Viral NRI video sparks debate on Indian work culture and commutes

Long commutes, late work hours and social office culture spark reactions online

NRI Returns To India For Work, Says ‘No One Tells You This Part’

A viral video shared by NRI counsellor Nupur Dave on Instagram is getting attention for pointing to the reality of working in India. “Live in the happening part of the city… but commute 90 minutes each way. Or live near work… but there’s nothing to do after 7pm,” she described her life every day, pointing to the everyday trade-offs that come with the shift.

Most multinational companies are based in tech parks on the outskirts of cities like Bengaluru, Gurugram and Pune, which means workers often have to choose between long commutes or quieter neighbourhoods closer to work, she said.

“Most times the decision gets made for you… based on where you find a decent flat or what rent you can actually afford,” she said.

The post has led to a flood of responses from NRIs sharing their own experiences.

“I’ve been finding it quite tough to navigate the work environment here… the line between work and personal life feels almost non-existent,” one user wrote.

“In the US you leave by 5 pm, in India not before 8 pm,” another said.

Several comments focused on how work culture differs.

“In the US… lunch used to be grab and go or eat at your desk,” one person said. “Here people like to eat with group and converse.”

Dave also noted that lunch in India is typically social, with colleagues gathering in groups, walking around and spending time together instead of eating alone at desks.

Commuting was another recurring issue.

“I used to travel 60 minutes for work in the US as well but didn’t feel this exhausting,” one user said, adding that traffic in cities like Bengaluru has become significantly worse over time.

Others highlighted what they missed about working abroad.

“I really miss office friendships and chatter,” one commenter wrote. “Here people are so professional… really miss deep human connections.”

Across responses, users described long workdays, late lunches, heavy traffic and workplace interactions that feel different from what they were used to abroad.

For many, the shift was not just about returning home, but adapting to a different daily routine shaped by where they live, how they commute and how work unfolds through the day.

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