Why a FAANG Techie Who Once Rejected Life Abroad Finally Decided to Leave India

A Change of Heart

For many young Indians working in top tech companies, life in India is a mix of pride and pressure. The story of a FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) employee from Delhi shows just how personal and emotional such choices can be. This software engineer, who had once spoken strongly against leaving India, finally decided to move abroad. His journey is not just about a career move but about frustration, hope, and the need for peace.

For years, he had built his life around staying close to family and contributing to the country’s tech growth. He believed India had enough opportunities for skilled people. He refused job offers from the United States and Europe because he thought success abroad was often overhyped. Yet, after nearly a decade in the Indian corporate world, his perspective changed.

The Reality Behind Big Paychecks

Working in a FAANG company in India is seen as a dream. The pay is good, the offices are modern, and the work is often exciting. But behind that image lies a deeper reality. Long working hours, limited personal time, traffic, pollution, and constant competition can wear down even the most passionate professionals.

The engineer said that the quality of life, even with a high income, was not what he had imagined. He often found himself too tired to enjoy the money he earned. Weekends disappeared in recovery from weekday exhaustion. Living in a metro like Delhi meant dealing with endless noise, rising rent, and the feeling that time was slipping away.

He described how professional success in India often comes with emotional cost. “You work like a machine,” he once said, “and you realize the system does not reward peace.”

The Turning Point

His decision to leave India came slowly. During a visit to Thailand for a short break, he experienced something he had not felt in years, calm. The streets were cleaner, the pace of life was slower, and people seemed more relaxed. He met other remote workers from different countries who spoke about work-life balance, community, and mental health.

That trip changed something in him. He realized that happiness was not only about earning more but also about living with dignity and balance. The idea of settling abroad started to make sense. It was not about running away from India, but about choosing a better quality of life.

Life in India’s Fast Lane

India’s tech industry is booming. Every month, new startups rise, global companies expand, and fresh graduates dream of FAANG jobs. Yet the same industry that fuels growth can also create burnout. Employees compete for recognition, promotions, and projects. The pressure to “prove yourself” never really ends.

The engineer’s story reflects what many mid-career professionals feel but rarely admit. Even in leading companies, the work culture can be intense. Meetings stretch late into the night, and the line between personal and professional life disappears. For many, especially those living alone in big cities, loneliness adds another layer of stress.

He mentioned that despite earning a comfortable salary, he felt trapped in a loop of rent, bills, and deadlines. It was not poverty but a lack of fulfillment that drove his decision.

Why Thailand?

When he announced his move to Thailand, many friends were surprised. They expected him to go to the US or Europe. But for him, Thailand offered something different. It was close to India, culturally warm, and far less stressful. The cost of living was manageable, the environment was peaceful, and the country welcomed digital professionals.

He managed to relocate smoothly. He rented a small apartment in Chiang Mai, known for its digital nomad community. There, he continued his remote work, connected with locals, and slowly built a life that felt more meaningful. He spoke about how simple joys, like evening walks, local food, and quiet mornings, helped him reconnect with himself.

Family and Society Pressure

Leaving India is never just a personal choice. Family expectations and social judgment often play a role. His parents were initially disappointed. They worried about safety, distance, and the idea of their son living alone in another country. Relatives questioned why he would leave a stable job and life in Delhi.

But over time, his family began to understand. They saw how peaceful and happy he looked during video calls. They noticed that he had started smiling more and stressing less. For him, success no longer meant a big house or a luxury car. It meant peace of mind and the freedom to live on his own terms.

The Message Behind His Move

The FAANG engineer’s story is not about abandoning India. It is about rethinking what it means to live well. Many young professionals today face the same question: should they stay and struggle with systemic issues or look for a life that supports mental well-being?

He believes that India will continue to grow and that those who stay are equally important. But he also feels that individuals should not feel guilty for choosing peace over pressure. He often says that every person must define success in their own way.

His message to other techies is simple: “Don’t let patriotism turn into self-punishment. Love your country, but also love yourself.”

The Broader Lesson

This story highlights a larger trend. More Indians are choosing to move abroad not for money but for lifestyle. The rise of remote work and global opportunities has made it easier for professionals to explore new ways of living.

Countries like Thailand, Portugal, and Indonesia are becoming popular destinations for Indian tech workers who want balance. They can still work for global firms, earn well, and live at a slower pace.

This shift also opens questions for India’s future workforce. Can companies create healthier work cultures? Can cities become more livable? Can we redefine success beyond salary and titles?

Finding Balance Again

Months after his move, the engineer feels lighter, both physically and emotionally. He has rediscovered time, time to cook, to read, and to rest. He still works hard, but without the chaos that once surrounded him. He says his productivity has improved, and so has his creativity.

He plans to visit India often, not as an escapee but as someone who finally found balance. His story reminds us that success is not only about where we work but how we live.

A Quiet Goodbye, A Peaceful Beginning

In the end, his journey is not about giving up on India but about choosing a life that aligns with his values. He still calls Delhi home but now views the world with a wider lens. His move to Thailand marks a quiet goodbye to the noise of expectation and a peaceful beginning to a life of clarity.

He hopes more people will have the courage to make choices that bring them peace, whether in India or abroad. Because at the end of the day, the real dream is not just to work for a great company, but to live a great life.