Why This Oil & Gas Engineer Left Dubai for India After 11 Years
Rakkesh spent close to 4 years in Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Korea) and 7 years in Dubai working in oil and gas before moving back to India. He shares why chasing money should stop at some point and how Indian culture, family values, and a rotational job helped him find balance.
In this story
- Key Takeaways from Rakkesh's Journey
- 🎓 Rakkesh's Background: From Mumbai to Oil Platforms
- 🌏 The Overseas Journey: Asia-Pacific and Dubai
- 🏙️ Life in Dubai: The Good and What Was Missing
- 🎯 The Decision to Return: Culture, Kids, and Corporate Ladder
- 💼 Career Planning: Making Rotational Work Work
- 📍 Choosing Where to Settle: Why Not Mumbai?
- 💰 Financial Planning for Middle East Returnees
- 👨👩👧👦 How the Kids Adjusted to India
- 🧭 Rakkesh's Philosophy on Life and Migration
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 📚 Related Articles You May Find Helpful
Rakkesh spent close to 4 years in Asia-Pacific and 7 years in Dubai working in oil and gas. He shares why chasing money should stop at some point, how Indian culture and family values drove his decision, and how a rotational job helps him balance career and family life in India.
Key Takeaways from Rakkesh's Journey
- Spent 11 years abroad (4 years Asia-Pacific + 7 years Dubai) in oil and gas industry
- Moved back to India in 2023 with kids aged 6 and 4
- Primary motivation: Indian culture, values, and education for children
- Chose Bangalore outskirts near Art of Living ashram for community-oriented living
- Continues rotational work (1 month on, 1 month off) on oil platforms
- Philosophy: "At some point, chasing money should stop and you should return to your roots"
The Core Message: "The reason my parents migrated from the village where their whole ancestry grew up to the city was because of money. The reason I migrated from India to overseas was because of money. So at some point in a generation, you should say 'enough of this, now we have to go back to wherever our roots are.'"
🎓 Rakkesh's Background: From Mumbai to Oil Platforms
Rakkesh's journey began in Mumbai, where he was born and raised in a very crowded, community-oriented environment with lots of different religions celebrating together. He completed a diploma in mechanical engineering and was very good at what he studied - mechanical things came naturally to him.
Immediately after his diploma, Rakkesh got placed at L&T (Larsen & Toubro), one of India's largest engineering conglomerates. While everything was good at L&T, there was one significant issue: the salary was very low, as is typical for entry-level positions in India. The learning curve was steep because the environment was very competitive, with many colleagues from prestigious colleges.
The Financial Reality That Drove the Decision
Rakkesh came from a poor family background and needed money quickly. This wasn't just about ambition - it was about necessity. He and a few friends got together and started researching which industry pays more for mechanical engineers.
- Entry-level salary at L&T was very low
- Competitive environment with colleagues from top colleges
- Poor family background meant urgent need for higher income
- Research revealed oil and gas sector pays significantly more for mechanical engineers
After discovering that oil and gas paid well for mechanical engineers, Rakkesh and his friends started randomly reaching out to companies - even though they had only 6 months of experience and were still in the training phase. After 6-8 months of persistent effort, some friends got placed in oil field services companies, and Rakkesh got an opportunity with an oil drilling company.
The oil drilling company operated oil platforms in the middle of the sea, drilling at specific locations with high probability of finding oil. The job was on a rotation basis - one month on, one month off. For a young Rakkesh, this was even better than expected. As soon as he joined, they sent him to various overseas projects, marking the beginning of his international journey.
Interestingly, the department where Rakkesh got placed wasn't core mechanical engineering - it was related to supply chain, something he had no clue about. But fundamentally, it was about chasing money, and he ended up in the right places.
🌏 The Overseas Journey: Asia-Pacific and Dubai
Rakkesh's overseas journey spanned approximately 11 years across multiple countries and roles. His career evolved from rotational field work to a stable office position, driven by life changes.
Timeline of Rakkesh's Overseas Career
| Period | Location | Role Type | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~4 years | Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Korea) | Rotational field work | Worked on shipyards and oil platforms, 1 month on/1 month off |
| 2014-15 | Transition period | Marriage | Got married, decided to move to stable office role |
| 7 years | Dubai | Office role | Stable 9-5 job, wife joined after few months |
| 2023 | India (Bangalore outskirts) | Rotational field work | Returned to rotational job, family settled in India |
At the end of 2014 or 2015, when Rakkesh got married, he thought it was time to stop the rotational lifestyle. Being married meant he wanted a stable office role rather than being away for a month at a time. That's when he got a placement in Dubai and moved there first alone. His wife followed a few months later, as she was expecting at that time.
The move to Dubai marked a shift from the adventurous rotational life on oil platforms to a more conventional corporate existence. It was a comfortable life, but as years passed, something began to feel missing.
🏙️ Life in Dubai: The Good and What Was Missing
Dubai offered everything a young couple would need - safety, security, a vibrant and modern culture with influences from around the world. Rakkesh describes it as having "Instagram likes" kind of appeal. The lifestyle was comfortable, and initially, there was no thought of leaving.
