Working in India vs Abroad?

Have you dreamt of working abroad? Or have you wondered about the perks as well as the sad realities of working abroad?

In this career insight, we will we analysing the different aspects of working in India and abroad. This will help you gain clarity on which is the right fit for you.

1. Health Analysis

When I was working in India for BCG, Groupon India or the Government of India- my health was relatively weaker.

This could also be a product of the circumstances back then. My time at BCG was spent at home due to the pandemic. The gyms were forced to shut down and it affected my health for the worse.

Now, I am healthier as I work out of Boston and previously from Dubai.

In cosmopolitan cities, due to the social construct, people are so much fitter. The consciousness and focus on health is relatively more abroad than in India. You tend to feel more motivated to leave work on time and hit the gym.

In general, we live a rather comfortable life in India. Though this can change from person to person.

2. Relationships

Due to the close proximity of family and friends, there is a better sense of camaraderie and community in India.

From my experience, people at the workplace abroad share a more transactional and official relationship. You have to be ready to proactively befriend your neighbours and colleagues. The transition can be tough.

A notable detail here is that the firms that recruit you support a smoother migration. When I was working in Dubai, my partner and I were given insurance and business class tickets. This helped enhance a lot of my experiences.

3. Wealth

In India, I had a 33 Lakh CTC package from BCG. Though, I lost a substantial part of it in taxes.

On the contrary, I was earning about 1 Crore in Dubai. Here, I was saving a lot of money since Dubai is tax free.

If you need more help getting into management consulting and product management, feel free to check out my education venture- Global Governance Initiative. In our impact MBA scholars program, the highest CTC has been 29 Lakhs and the average hovers around 17 Lakhs per annum. Have you dreamt of working abroad? Or have you wondered about the perks as well as the sad realities of working abroad?

In this career insight, we will we analysing the different aspects of working in India and abroad. This will help you gain clarity on which is the right fit for you.

1. Health Analysis

When I was working in India for BCG, Groupon India or the Government of India- my health was relatively weaker.

This could also be a product of the circumstances back then. My time at BCG was spent at home due to the pandemic. The gyms were forced to shut down and it affected my health for the worse.

Now, I am healthier as I work out of Boston and previously from Dubai.

In cosmopolitan cities, due to the social construct, people are so much fitter. The consciousness and focus on health is relatively more abroad than in India. You tend to feel more motivated to leave work on time and hit the gym.

In general, we live a rather comfortable life in India. Though this can change from person to person.

2. Relationships

Due to the close proximity of family and friends, there is a better sense of camaraderie and community in India.

From my experience, people at the workplace abroad share a more transactional and official relationship. You have to be ready to proactively befriend your neighbours and colleagues. The transition can be tough.

A notable detail here is that the firms that recruit you support a smoother migration. When I was working in Dubai, my partner and I were given insurance and business class tickets. This helped enhance a lot of my experiences.

3. Wealth

In India, I had a 33 Lakh CTC package from BCG. Though, I lost a substantial part of it in taxes.

On the contrary, I was earning about 1 Crore in Dubai. Here, I was saving a lot of money since Dubai is tax free.

If you need more help getting into management consulting and product management, feel free to check out my education venture- Global Governance Initiative. In our impact MBA scholars program, the highest CTC has been 29 Lakhs and the average hovers around 17 Lakhs per annum.

Author: Shatakshi Sharma, Co-CEO Global Governance Initiative, Ex-BCG Management Consultant, Former Policy Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

If you are interested in learning about GGI's MBA Scholar program, you can learn here.