I had a job offer in Bangalore. 27% pay raise, much more interesting job profile (actual R&D), and what most Indians and expats call "the best city in India". I turned it down. It was the hardest decision that I had to make in a long time. At this stage, I don't want to take a job unless I can see myself in that city/job for 3+ years.
There are things I don't like about Bangalore: it is not hot enough, it rains too much, it is like a giant suburb (like LA without Hollywood or a beach), they don't speak hindi...
There are things that I don't like about India in general: women are too conservative, people are too much in my personal business, there aren't as many fun/interesting things to do - after exploring the historical/religious/tourist attractions. Indians are obsessed with malls. To me, the mall is the symbol of the American suburb. And anyone who knows me knows that the suburb is the most hateful place on Earth. Working in India can be frustrating, although there are as many interesting opportunities as there are frustrations, so the job front is a draw.
Ahmedabad was a great place to settle as a first-timer in India. It is safe and people are helpful. It is less westernized, which makes it more interesting for a westerner to explore. Also people are more involved in festivals here, as compared with the rest of India, which in turn I love and enjoy (kite festival, navratri, many others). But these things don't make for a good place to settle forever. I think 2 years in Ahmedabad is enough.
I am looking for a job in Mumbai or Delhi. Those are places with enough to offer for a lifetime of interest. There it is still uniquely India, but also urban happening world-class cities. If I don't find a job there in next 6-10 months, I will probably look for job in US.
There are things I don't like about Bangalore: it is not hot enough, it rains too much, it is like a giant suburb (like LA without Hollywood or a beach), they don't speak hindi...
There are things that I don't like about India in general: women are too conservative, people are too much in my personal business, there aren't as many fun/interesting things to do - after exploring the historical/religious/tourist attractions. Indians are obsessed with malls. To me, the mall is the symbol of the American suburb. And anyone who knows me knows that the suburb is the most hateful place on Earth. Working in India can be frustrating, although there are as many interesting opportunities as there are frustrations, so the job front is a draw.
Ahmedabad was a great place to settle as a first-timer in India. It is safe and people are helpful. It is less westernized, which makes it more interesting for a westerner to explore. Also people are more involved in festivals here, as compared with the rest of India, which in turn I love and enjoy (kite festival, navratri, many others). But these things don't make for a good place to settle forever. I think 2 years in Ahmedabad is enough.
I am looking for a job in Mumbai or Delhi. Those are places with enough to offer for a lifetime of interest. There it is still uniquely India, but also urban happening world-class cities. If I don't find a job there in next 6-10 months, I will probably look for job in US.
