm still getting used to. The first time I just it was a very busy street. I took off my two-wheeler and the first turn that I had to take, two times I waited, the third time I was like if I wait more it will be half an hour more."
Pollution
Air quality was noticeably different from the Bay Area, especially during certain seasons.
Service Management
Unlike the US where many services are automated, India requires more active management - phone calls, follow-ups, and coordination.
"Service-wise yes we have improved few services like the human interaction but yeah you always have to make a call and make sure that the person comes on time. So those things yes are there still."
Infrastructure Differences
They miss the clean parks, footpaths, and organized systems of the US.
The Verdict
Despite the challenges, they have no regrets:
The benefits of family time, cultural connection, and being present for their daughters' formative years outweigh the infrastructure challenges.
Advice for NRIs Considering Return
1. Have a Strong "Why"
Their advice echoes what many successful returnees say: you need a compelling reason beyond just "everyone else is doing it."
2. Try Everything Before Deciding
They spent 3 years testing different options - internal transfers, remote work, one spouse taking a break. This gave them confidence in their final decision.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Don't expect India to be like the US. Embrace the differences rather than resisting them.
"We felt like we are not alone. There are so many people in this journey along with us and who are eager to help each other out. And that's the best part of this community."
4. Give Yourself Time
The first 3 months were exhausting with property registration, internet setup, and establishing routines. But it gets better.
5. Focus on What You Gain
Yes, you'll miss some things about the US. But focus on what you're gaining - family time, cultural roots, and a different quality of life.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave my Google or tech job to return to India?
The decision depends on your personal "why" for returning. In this couple's case, they wanted to be present for their young daughters' formative years and have grandparents actively involved in their lives. They had spent 10+ years in the US, achieved career milestones, and felt ready for the next chapter. If your motivation is strong (family, cultural upbringing, aging parents), and you've built financial stability, returning can be deeply fulfilling. However, if you're moving due to external pressure or without clear goals, you may struggle with the transition.
How long does it take to adjust after returning to India from the US?
Most families report 6-12 months for initial adjustment. This couple mentioned that the first 3 months were exhausting dealing with property registration, internet installation, household staff, and settling into routines. However, they found the transition smoother than expected because they had family support, their daughter adjusted quickly to school, and they embraced the chaos rather than resisting it. The key is setting realistic expectations and giving yourself time to adapt.
What should I do with my US house when returning to India?
This couple decided to sell their house rather than deal with rental management from India. They sold within a week at their desired price and closed the deal just before their move. They recommend selling if you don't want the hassle of managing tenants remotely, dealing with property taxes, and handling maintenance issues from across the world. However, if you have family in the US who can manage it or plan to return, keeping it might make sense.
How do I choose the right school in Pune for my NRI kids?
This couple toured many schools in Pune and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of options available. They found schools with international boards (IB, Cambridge), state boards (CBSE, ICSE), and alternative education models. They recommend: (1) Start school research 6-12 months before moving, (2) Visit schools during a trial trip to India, (3) Consider location relative to where you'll live, (4) Look at curriculum, teaching philosophy, and extracurricular activities, (5) Talk to other parents who recently returned. They ultimately chose a school on the west side of Pune that aligned with their educational values.
Can both spouses find jobs after returning to India?
Yes, but it requires planning. In this case, the husband tried to secure remote work with Microsoft but couldn't due to return-to-office policies. The wife took a career break to focus on their younger daughter (6 months old at the time of return). They had built enough financial cushion to manage on one income if needed, but both planned to explore opportunities after settling in. The key is having 2-3 years of living expenses saved, being open to career pivots, and leveraging your US experience for opportunities in India's growing tech ecosystem.
What are the biggest challenges after returning to India with kids?
The couple mentioned: (1) Traffic and commute times - a 5km drive can take 45 minutes, (2) Pollution levels, especially during certain seasons, (3) Managing household help and services (requires active management), (4) Adjusting to different customer service standards (more phone calls, less automation), (5) Missing the convenience of US infrastructure (clean parks, footpaths, organized systems). However, they emphasized that quick delivery services (15-minute groceries), affordable household help, and family support more than compensate for these challenges.
Is the cost of living in Pune cheaper than Bay Area?
Significantly cheaper for most expenses. While international schools in Pune can cost ₹5-8 lakhs per year, overall living costs are much lower than Bay Area. Housing, food, transportation, and household help are all more affordable. However, the couple noted that if you want to maintain a similar lifestyle (imported goods, international brands, premium services), costs can add up. They recommend adapting to local options and embracing the Indian lifestyle for maximum savings.
What do you miss most about the US after returning to India?
The couple mentioned missing: (1) Clean air and walkable neighborhoods, (2) Well-maintained parks and playgrounds for kids, (3) Organized systems and efficient customer service, (4) Christmas decorations and holiday atmosphere, (5) The spacious house they had in Bay Area. However, they emphasized they haven't regretted the decision and the benefits of being close to family, having cultural connections, and spending quality time with their daughters outweigh what they miss.
Ready to Plan Your Return to India?
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Connect with families who've left top tech jobs to return home. Get practical advice on planning, finances, schools, and making your transition smooth.
