The India Adventure Comes to an End

In 2 weeks, I will be moving to China. I can’t believe if it’s been almost a year since I first started telling people about my move across the world. The initial plan was to move to India in June, spend 3 months in Hyderabad and then moved to Wuhan. After I arrived in India, the COO and I realized that it was better if I stay for 6 months or so, in order to get a full grasp of the business. Somehow 6 months turned in 7 and then into 8 and finally 9 months. While I never doubted I’d make it to China, the running joke was that I was failing to accept the inevitable and wasn’t grasping the fact that India was my destiny.

I kind of chuckle whenever someone asks me how the transition has been…while it’s a fair question to ask most people, I had no excuse to think India would be tough. First, I’m living with my family, whom I’ve always been extremely close with, including my cousin who is only 2 weeks younger than me. Second, I live in Jubilee Hills, which as I’ve mentioned in prior posts is closer to a fantasy world than the India most people think of. Finally, I’m working for my uncle and have access to management. It’s not like I’m dealing with the bureaucracy of an NGO or going through a big chain of command at an MNC.

As Vidya and Vivek can attest, I did spend a lot of time mulling over a move to India/China last year but I never thought the India portion was going to be life-altering event. I’ve been coming to India every 2 years since I was a kid and see my family all the time. Have I changed? Of course I have, it’d be a shame if my new experience didn’t add some perspective and influence me in some way…but it’s been more of an evolution than a revolution.

I had fun in India and despite what people think I enjoyed the experience. I’m going to enjoy fending for myself again…it was definitely an adjustment to live at home after spending 8 years out of the house. It’s amazing how quickly you lose your independence in India…sounds weird to say, but I’m looking forward to things such as ironing my shirts and washing my dishes. But as much as I enjoyed India, I’m ready to make the push for China….India was always meant to be stop-gap, I never had a chance to really push or challenge myself.

Wuhan on the other hand is going to come close to killing me. From a professional standpoint, I have more responsibility and pressure on me than ever before. I’m actually going to be a decision maker and can’t go running to people for help since there will actually be no one else there.

Keeping the job aside, I’m moving to a brand new city AGAIN. As Piyali pointed out, I’m essentially a professional nomad. This is my 5^th city in 4 years (Columbus, Cleveland, San Francisco, Hyderabad and now, Wuhan)

Unlike other cities I’ve lived in, Wuhan is really going to push me. Unlike Shanghai or Beijing, I can’t really fall back on Western culture since it’s not as prevalent. I can’t even escape to television or movies since English cinema isn’t readily available. The city is going to be the exact opposite of everything I’ve experienced throughout my life…I don’t know the culture, social norms or even the language.

Vidya asked me if I was excited, anxious, nervous, curious or apathetic….to which I answered “all of the above”

See everyone on the other side.