'I used to feel like I was in a jail': He quit Rs 40 LPA job in the UK and came back to India. Here's why he returned home early in his career

Leaving behind a high-paying job abroad is usually seen as a dream most people chase, not walk away from. So when a young professional gives up a ₹40 lakh per annum role in the UK and returns to India just as his career is beginning to take off, it naturally raises questions. Was it fear, burnout, or something deeper? Physiotherapist Manav Shah’s decision is now sparking conversation online, not because it follows the usual success story, but because it challenges what success even means.

Physiotherapist Manav Shah recently spoke about why he chose to leave a Rs 40 LPA role in the UK and return to India early in his career. He shared that despite earning Rs 40 lakh annually with just over a year of experience in physiotherapy, he felt a strong pull to step away and start over in India.

Entrepreneurship

According to Shah, the decision was driven by an entrepreneurial instinct that had been growing within him. He explained that he always had a small entrepreneurial drive and wanted to build something of his own rather than remain in a structured job environment abroad.


He described his experience of working in a traditional 9-to-5 setup in the UK as restrictive. Shah said the routine made him feel confined, comparing it to being in a closed space. That feeling of limitation, he explained, became a key reason for his decision to leave behind stability and begin building his own venture in India, where he feels a greater sense of freedom and ownership.

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Emotional cost of living abroad

Beyond career ambitions, Shah also opened up about the emotional side of living abroad. He pointed out that loneliness is often an unspoken reality for many people working in Western countries. Despite financial comfort and a high quality of life, he felt that nothing replaces simple moments of connection with family and close friends, such as sharing a cup of tea with parents or spending time with loved ones.

This emotional disconnect, according to Shah, played a significant role in his decision-making. He highlighted that while opportunities abroad offer professional growth, they can also come with a sense of isolation that is difficult to ignore over time.

Financial practicality

Another factor that influenced his return was financial practicality. Shah noted that living in India provides a better balance between earnings, savings, and accessibility. He explained that compared to life abroad, India offers more affordability along with easy access to healthcare and other essential services, making it easier to build a stable foundation while pursuing long-term goals.

In his reflection, Shah also shared a broader perspective on what growth truly means. He expressed that sometimes progress is not about moving forward in the conventional sense, but about starting again from scratch. He described his return from the UK to India as one of the most difficult decisions of his life, as it meant leaving behind stability, friendships, routines, and comfort that he had carefully built.

He acknowledged the uncertainty that came with the move, including doubts, sleepless nights, and constant questioning of “what if” scenarios. Yet, he explained that deep down, he knew his journey abroad was never meant to be only about comfort, but about learning, evolving, and discovering the kind of professional and person he wanted to become. Now, back in India, Shah is focused on building his own venture and stepping into a new phase of his journey.