I'm moving from Brisbane to Kolkata - is that a mistake??!!?

Question

I've been offered a big promotion with a big pay rise - but the job is based in Kolkata. I love life in Brisbane but 2-3 years in India could set me up for life. Is it worth it?? Would especially appreciate the opinion of other ex-pats who have lived in Kolkata or elsewhere in India.

Answer 1

Depends on family and other comittments.

If you have no family (I mean children of your own) then go for it.

If you need to set yourself up then what's stopping you??

I did 25 years in Brissie then chose a life in north Qld.  Haven't looked back.  In fact, I couldn't live there now.

Go and visit the rellies once a year if I'm lucky.

Sounds like an adventure and a challenge.  Are there risks involved with your work?

You need to weigh up the positives and negatives.  If the negatives outweigh the positives then stay put.

Answer 2

it depends on ur family&if u live alone you can go to kolkata&it is a nice place

Answer 3

Wow! What a great idea. I'm also from near to Brisbane.

Australia is a great country but if you are prepared for something completely different........Kolkata is an eye opener.

I live in India now. 8 years here. I'm close to Delhi but Kolkata is my favourite city. I love it.

Not everyone would agree. It has terrible traffic and pollution. But almost everyone agrees that it is a place with a heart.

People are warm and friendly. Be prepared for a crazy place. Learn something about it first. I read the city of Joy when I was still in Australia. I guess the movie can be viewed quicker.

Be prepared to understand Hinduism. Kolkata has a lot of modern facilities and English speaking because it was the British Raj, the capital. They built it up a lot and you can still see their work and buildings everywhere.

If you get out of Kolkata (kinda nth-west up the Ganges about 100km) you come to a very prominent holy place for Hindus. It is beautifully green and full of temples and very easy going nice people. It is called Mayapur or Navadveep in the Nadia district. I stay there often. Need any more info? What can I say?

Answer 4

Kolkata is a great place. However, do be prepared to face the shortcomings there that you may not be accustomed to eg. pollution, dirt, noise, crowds etc etc. And do learn a bit about the local language, culture, religion etc. People are friendly, there are fun things to do and overall the experience will be worth it.