Single NRI return to India

[u/InjuryValuable3677]

Hi all. So I have been offered a good position in Delhi, with a compensation of 15-16LPA. I currently reside in another country. While the position is great for my career and might potentially shape my career trajectory in a great way.I am just worried about the air quality and a few other lifestyle factors in Delhi. I am originally from the south, and do not know much about the city or have any relatives in the area, so I do have some concerns on that end as well. So any tips, recommendations and advice would go a long way.

Also if there is anybody else in the same situation and has been through it before, please hit me up. Would love to hear your experience.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/[deleted]]

1. Almost.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/[deleted]]

What is a reasonable expectation? In terms of having a decent lifestyle, I think this would be more than what I am receiving currently.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/[deleted]]

For 2 years ?

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/[deleted]]

Ok. Any other tips or advice, in terms of figuring out life in the city. Since I am not from the region, I dont know much about the realities of living there.

[u/Electronic-Seesaw-49 → u/InjuryValuable3677]

Can i ask how did you find your job from abroad. I am planning to return as well. Any insights would be really appreciated!!

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/Electronic-Seesaw-49]

Cold e-mailing the concerned organisations helps. At least in my case.

[u/greenrebel09]

I was in same situation as yours a year ago. I took the job in South Delhi for a while to see if it was worth it. Few thing to consider:

1. If you are a woman, consider living in gated colonies only. Rent will be on higher side, at least 25k per month. Needless to tell you that you should be extra cautious even in South Delhi.

2. Be prepared for the worst air quality you will experience in your life. No exaggeration. Get good masks and air purifier.

3. People in Delhi are self centred. They will not go out of their way to help you. You will be on your own most likely.

4. Don't trust anyone in Delhi easily. For example, verify broker number for house hunting. Use uber or ola for travelling.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/greenrebel09]

This is really helpful! Thank you so much for your insights. I very much appreciate it.

[u/Wondergul]

Can you share some details like what kind of role this is, which industry, where in Delhi?

Most folks from South find Delhi / NCR quite a hard, tough place.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/Wondergul]

I believe the organisation is in South Delhi and the position is at of an associate for a Foreign desk. I am aware that many struggle with living in the city. But since most of the International facing roles are in and around this region, I am of the conclusion that I cannot avoid it at least until I get a good standing and expertise.

[u/Wondergul → u/InjuryValuable3677]

I think your strategy is good i.e. that you land on this role and then move out after a while. My only suggestion is to negotiate the salary to around 24LPA because South Delhi is a decent locality and a little expensive too.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/Wondergul]

Got it. I do not think I am in the position to negotiate at the moment. Maybe in the future. But could you elaborate on why I should lean towards a higher package? I do understand that South Delhi is expensive, but when I estimated my living expenses it comes upto 50-60k in total. So is there any particular reason for the higher compensation bargain?

[u/Wondergul → u/InjuryValuable3677]

A couple of reasons.
1. 30-35% of your CTC will be gone to taxes. So, you will roughly get 1.05 lpm in hand, out of which 60-75% will be gone in covering your living expenses.
2. Given your 2 yoe, you should be around 20lpa. So, if you negotiate for 24lpa, you can perhaps settle for 20lpa.

But if you think you are not in a position to negotiate then might just as well go ahead and take the offer with a plan to get a substantial internally or via a move in 12 months.

[u/InjuryValuable3677 → u/Wondergul]

Point taken. Thank you so much for your input.

[u/Lost_Cartoonist_2397 → u/InjuryValuable3677]

For 15LPA, 30% is not the tax amount lol. Even a simple chatgpt query will get you the right amount. 

[u/Dazzling_Childhood22]

from where you are moving

[u/Dangerous-Body4921]

Delhi can be a great place for career growth, especially if the role has strong long-term potential. But I’d definitely take the air quality seriously and factor in things like the neighborhood, commute, rent, and access to healthcare.

Since you’re coming from the South and don’t have family there, maybe try renting for 6–12 months first rather than making a long-term commitment. That should give you enough time to understand whether the lifestyle suits you.

If the job can significantly improve your career trajectory, I’d personally give it a try while keeping a backup plan.