After months of deliberation, Viba Mohan, a product designer from Bengaluru, has decided to make San Francisco her new home. In a now-viral post, Mohan, who wrestled with the decision of staying in her hometown or moving to the U.S., shared four key reasons that led her to choose the Bay Area over Bengaluru.
Mohan’s first reason is the unique culture and vibe of the U.S. “The wild, relentless optimism here is contagious,” she wrote. “Everyone’s excited about possibilities, and failure is just a stepping stone. The focus on perfecting your craft is another aspect I love.”
Safety was another major factor. In her post, Mohan highlighted the relief of working without having to navigate uncomfortable workplace dynamics and the freedom to enjoy simple activities like walking or running without constantly being on alert. “Living somewhere safer doesn’t just make you feel calmer—it makes you more productive too,” she noted.
A recent win in the visa lottery also played a crucial role in her decision. Mohan received an O-1 Visa, which is granted to individuals with extraordinary ability in their fields. “The visa game is a nightmare,” she admitted. “But getting the O-1 and the freedom it offers made the decision so much easier.”
Lastly, Mohan cited the tech scene as a decisive factor. While she acknowledged Bengaluru’s vibrant tech community, she felt that the most exciting problems in her field are being tackled in San Francisco. “Bengaluru has brilliant minds, but the cutting-edge tech I’m passionate about is still being developed in SF,” she explained.
Despite her excitement about the move, Mohan emphasized that Bengaluru will always hold a special place in her heart. “I’ve made the best friends and learned the most in Bengaluru,” she wrote. “But for my career, America is the place to be right now.”
Mohan’s post sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many congratulating her and others sharing their own experiences and opinions on living in the U.S. One commenter agreed with her points but added that the O-1 Visa comes with its own challenges. Another user, who had lived in the U.S. for over a decade before returning to India, advised, “Both places have their pros and cons. Stay where you are happy.”
Source: India Today
