Transitioning from India to the US Corporate World

Varsha, a product marketing lead at Amazon in New York City, recently shared her insights on transitioning from the Indian corporate environment to that of the United States. Having worked in India for seven years before moving to the US, Varsha described the experience as more challenging than anticipated. In an Instagram post, she remarked, “Same job role, new country, but feels like a whole new world,” highlighting the significant cultural shifts she encountered.

Solo Lunches and Scheduled Coffee Chats

One of the first differences Varsha noted was the nature of lunch breaks. Unlike in India, where social lunches are common, in the US, employees often eat alone at their desks or take a walk. Social lunch breaks are rare, and casual interactions are limited. Additionally, she observed that coffee chats in US offices need to be scheduled weeks in advance, contrasting with the spontaneous desk visits common in India.

Formality and Self-Reliance in US Offices

Varsha also highlighted the formal and quieter atmosphere of US offices. Colleagues rarely stop by each other’s desks for casual conversations. The expectation is for employees to be more self-reliant, figuring things out independently. This contrasts with Indian workplaces, where there is often more guidance and frequent check-ins from colleagues.

Work-Life Balance and Emotional Adjustment

Despite initial feelings of isolation due to the separation of work and personal life, Varsha appreciated the work-life balance prevalent in the US. Employees tend to “log off” after work hours, maintaining healthy boundaries between professional and personal life. She acknowledged that adapting to these changes can be emotionally challenging but reassured others that it becomes easier over time.

Mixed Reactions from Followers

Varsha’s post received varied responses from her followers. Some agreed with her observations, sharing similar experiences of cultural shock when transitioning to US corporate life. Others noted that their experiences differed, with some teams maintaining social interactions during lunch breaks.