A heartfelt post by an Indian professional on Reddit has struck a chord with thousands of expats grappling with the uncertainty of life after their US student visas expire.
The user, a 32-year-old currently on a STEM OPT visa, opened up about feeling “lost” and conflicted as his time in the United States nears an end. He revealed that he first arrived in 2021 on an F1 visa and had planned to continue through a Day 1 CPT program after his Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. But when his project was unexpectedly ramped down and he was released from work, his plans collapsed, leaving him with just a few months before visa expiry.
“Honestly, I’m struggling with mixed emotions… it almost feels like I messed up somewhere — like I failed to make the most of the chance I had,” he wrote. “I know rationally that success doesn’t depend on staying here, but deep down these lingering thoughts keep bothering me — that I somehow missed out on a golden opportunity.”
Mixed Reactions
The post quickly gained traction on Reddit, sparking a wave of emotional responses from fellow expats and returnees.
One user reassured him with perspective:
“When you set out to get your degree, was your goal to be happy and well employed? Or was it simply to live in the US forever? You can still make good money and lead a happy life anywhere in the world, including India.”
Another, who had been in a similar position, encouraged optimism:
“I went through the same thing in 2019 after being in the US for 5.5 years. It feels daunting, but this is not the end. I moved back home, figured things out in safety, and bounced back stronger. Remember, you have education and experience to build on.”
Not all voices were supportive. A third user argued bluntly that returning to India would be a “step backward”:
“You could have stayed in the US and maximised your earning potential. The peace of mind people talk about will evaporate in six months — all you’ll be left with is crumbling infrastructure and lack of privacy.”
A Common Dilemma
The discussion reflects a familiar crossroads faced by thousands of Indian students and professionals in the US: balancing career opportunities abroad against the emotional and cultural pull of home. With the uncertainty around H-1B visas, job security, and the toll of long-distance family life, the decision is rarely simple.
While opinions remain divided, the thread highlights an important shift in mindset: returning home is not the end of ambition, but often the beginning of a new chapter.
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