What Dubai Offered
- Safety and security for families
- Vibrant, modern culture
- Comfortable lifestyle
- Good infrastructure and facilities
- Strong Desi community and entrepreneurs
However, after having a child, Rakkesh's perspective began to shift. He started observing Indian kids who grew up in Dubai, UK, and other western countries. They had everything - material comforts, good education, opportunities - except for one crucial element: Indian culture.
What Was Missing in Dubai
The more Rakkesh and his family visited India for vacations, the more they noticed how different life was compared to overseas. Several things stood out as missing:
The Cultural Gap
- Community Living: Having always lived in a community environment in Mumbai with lots of activities and celebrations across religions, Rakkesh missed that action in Dubai
- Festival Culture: In Dubai, all festivals got pushed to weekends because everybody was busy with work
- Neighbor Interactions: In Dubai, interactions with neighbors were mostly limited to "good morning" and "good evening" - small talk rarely went further unless you shared the same state or had some commonality
- Nuclear Family Isolation: Western culture promotes nuclear families - the smallest section of community - unlike India's joint family system
Education Concerns
As an educator of his own children, Rakkesh felt the education system abroad wasn't offering what it should. He believed certain elements were essential for a fulfilling life that weren't being taught:
- Yoga and Ayurveda
- Vedas and Sanatan Dharma teachings
- Connection to cultural roots and traditions
- Values of respect for elders
Rakkesh observed that even kids who attained success in their careers abroad were still not quite as happy. In contrast, he could sum up his own childhood in India - despite growing up in a poor family - as a joyful experience.
🎯 The Decision to Return: Culture, Kids, and Corporate Ladder
The decision to return wasn't pre-planned from the beginning. Rakkesh never initially thought about leaving Dubai because it offered everything a young couple needed. The realization grew gradually over time.
The Turning Point
Rakkesh's thought of returning actually started in 2020, but COVID restrictions delayed everything. India had many more lockdowns than Dubai, so it was better to stay in one place during that period. A few years passed before the timing became right.
Key Factors in the Decision
- Kids' Childhood: Wanted majority of children's childhood to be in India
- Cultural Education: Wanted kids to learn Indian values, traditions, and respect for elders
- Corporate Ladder Reality: Looked at colleagues a few years ahead and didn't want that life
- Festival Culture: Tired of festivals being pushed to weekends
- Community Aspect: Missed the vibrant community life of India
Rakkesh started telling his company that he didn't want to stay in Dubai. When the time was right, they allowed him to return to the rotational job. His kids were 6 and 4 years old when they made the move in 2023 - young enough that he wasn't in a rush, but he didn't see any point in continuing further.
The Philosophy Behind the Decision
Rakkesh's decision was rooted in a deeper philosophy about generational migration patterns. Many NRIs share similar sentiments - read about why NRIs are increasingly choosing to return to India.
He believed that chasing money should stop at some point. When you have enough, you should come back because India still has a lot to offer.
💼 Career Planning: Making Rotational Work Work
One of the unique aspects of Rakkesh's return is how his career in oil and gas actually facilitated the move rather than hindering it.
How Rotational Work Enables Location Freedom
Rakkesh's job allows for rotational work - going to oil platforms in the middle of the sea for one month, then having one month off. This means:
- No need to be tied to one specific location
- Can live anywhere in the world during off-months
- Family can be settled in India while he works internationally
- Engineering background enables field work on oil platforms
The compromise is staying away from family for a month whenever he goes to work. But Rakkesh has a clear perspective on this trade-off:
This arrangement gives him the best of both worlds - the ability to earn well in his specialized field while having his family settled in the environment and culture he wants for them.
📍 Choosing Where to Settle: Why Not Mumbai?
Given Rakkesh's flexibility with his rotational job, he could have settled anywhere in India. The obvious choice would have been Mumbai - where he was born and raised. But that's not what happened.
Why Mumbai Was Ruled Out
Every time Rakkesh came to Mumbai for vacation, he noticed changes that concerned him:
Mumbai's Changing Landscape
- Community Erosion: The community aspect was slowly getting lost - it wasn't the same as what he grew up with
- Transient Population: Many people in IT and other industries keep switching jobs and changing locations
- Tenant Culture: Even if he spent crores buying a small flat (Mumbai real estate is crazy high), most neighbors would be tenants
- Relationship Instability: Even if he built relationships with neighbors, they might relocate after a year
- COVID Impact: Many old neighbors who had spent 20+ years there relocated to their hometowns during COVID
- New Faces Every Year: During vacations, he would see new faces every year in his old neighborhood
Discovering the Art of Living Community
With Mumbai crossed out, Rakkesh started looking at Tier-1, Tier-2, or Tier-3 cities - somewhere not in a major metro. For NRIs considering retirement, we've compiled a guide on the best retirement cities in India for NRIs. Then a chance meeting changed everything.
