Alright so this might be a long post but would try to put as much detail as I can.

I’m currently based out of India (living in Bangalore) working in Tech as a Software Engineer for a Startup which is based out of SF Bay area. With the current state of Political affairs (I’m a Muslim which changes the outlook compared to other folks here), high pollution & high population with an insane influx on Major metro cities, Corruption, Rat race & trash education are some of my own reasons for which I’m planning a way out.

I have a Bachelors Degree in CS with couple of years of Experience working with Indian Startups in Tech. I come from a lower middle class family which has faced Financial issues throughout their Lifetime. It wasn’t until early 2021 when I started working which Improved my Finances a bit. To add some details, I’m also a Muslim so due to which Communal tensions which have arised ever since 2014 also make me rethink of my decision to stay back.

As much as earning a good amount of Cash before retirement is one of my Life goals, a good Quality of life away from Pollution, Hustle culture & rat race, rising communal tensions & better Living standards for my Kids in future is also something I want to consider (which is practically impossible here in India after assessing the future).

What countries can be a viable options considering my Career track?

1. While EU has a better work-life balance, the Poor salaries & high taxes are making me second guess to move there.
2. Middle East considering it has a Muslim majority population also makes a lot of sense but they view Indian Muslims to be inferior & also no permanent residency makes it a big no.
3. I haven’t though much about AUS, NZ, Singapore & Malaysia in general so no clue about work culture & salaries as well.
4. This leaves me to the obvious option left -> USA. Mind you my current employer is already based out of SF bay area but an Internal Transfer on L1 visa sounds difficult considering their business goals for next few years (Cost cutting & outsourcing some R&D jobs to India to save some Cash so no point in transferring to US). Also the backlog for Indians is Incredibly high compared to any other nation on Earth (aside from China due to GC limit based on birth Country). I still have an opportunity to pursue Masters in Computer Science ahead of me in US which can open the Doors for me.

I honestly don’t mind giving away my roots (since being a Muslim I can practice my religion anywhere in the West too), my Indian Passport for a better Quality of life if I get an opportunity outside but I want to take careful steps going ahead. I’ve faced a lot of backbiting, criticism from my own relatives since we weren’t well off Financially. Never got treated well & always got compared to other Kids & peers for my Poor performance in high school & colleges (It’s a Toxic Asian parental trait to push their Kids to achieve Academic excellence by giving up other Life skills growing up).

Many people talk about Loneliness, Cold Weather & navigating on your own when moving to US from an Indian perspective but I honestly won’t mind these problems as I’ve seen worse here itself. What would you do if you were in my Shoes knowing you have one Life ahead of you & you don’t want any regrets in your 40s or let alone 30s?