Move to US for MS at 27 or Stay in India and continue earning ?

Apr 29 11 Comments

I am currently working as a DS at a European product based company with 4 YOE (TC: 34 lpa; After tax: 24 lpa). Currently working from home and able to save 1.8 lakhs INR (2.3k USD) per month.

I have received an offer to do an MS in ECE (Robotics and ML) at UCSD. I have a NW of 50 laks atm and can self-fund my MS (talked to alums who say you can easily receive partial funding at UCSD). I am currently in a dilemma whether to pursue this opportunity and considering the fact that the only reason I wanted to go for an MS was to explore financial opportunities in the US (not really passionate about studying).

If I pursue an MS, at 29, I will graduate with reduced NW (less than 25 L; consider inflation as well).

If I don't, I will push my TC to 60 lpa in 2 years (hope market stays good).

Assuming I work hard enough to get a TC of 150 in Bay Area, how much will I be able to save? (I like to live simple with no extravagant expenses). Also, since, I am approaching 30s, I have to plan my (arranged) marriage around that time, I am just not sure how people are able to get married off with someone from India while being in US. That is also a concern.

If you have been in the situation, could you please advice me on : whether to move to US for MS or stay in India ? How much would I be able to save after 3 years of OPT in Bay Area (no student debt) ? How's life in US on OPT while at the same time you have to plan to settle down in life with a partner ?

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TOP 11 Comments
  • Zeta
    pTfa74

    Go to company page Zeta

    pTfa74
    Following
    Apr 29 1
  • No OP its not the case.. I myself came to US.. At the same time frame as you. I was 27 and graduated at 29. You will never regret coming here.. And TC will be atleast 250k in bay here.
    Also don't worry about h4 ead .. If you get into good company that will be easily taken care off.
    May 1 3
    • Yes sure
      May 1
    • Haha. Was just joking. Thanks for sharing your story. This one comment relieved me a lot. I think TC may "correct" by the time I graduate or will try to maximize anyway. (May graduate during or after recession). I have heard h4 ead takes almost an year.

      What were you working as before pursuing masters ? And did it help you during job search ? I am sure it might have helped you in getting more interviews but did anyone (like Google) try to down-level you or did the experience helped you in getting more TC ?
      May 1
  • Amazon
    xcbnvf

    Go to company page Amazon

    xcbnvf
    1. 150 TC in Bay Area won’t be much, you’ll likely save nothing.

    2. Arranged Marriage is hard- just see the number of posts on blind about this topics. Plus, you are better of marrying someone in the US as it’s close to impossible getting h4 EAD on time these days. And market for brides is pretty competitive here.

    3. If your objective is just money, you might be better off trying to slide to a company through which you can move to the US internally to get that TC bump. Calculate the opportunity cost of doing a masters to figure out your ROI and given your current TC, that’ll be high.

    4. Masters is not just about getting that extra TC, it’s a different experience (going back to being a student, learning, parties etc).
    Apr 29 1
    • Thanks for your time Amazon.

      1) Got it, 150k will not be enough to save and I don't see TCs going higher than that due to imminent recession.

      2) Didn't know getting EAD for partner (even someone from tech) is hard.

      3) It's actually difficult to calculate at the moment for me. Intuitively, I feel ROI will be really less for 1-3 years. ROI in the long term will be good. Not sure, how life will turn out. Can't plan on years of stay.

      4) I have had my good time during undergrad and not really excited about student life (parties or trips). While at the same time, learning and maximum TC is the priority for me at this stage.
      Apr 29
  • New / Strategy
    xlk253728

    New Strategy

    xlk253728
    At 27 you'll feel out of sorts in college with 24 year olds and you'll be downleveled after your Masters. Not worth it imo.
    Apr 29 1
  • Roche
    sryhkkss

    Go to company page Roche

    sryhkkss
    Get into big company, transfer to US or stay in India and do MSc part time while working if you are interested in learning something special. If you just want to be an swe - no need.

    One note. You might start with 150tc but it will quickly grow.
    Apr 29 0