> Interesting. Tuesday they laid off another 3% of software at the major
> computer co. for which I work. (Sol) Today at the engineering staff
> meeting I attended, the chief engineer remarked to one of the
> engineers from India, that "hey, at least if you guys get laid off,
> you can go back home to a hopping job market." The Indian engineer
> mustered a very muffled response. He didn't sound overjoyed at the
> prospect.
>
> I'm sure this varies with person and locale, but I wonder how many
> engineers would prefer to go back home? I have never been to India and
> do not know how it compares to the U.S. It must be more civilized. It
> can hardly be less.
>
> Joanna
>
The average expat Indian, who has tasted the American Way of Life, isn't
going to give it up without a fight, of course. The engineer you mention
probably has kids going to the local "Sweet Valley High" or equivalent,
and they don't necessarily want to go back to India's highly competitive
educational environment either. Having said which, the nostalgia for
India is huge in the expat population. I was part of it for two and a
half years from 2001 (Rockford, IL for a year and then Portland, OR -
the latter was infinitely preferable to the former) and can vouch for
its existence. An NRI (non-resident Indian, as s/he is referred to with
some derision in India) will drive a 100 miles without batting an eyelid
if he is offered an authentic Indian meal. When economic necessity
prompts you, therefore, "preferences" can change quite dramatically.
Is India more civilized than the US? Let's just say it's both differently civilized and differently uncivilized!
Sujeet -- There's small choice in rotten apples.
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