For years, studying and working in the United States has been seen as a life-changing opportunity for many Indian students. A top degree, global exposure and the promise of a high-paying job often make the struggle feel worth it. But what happens when reality doesn’t match that promise? One student’s candid post about job rejections, financial stress and uncertainty is now sparking a wider conversation about whether the “American dream” still holds up in today’s job market.
A Reddit user recently shared their experience of moving to the US for a master’s degree, only to graduate into what they described as a difficult 2025 job market. According to the post, the student has been searching for a full-time role for nearly a year without success. While they do have a contract job, the income is inconsistent, depending on the amount of work available. This unpredictability has made it difficult to manage basic expenses, including rent.
The situation becomes more pressing due to visa timelines. The student’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) period is set to end soon, prompting them to consider whether applying for a STEM extension is even worth it.
They also revealed that they have an education loan to repay, adding another layer of pressure. Interestingly, their current employer has offered an alternative. If the student chooses to return to India, they could continue working as an international contractor, potentially allowing them to save more money than they currently can in the US. That possibility has created a dilemma.
Job hunt in USA vs returning to India
On one hand, staying in the US could mean continuing the job hunt, hoping for a full-time role and making use of the STEM OPT extension. On the other hand, returning to India could offer financial stability, lower living costs and a clearer path to paying off debt. The student admitted that despite putting in significant effort, including applying to around 1,000 jobs, the repeated rejections have taken a toll. What was once a clear plan now feels uncertain.
Their long-term goal has always been to pursue a PhD. But in the current situation, they feel stuck in a cycle of applying for jobs primarily to manage debt, rather than moving closer to that academic goal. This has led them to question whether continuing in the same direction makes sense.
They openly wondered if moving back to India would be seen as giving up or stepping backward, or if it could actually be a more practical decision that helps them regain control financially and emotionally before pursuing a PhD.
The post also touched on a broader observation. Many people continue to fight hard to stay in the US despite challenges, but not everyone’s situation or priorities are the same. For this student, the feeling is less about ambition and more about being stuck, unable to move forward with clarity. The question they posed to the online community was simple but deeply relevant: is it better to persist despite uncertainty, or to change direction when the current path is no longer working?
A few advised cutting losses for now, noting that the job market may not improve soon and suggesting revisiting the US option after a few years. At the same time, some users recommended staying on for the STEM extension, using that period to repay loans before moving back
A Reddit user recently shared their experience of moving to the US for a master’s degree, only to graduate into what they described as a difficult 2025 job market. According to the post, the student has been searching for a full-time role for nearly a year without success. While they do have a contract job, the income is inconsistent, depending on the amount of work available. This unpredictability has made it difficult to manage basic expenses, including rent.
The situation becomes more pressing due to visa timelines. The student’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) period is set to end soon, prompting them to consider whether applying for a STEM extension is even worth it.
They also revealed that they have an education loan to repay, adding another layer of pressure. Interestingly, their current employer has offered an alternative. If the student chooses to return to India, they could continue working as an international contractor, potentially allowing them to save more money than they currently can in the US. That possibility has created a dilemma.
Job hunt in USA vs returning to India
On one hand, staying in the US could mean continuing the job hunt, hoping for a full-time role and making use of the STEM OPT extension. On the other hand, returning to India could offer financial stability, lower living costs and a clearer path to paying off debt. The student admitted that despite putting in significant effort, including applying to around 1,000 jobs, the repeated rejections have taken a toll. What was once a clear plan now feels uncertain.Their long-term goal has always been to pursue a PhD. But in the current situation, they feel stuck in a cycle of applying for jobs primarily to manage debt, rather than moving closer to that academic goal. This has led them to question whether continuing in the same direction makes sense.
They openly wondered if moving back to India would be seen as giving up or stepping backward, or if it could actually be a more practical decision that helps them regain control financially and emotionally before pursuing a PhD.
The post also touched on a broader observation. Many people continue to fight hard to stay in the US despite challenges, but not everyone’s situation or priorities are the same. For this student, the feeling is less about ambition and more about being stuck, unable to move forward with clarity. The question they posed to the online community was simple but deeply relevant: is it better to persist despite uncertainty, or to change direction when the current path is no longer working?
Internet reacts
The post drew a range of responses, with many users sharing personal experiences and practical suggestions. Some encouraged the student to move back to India, saying they had made a similar decision and found it far more stable and fulfilling. Others pointed out that if there are no real savings, extending STEM OPT may not add much value. In their view, returning home could help clear debt faster and allow a stronger re-entry later, especially since the long-term goal is a PhD.A few advised cutting losses for now, noting that the job market may not improve soon and suggesting revisiting the US option after a few years. At the same time, some users recommended staying on for the STEM extension, using that period to repay loans before moving back
