IITian couple outlines 10 contrasts between life in India and the US—from job market to domestic help

Gushwork co-founder Nayrhit Bhattacharya and his wife, Rishita Das, decided to relocate to India last year after living in the United States for some time. After graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, the couple moved to the US for their higher education in 2016.

With Gushwork’s presence in India and the US, Nayrhit juggles his time between the two countries. Meanwhile, Rishita is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IISc Bengaluru.

The couple posted a thread on social media platform X on Tuesday, sharing 10 differences they observed after moving back to India. “To all the Indian 20-40 year olds who are contemplating their move back to India but are filled with uncertainties, this is an honest compilation of 10 differences we observed after our move back here! [sic]”

Domestic help

Referring to the “ease and affordability of having domestic help,” Nayrhit and Rishita said as the cost of labour is cheap in India, “the convenience is undeniable.” He said getting 15-20 extra hours extra each week as a working couple was a tough luxury to imagine having back in the US.

Traffic

The Gushwork co-founder said, “Traffic in India is not necessarily worse than downtown NY/SF/CHI, but definitely much more irritating because of the unpredictable driving practices & multi-modal forms of transport which slows down the overall traffic [sic].”

Digital convenience

He suggested that intra-city logistics in India are far superior and more efficient than in the US, with groceries, essentials and food delivered in quick time.

Cultural shock

Nayrhit Bhattacharya noted that it was challenging to make deep connections in the US. “It is easier for me personally to form meaningful relationships and even rekindle old ones,” he wrote.

Digital payments

Highlighting the superiority of digital payments in India, he said that payment apps—“Apple Pay and UPI—are comparable from user experience standpoint.” Noting that UPI is free and a part of government infrastructure, he pointed out that the real difference lies in terms of transaction fees levied by Apple Pay.

Orderly queues

He said the one thing he misses about the US is people standing in orderly queues, which he says is lacking in India. He wrote, “It’s a bit of an adjustment at first, but you get used to it,” referring to the chaotic lines at counters, coffee shops, security checks and QSRs.

Food

Regarding food, the co-founder posted, “Coming back to Dosas & Biryanis from PB&J & Burgers is a relief.” However, he said he sometimes did miss the variety of cheese, bread, and desserts.

Outdoor sports

While suggesting that an “outdoorsy person” should stay in the US, he said, “If you cannot live without hiking, biking or love frequenting beaches, you will not be very happy here.” At the same time, he noted that India makes it incredibly convenient to stay, work out and find leisure in indoor activities.

LGBTQ outlook

Nayrhit Bhattacharya said that India continues to be very judgemental of queer communities. While agreeing that there are hyper-urban pockets where it is fine, he said, “But, mass India still is not very accepting of LGBTQ communities. [sic]”. 

Job market

Driving the contrast between the job markets in the two countries, he posted, “You can get a job, but to get a high-paying gig that can allow you an equivalent house & car here, it is not trivial. Several of my friends who came back had to cut back on their lifestyles significantly [sic].”