With more and more Indians leaving for U.S, those who decide to stay behind often feel overwhelmed with FOMO (fear of missing out). They might even think they should have taken the plunge themselves. Many choose not to move due to personal commitments, family ties, or simply the comfort of being close to home. However, when friends post on social media about their experiences abroad, it triggers thoughts of “what if.”
Take Rahul, for instance, an engineer living in Mumbai. He seriously considered moving out of the country but ultimately decided to stay. “I had personal reasons that kept me here, and for the most part, I’m okay with the decision,” he shared. “But when I see my friends living abroad, I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out on something bigger.”
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This sentiment is common as more Indians look abroad for better prospects. The allure of higher salaries and career advancement is hard to resist. But is life abroad truly as wonderful as social media portrays?
Experts point out that FOMO is amplified through social media. People typically post only the highlights of their lives. “It’s the grass-is-greener syndrome that kicks in when friends start posting pictures of holidays, fun times, and major milestones,” psychologists say. Dr. Sameer Malhotra, a Delhi-based psychologist, adds that this FOMO often leads to a self-doubting, anxiety-ridden cycle.
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However, life overseas isn’t always as good as it appears. The high cost of living, adapting to a completely foreign culture, and the stress of keeping up can take a toll on those living abroad, painting an incomplete picture.
Many who stay behind find fulfillment in things that aren’t measurable—family connections, cultural familiarity, and the comforts of being home. They often have a solid support network and an irreplaceable sense of home, which can be difficult to find in a foreign country.
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For others, it’s a conscious choice. While the rewards abroad may be immediate, staying back in India offers long-term benefits. With rapid development, job growth, and emerging sectors like tech, finance, and startups, India provides plenty of opportunities for career advancement.