Every year, thousands of Indian students arrive in the United States, driven by ambition and the promise of a brighter future. With dreams fueled by advanced degrees and the allure of global opportunities, they hope to secure high-paying jobs and long-term careers. But for many, that dream begins to unravel soon after graduation.
An unforgiving job market, capped H-1B visa opportunities, and a lack of employer sponsorships have left many international graduates at a crossroads — settle for lower-tier roles, return home, or risk career stagnation.
A Reddit post recently shed light on this growing dilemma. “I had 3 years of experience and was working at TCS until 2023,” the user wrote. “I took a sabbatical to pursue a Master’s in the US, hoping it would open doors. I completed the degree in 1.5 years and have been job hunting for the past 6 months — but haven’t had any success due to the tough market.”
The user went on to express a deeper concern. “Now I’m thinking of returning to India and rejoining TCS, but their new bench policy is making me anxious. If you’re on the bench for more than 35 days, you might be let go — and with the current high bench count, I’m worried I won’t get a project in time. It feels like I’m on the verge of losing both: my US dream and my job back home. I’m confused and not sure what to do.”
The post sparked widespread reactions. Some pointed to flawed expectations and institutional shortcomings:
“You did your MS from practically a tier-3 college in the US. These colleges exist mainly to profit from desperate international students. Don’t go to the US unless it’s an Ivy League or at least a top 30 school,” one commenter wrote bluntly, though they also noted that small firms can provide a foothold, even if green card sponsorship is unlikely.
Others encouraged grit and adaptability. “Keep job hunting till the last possible moment. You’ve made it to the US — that’s already a huge step. This decision will impact generations. And forget TCS — there are plenty of companies in India hiring people with three years of experience, if you’re good at tech.”
A third user emphasized upskilling as the key differentiator: “Focus on your skills. In this competitive landscape, aim to become a full-stack developer. Learn how to build with LLMs, LangChain, and related frameworks. Even if things don’t work out in the US, you’ll land a high-paying job in India.”
Despite the varying tones, a common message emerges: A US degree no longer guarantees success. The new reality demands more than just credentials — it calls for strategic thinking, continuous upskilling, and emotional resilience. Whether abroad or back home, navigating this uncertain terrain means redefining what success looks like — and staying ready for the detours.
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