He met a friend who lived on the outskirts of Bangalore, associated with the Art of Living ashram. The ashram has its big headquarters there, and next to it was a community where many residents were also associated with the ashram.
What Attracted Rakkesh to This Community
- People were conscious and aware of their actions
- Residents were culturally inclined to Indian traditions
- The ashram has its own school
- The ashram has its own hospital (more focused on Ayurveda) with clinic and doctors
- Close to nature with good surroundings
- Community-oriented living with like-minded people
Since Rakkesh didn't have much tying him to any specific location, he decided to try it out. They initially rented a house to see how it worked, and it's been so good that they're now looking to buy an apartment there.
💰 Financial Planning for Middle East Returnees
Rakkesh offers practical insights for anyone working in private companies abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
The Reality of Retirement Planning
Important Reality Check: "Anyone who's working in private companies - you guys are on your own. Do your own financial planning because at the end, the government is not going to give you any retirement fund or anything."
The deduction you pay to the government in places like Dubai is meant for survival in case you lose your job - enough to survive for 4-5 months. It's not meant for retirement purposes. For official guidelines on NRI taxation, refer to the Income Tax Department of India and RBI's FAQ on NRI accounts.
Why Finances Favor Returnees
Despite the lack of government retirement support, Rakkesh believes finances generally fall in your favor when returning to India. For detailed guidance on managing your finances during the transition, check out our comprehensive guide on financial planning for NRIs moving back to India.
Financial Advantages of Returning
| Factor | Abroad (Middle East/West) | India |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Strength | Earning in dollars/dirhams | Savings multiply 2-3x when spent in India |
| Metro Costs | Dubai standard pricing | Comparable to cheaper sections of Dubai |
| Tier-2/3 Cities | N/A | Costs drop drastically for food, dental, housing, school fees |
| Facilities | High standard | Everything available, just slightly different standard |
Rakkesh's Saving Mindset
Rakkesh was very clear from the beginning that he wouldn't spend his lifetime in Dubai. This clarity shaped his financial behavior:
- Saved wherever possible
- Tried not to spend unjustly
- Was very cautious with money
- Didn't invest in furniture or items meant to last a lifetime
- Everything purchased was with the mindset that it was temporary
👨👩👧👦 How the Kids Adjusted to India
One of the biggest concerns for returning families is how children will adjust. Rakkesh's experience offers reassurance. If you're worried about schooling options, read our detailed guide on choosing the best schools in India for NRI kids.
Kids' Adjustment: Key Factors
- Age Advantage: Kids were young (6 and 4) - they had no problem adjusting at all
- Constant Activity: Something is always happening in India - festivals every month
- Interactive Neighbors: Doors are open, people always chitchat together
- Community Engagement: Can't stay indoors because there's always something going on
Rakkesh also mentioned neighbors who moved back with teenage boys (15-18 years old). Even they said the transition was smooth because of all the ongoing activities. When you go out for festivals and events, you meet people. The vibrant, interactive nature of Indian society makes adjustment easier.
The contrast with Dubai is stark - there, interactions with neighbors were mostly limited to "good morning" and "good evening." Small talk rarely went further unless you shared some commonality like being from the same state.
🧭 Rakkesh's Philosophy on Life and Migration
Beyond the practical aspects of his move, Rakkesh shares a deeper philosophy that guided his decision and might resonate with others contemplating similar choices.
The Thread That Connects Returnees
What Do You Really Want Out of Life?
Rakkesh poses fundamental questions that everyone should ask themselves:
Life's Fundamental Questions
- What do you really want out of life?
- Do you really like what you do for work?
- Are you staying in a job just for comfort or money?
- Are you creating perceptions that India is bad just to justify staying abroad?
Rakkesh's Answer: "Fundamentally, we all like the same things. We all like to spend time with family. We all like to do what is really meaningful for us."
The Reality of India Today
Rakkesh acknowledges that Indian cities have turned western, but emphasizes that if you go to the outskirts, travel, and stay with locals, you'll see that India is still pretty much the same. And it's getting better:
- Internet connectivity has improved dramatically
- Remote work is now possible from anywhere
- If lucky, you can earn in US dollars while living remotely in India - "that would be like the best"
On Healthcare Concerns
For those worried about healthcare in India, Rakkesh offers perspective:
The Simple Truth
Rakkesh's final message is straightforward:
The Bottom Line: "If you really like what you do, you just continue to do it. If you don't, then you plan and make a move. Simple as that."
Life should be about pursuing what you like and spending time with your family. Dig deep and see what you really like. If you want to make a switch, you have enough resources at your hand if you really want to.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions NRIs have about returning to India from Dubai and the Middle East, based on Rakkesh's firsthand experience.
Planning Your Return from the Middle East?
Rakkesh's journey shows that returning to India from Dubai or other Middle Eastern countries is very achievable with the right planning. Whether you're in oil and gas, IT, or any other field, the key is clarity about what you want from life and practical planning around career, finances, and location.
Connect with others who have made the move from the Middle East and get practical guidance for your return journey.
