5 Shocking Reasons Families Struggle After Moving Back to India — and How to Avoid Them
Moving back to India is not just a change in geography — it's a transformation in lifestyle, mindset, and family dynamics. Discover five key reasons why some families struggle post-return and what you can do differently to ensure your move is successful.
5 Shocking Reasons Families Struggle After Moving Back to India — and How to Avoid Them
You will learn how to define success on your own terms, and actionable strategies to ensure your return works for your family's unique situation.
What you'll learn in 8 minutes: The five critical reasons families struggle after moving back to India, how to define success on your own terms, and actionable strategies to ensure your return works for your family's unique situation.
Introduction
Moving back to India is not just a change in geography — it's a transformation in lifestyle, mindset, and family dynamics.
At DesiReturn, we've interacted with hundreds of families who returned to India after years abroad. Through these real stories, we discovered five key reasons why some families struggle post-return — and what you can do differently to ensure your move is successful.
Defining Success
Success doesn't always mean "settling in India forever."
It means achieving what you intended from the move — whether that's reconnecting with parents, giving kids cultural exposure, or completing a career stint.
A successful return is one that feels intentional, financially stable, and emotionally balanced.
Reason 1: Not Having a Strong "Why"
Many families decide to move because someone else did — a friend, a relative, or an inspiring story online.
But when challenges hit, weak motivations collapse fast.
Ask yourself:
- Are you moving for parents' care, children's upbringing, or lifestyle alignment?
- Can your "why" sustain you when the initial excitement fades?
💡 Pro Tip: Write your reasons down. Discuss them openly with your spouse and children.
If clarity feels distant, book a Quick Clarity Call to talk through your motivations with a transition coach.
Reason 2: Lack of Proper Planning
Many NRIs underestimate the complexity of moving — financially, logistically, and emotionally.
We've seen people return without understanding taxation, asset management, or children's schooling systems — and face months of confusion.
Financial Planning Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring double taxation and FEMA rules
- Forgetting to reallocate global assets
- Underestimating cost-of-living adjustments
📘 Recommended Resource: NRI to Resident: Essential Financial Transition Blueprint — covers taxation, remittance, and wealth structuring before the move.
City Selection
Choose city based on commute, schooling, and climate.
Housing Strategy
Plan housing based on work flexibility (remote or hybrid).
🧭 Community Support: Join our Inner Circle to access verified checklists and peer planning templates.
Reason 3: Unrealistic Expectations
India offers color, energy, and family warmth — but also traffic, bureaucracy, and unpredictability.
Many returnees expect everything to "just work." When it doesn't, frustration grows.
🪴 Want to know what real life looks like after moving?
Watch our "Real Stories of Returnees" Series on YouTube.
Reason 4: Family Not on the Same Page
One of the biggest success factors isn't logistics — it's emotional alignment.
If your spouse or kids aren't fully onboard, friction will surface.
| Aspect | Question | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Are they comfortable with career options in India? | Discuss alternate plans or remote work possibilities |
| Kids | Have they visited India recently? | Try a 1–2 month trial stay before permanent relocation |
| Parents | Are their expectations realistic? | Set boundaries early to avoid resentment |
💬 Community Insight: Many families resolve doubts through shared insights. Join our Inner Circle community to meet others in the same situation.
Reason 5: Wrong Timing
Timing defines experience.
⚠️ Too Early
Not having enough corpus to have a certain lifestyle in India or middle of career growth.
⚠️ Too Late
Waiting too long can reduce quality time with aging parents.
⚠️ Wrong Milestone
Chasing one last "financial milestone" might mean missing irreplaceable years.
⏱️ Need Help with Timing?
Discuss your situation 1:1 in a Planning Support Session.
Our experts help balance financial goals, schooling transitions, and family priorities for an ideal return timeline.
Conclusion
In summary, the five reasons families struggle are:
- Weak motivation — Not having a strong "why"
- Poor planning — Underestimating complexity
- Unrealistic expectations — Expecting perfection
- Family misalignment — Not everyone on board
- Wrong timing — Moving at the wrong life stage
When you combine clarity, planning, and support, your return can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.
From Uncertainty to Confidence — Your Return, Simplified
Join over 21,000+ families who are making their return smoother with DesiReturn.
Connect with families planning their return and access expert guidance.
Your next step: Download our comprehensive checklist covering everything you must know and prepare for before returning to India, or book a personalized strategy call to discuss your unique situation.