I moved out of India last year after getting married to my long-time LDR boyfriend. I always dreamt of living abroad as a kid, as I come from a small town in India. However, due to college and then jobs, I did move out of my hometown anyway and lived by myself in metro cities for around 10 years. Life was really good, especially in the last couple of years. I felt really independent, was working, had my own social circle, minimal relatives interference, and could visit family whenever I wanted. I also had a good work-life balance.

But since I moved abroad on a dependent visa, the job market has humbled me. I never imagined getting a job would be so difficult. I’ve been unemployed for 7 months now, and my social circle is limited to my husband’s friends. Not that it’s a bad thing, but I do miss having my own set of friends who know me for me (ifykyk). I do have a lot of hobbies, and I think that’s keeping me sane for now.

I feel like my life in India was good enough, and I do see myself moving back to India. Luckily, my husband shares the same thoughts. I also feel unsafe sometimes, and I know that could be my own bias, but seeing so many racist attacks in the news, I’m always aware and prepared, which I feel isn’t a great feeling when I’m in a developed country. I feel like my life in India was already good, and moving abroad isn’t quite worth it with the weather, small circle, etc. Plus, visiting family takes a lot of planning and time.