Bengaluru founder questions idea of moving abroad as an ‘upgrade’: ‘For me, the opportunity is in India’
A Bengaluru Founder Reflects on Whether Life Abroad Is Always an Upgrade
Bharatmorningnews.com – A video recorded in London by Bengaluru entrepreneur Souveek Ray has prompted fresh discussion about a familiar question for many Indians: does relocating overseas necessarily mean moving to a better life?
Ray’s view is that the answer depends heavily on a person’s circumstances. For professionals who have a stable income, close family ties and practical support at home, he suggested that an overseas move may involve giving up advantages that are easy to overlook.
His comments came in an Instagram video in which he recalled nearly accepting an opportunity to relocate to the United Kingdom for a role with TikTok. London appealed to him, he said, but the prospect of moving led him to examine the trade-offs more closely.
“I know this might sound crazy, but I don't think moving abroad is always the best decision. And I say that as someone who almost moved to London a few years back,” Ray said.
Looking Beyond the Appeal of a New City
London’s restaurants, cultural life and historic landmarks left an impression on Ray. Yet he said the decision became less about the attractions of a global city and more about the life he would leave behind in India.
“And a few years ago, I almost did. Had a great offer from TikTok, and I was so close to moving all over to London. But then I started actually thinking about what I'd be giving up, not what I'd be getting,” he said.
That distinction is central to the debate. International jobs can offer exposure, professional networks and potentially higher salaries. At the same time, income is only one measure of how comfortable or sustainable daily life feels. Housing, childcare, household work, distance from relatives and the absence of a familiar social network can all reshape the experience of living abroad.
For Ray, the support available to people with decent earnings in India is a major factor. He pointed to the value of having family nearby and people who can share ordinary responsibilities, especially when raising children or handling the demands of everyday life.
“And that's when it hit me: if you're making decent money in India, life is honestly more comfortable than people abroad want to admit it. Uh, you've got family nearby, help raising your kids, people around you for all that everyday stuff. And here, you're just doing it all alone,” he added.
No Single Answer to the India-versus-Abroad Question
Ray did not frame migration as a mistake. Instead, he stressed that the choice can be right for many people, depending on their personal priorities, careers and family situations. His objection was to the assumption that an international move automatically represents progress.
“I'm not saying that trade is bad or it's wrong. For a lot of people, that is the right choice. I just don't think that's the automatic upgrade people treat it to be,” he said.
The issue often invites broad comparisons between salary levels, infrastructure and lifestyle. But such comparisons can miss the details that matter most to an individual household. A move may create new possibilities for one person while requiring another to take on greater isolation, higher living costs or responsibilities previously shared with relatives and community.
For entrepreneurs, the decision can also be tied to where they see the strongest opportunity to build. Ray said he sees that opportunity in India, even while acknowledging London’s appeal.
“So yeah, London's beautiful, but moving abroad isn't automatically moving forward. Sometimes it's just moving sideways and calling it as upwards. For me, the opportunity is in India, and I'm not ready to trade it for a cleaner photo.”
Building From India
In the caption accompanying his video, Ray described India as a country with real challenges but also significant potential ahead. He said this was the moment he wanted to build “in India, for India and for the world.”
The post resonated with users who viewed the question less as a competition between locations and more as a decision shaped by values. One commenter called it “such a refreshing perspective on moving abroad.” Another wrote that a foreign move does not automatically improve someone’s life. Others echoed the point that there is no universal answer to choosing between India and another country, and that a higher income overseas may not always translate into greater wellbeing.
Ray’s message offers a practical lens for anyone considering a major relocation: assess not only the new job, city or pay package, but also the relationships, routines and support structure that may be left behind. The best decision may be an international move, remaining in India, or returning after time abroad. What matters is whether the choice fits the person’s own definition of opportunity and a fulfilling life.
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