6 lessons in 6 months about living abroad: How life quality 'upgrades and downgrades' at the same time, ex-Google employee reveals

Moving abroad is often seen as a dream, with better opportunities, higher salaries and a different lifestyle. But people who actually make the move often realise that life outside India comes with its own set of challenges. From missing family to learning to manage everything on your own, the experience is rarely as simple as it looks on social media.

Anu Sharma, a former Google employee, recently spoke about this on X (formerly Twitter), where she shared six unexpected lessons she learnt after spending six months abroad. Her post has struck a chord with many people online, with several users relating to the emotional and practical changes that come with living in another country.

Quality of life changes in more than one way

The first thing Sharma pointed out was that moving abroad brings both positives and negatives. She wrote, "Your quality of life upgrades and downgrades at the same time."


While many people move overseas for better infrastructure, work culture or public services, the change also means adjusting to a different lifestyle and giving up many comforts that once felt normal.

Living abroad changed her view of India

One of the most surprising things Sharma experienced was that moving away made her appreciate India even more.

She said, "You realise just how many opportunities exist back home. Ironically, moving abroad made me more optimistic about India."

Her observation challenges the common belief that success only lies outside the country. Instead, she said living abroad gave her a fresh perspective on the possibilities available in India itself.

Homesickness is stronger than expected

Sharma also admitted that being away from loved ones is much harder than she had imagined. She wrote, "Homesickness is real. It affects you more than you expect."

Even if someone settles into a new country, the absence of family, close friends and familiar surroundings can leave an emotional gap that is difficult to ignore.

Colleagues become your support system

According to Sharma, people at work often become much more than just coworkers when you are living in another country. She shared, "Your colleagues become your family. So grateful for such amazing people I met here!"

Without relatives nearby, friendships formed at the workplace often become an important source of support and companionship.

Independence comes faster than expected

Another lesson was how quickly life abroad teaches self-reliance. Sharma wrote, "You become far more independent than you ever imagined. I feel like I have aged 6 years in 6 months, haha!"

Managing daily responsibilities, making decisions alone and handling unexpected situations can make people feel more mature in a short period of time.

Home is about people, not a place

The final lesson in Sharma's post was about what "home" really means. She wrote, 'You realise that "home" is about people, not places.'

Expanding on the thought, she added, "You can live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but if the people you love aren't there, something always feels missing."

She ended her post by saying, "P.S. I'll be back in Delhi for the next few months."

Social media users relate to her experience

The post received many responses from users who had similar experiences. One user agreed that while India has more people around, meaningful interactions can sometimes feel limited, adding that the few people they met abroad were often kind and helpful.

Another user echoed Sharma's thoughts on homesickness, writing, "Such a quality post; homesickness is actually true. But at the end, your home is where your people are, not where your place is."

Several others also said Sharma's reflections captured the emotional side of living abroad, showing that while the experience offers growth and new opportunities, it also changes the way people think about family, friendships and what truly feels like home.