It has been 6 months since I resigned from my job at Gensler in New York, 5.5 months since I moved back to Bombay and I now have 24 hours or less before I begin my new job. I am excited as well as anxious.
I have been forewarned by friends and people I have met in the past few months about the trials and tribulations of working in India and how it is a completely different experience from working in America. When I had announced my decision of moving back to India to one of my friends; he blatantly said and to quote him, “tera toh gang rape hoga for sure” (you will be gang raped for sure). There was a brief pause and then a nervous chuckle from my end.
There are several reasons that led me to move back; to name a few – one being that I did not feel that I was being challenged enough and I was eager to experience something new, secondly I have lived away from my family for a long time and so I wanted to get back closer to them and spend more time at home.
Tomorrow my extended vacation comes to an end. I may not have accomplished everything that I had intended or planned for like learning jazz funk, taking up a bartending course and or traveling across the length and breadth of India. However, I did manage to explore neighbourhoods of Bombay, experience art and cultural offerings in the city, make some new friends and form the Bombay Brunch Brigade.
I am looking forward to a new beginning, developing new skills, forming new relationships, adapting and understanding the concept of problem solving in India, popularly known as ‘jugaad.’ As I was about to post this note a friend from Bangalore texted saying, “hey wish you all the best for tomorrow! Don’t stress and enjoy the ride…”
amusingelephant.com 
Hey, Great news !!! Congratulations on the new job !! and to quote your friend and not the one who was expecting you to get gang raped (Do I know this friend??); “Don’t stress and enjoy the ride”.
Good Luck and Take care.
Prashant
Thanks! Ha! Yep you have met this friend once – need I say more? Also do I see Megs and you this coming sunday at Busaba?
Good luck-what is the name of your new firm?
Good for you – moving back, I mean. I’m considering moving back to my country as well so I’m going to subscribe so I can read more of your experiences.
Marcia
http://insidejourneys.com
Thank you! And goodluck to you as well. I just read that you are from Jamaica 🙂 In 2009 I visited Negril and Treasure Beach and simply loved it!
You’re welcome. Keep us posted on your adventures home. India is on my list. Will see what later this year brings.
OMG, one of my favorite places – Treasure Beach. Going there in May. Will have to write a blog about it sometime.
Sweet – I am thinking of Pelican Bar and the sunset view from there. Bliss 🙂
Congrats on the new job! Hope you’ve had a great first week at work 🙂
Thanks! Yep it was exciting 🙂
Aaaahhhhhhh, Pelican Bar. Love it there. My first stop when I go to Treasure Beach.
How’s the new job?