Foreign Worker from Kerala Describes Pre-Flight Anxiety: "Nervousness Strikes Before Plane Departs"
Struggles of NRIs: A Kerala Man Shares His Emotional Journey
In a heartfelt post on Reddit, a Kerala man going by the username u/Tjpain87, has shared his experiences of the emotional toll that comes with living as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). As he prepares to return to his work abroad after a month-long vacation in his hometown, he finds himself grappling with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and longing.
U/Tjpain87 is not alone in his experiences. Many NRIs face similar emotional challenges when it comes to reintegrating into often isolating, competitive, and high-pressure work environments abroad. The emotional strain is particularly acute when NRIs are separated from their families, especially during visits home when saying goodbyes feels painful and prolonged.
The user describes his colleagues as passive-aggressive and fake, and he experiences panic attacks at the thought of returning to work abroad. He dreads the life he has built for himself abroad, feeling mentally exhausted by the work environment and yearning for a sense of belonging and a quiet life close to family.
One solution suggested by other Redditors is to update the profile and look for a new job, after considering what is desired in a new job and prioritizing those aspects. Another user empathizes with u/Tjpain87 and suggests that the issue needs to be solved, and having a small but tight community abroad can help.
The emotional challenges faced by NRIs are complex and multifaceted. Common experiences include anxiety before leaving home again, where simple family moments become "goodbyes in slow motion." Loneliness and sadness, especially when caring for aging or ailing parents from a distance or after returning home and feeling the weight of responsibility, are also common. The struggle of balancing a built life abroad with emotional bonds back home often leads to feelings of being "lost."
Despite these challenges, NRIs often find solace in small, quiet moments spent with family during home visits, which provide comfort amid emotional strain. Seeking community support through peer groups or online platforms where shared experiences help lessen feelings of isolation is also common.
The practical benefits of life overseas, such as better workplace meritocracy, higher salaries, safer environments, and infrastructure, help justify the emotional costs as necessary sacrifices. However, frustrations with systemic challenges in India (bureaucracy, safety, pollution, "babu culture") that push NRIs to remain overseas despite emotional ties at home are also important factors to consider.
In conclusion, the emotional landscape for Indians working abroad is complex, marked by anxiety, loneliness, and longing. Coping mechanisms include valuing precious family moments, community support, and the practical benefits of life overseas that outweigh the emotional costs. Life, according to one user, is too short to stay within a toxic work culture, and finding a job that aligns with one's values and priorities is essential for emotional well-being.
- U/Tjpain87's emotional journey highlights the impact of mental health on NRIs, as he struggles with anxiety and loneliness in his foreign work environment, which seems competitive and high-pressure.
- Balancing home life with professional responsibilities abroad can lead to feelings of being "lost", as shown by u/Tjpain87's longing for a quiet life close to family.
- To alleviate feelings of isolation, it's suggested that NRIs seek support from peer groups or online communities to share experiences and find a sense of belonging, which can improve their overall lifestyle and family dynamics.
