For many Indians, working abroad represents both prosperity and opportunity. But returning home after spending years in abroad can bring fresh challenges. This was seen in the recent experience of Dev Vijay Vargiya, a software developer who worked in Sweden before returning to an Indian office. His light-hearted Instagram reel documenting his first day back at work has now gone viral, sparking conversations on the contrasting work cultures.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dev Vijay Vargiya (@thefilmychhora_)

Vargiya began his video by pointing out how simple activities abroad did not always translate smoothly in India. His day started with a cancelled cab ride, something he said hardly ever happened in Sweden. A short commute there stretched significantly once back in India, where traffic delays and travel unpredictability became part of daily life. For Vargiya, even reaching office turned into a minor adventure.

The hurdles did not stop after he crossed the office gate. Security checks, he joked, felt like “airport-style” procedures. Settling in proved even harder when technology came into play. Connecting to the Wi-Fi turned into a running gag of being passed from one department to another. Despite turning to friends, IT support, admin staff and even HR, the problem persisted till lunch. Vargiya’s sharp humour struck a chord with many viewers who related instantly to such familiar struggles.

Finding Comfort in Small Joys

While frustrations marked the start of the day, joy too was easy to find. Vargiya looked genuinely pleased when describing the office canteen food. For him, Indian lunches were unbeatable, full of spices and variety compared to the more limited choices he had grown used to in Sweden. Later in the day, he enjoyed his first roadside-style chai break at the office, joking that this replaced his Swedish hot chocolate ritual. It was one of those small but deeply comforting cultural shifts that seemed to balance the chaos of the morning.

Reflecting on his initial experience, Vargiya admitted honestly that returning was not simple. “There is a struggle to adjust to the Indian work culture, but it is interesting as well. We will have to see what differences I face between the European work culture and the Indian one,” he said. His words struck a balance between reality and humour, highlighting that adjustment takes time, but it can also be a chance to rediscover old comfort zones.

What made the reel even more popular was the way Vargiya blended humour with honesty. He neither glorified nor condemned either culture, instead portraying his transition with a light touch. This struck many as refreshing, as social media conversations often lean either towards nostalgia or criticism when it comes to work life abroad versus India.

Reactions from Viewers

The reel has already picked up over 1.3 million views, underscoring how relatable the theme was for many Indians online. One user pointed out that the biggest positive of working in India is the closeness of family life, commenting in Hindi that at least loneliness is not an issue back home. Another said it was better to accept realities rather than get defensive about them.

However, not everyone agreed. Some viewers criticised Vargiya’s decision to return, calling it a mistake when comparing India to Sweden in terms of amenities and facilities. One person bluntly remarked that even a single day was enough to realise the disadvantages of moving back. At the same time, several others highlighted the positives he mentioned, such as food, chai breaks, office banter and social connection, which they said were often missing in European work cultures.

The debate in the comments showed how deeply people relate personal identity to workplace environments. For many, it was not simply about food or travel but about belonging. Those who resonated with Vargiya noted that day-to-day moments carry great value in India, even if infrastructure and systems sometimes fall short compared to Europe. Others preferred the orderliness and facilities of European offices over the warmth of Indian ones.

A Broader Conversation

What began as a simple reel has sparked a reflection on how Indians view life abroad versus at home. For thousands who aspire to study or work outside, Vargiya’s video was a reminder that every country has its strengths and shortcomings. For those who return, the comparison can feel jarring at first but may eventually bring a balance of experiences.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share