Returning to Nepal with a US degree, good or a bad idea?

Min Bahadur Gurung is not a USA graduate, he is not even a good school graduate from Nepal i think (not sure about this). He makes a lot of money and emploeys more than 1000 people which means he is feeding more than 3000 stomach.
 

Baje ko sekuwaa pasal owner baaje is not a graduate at all, he has got more than five chain in kathmandu and employes more than 300 people which means he is feeding more than 900 stomach.

So i think, you have to have a vision and weelingness to work, it does not matter wheather you are in USA or Nepal.  

 

Pire, "I am not one of you in that I don't have that uncertainty in life. I am actually on the other side of this debate; i.e. have employed people who have returned from the states or UK in Nepal."

I actually selected like for this post because it is a piece that we normally don't get to read. it is a piece that shows arrogance and stupidity of an educated person. As buddha said, the only thing that is certain is the uncertainty, however pire seems to believe it does not apply to him. This thread is not about who should go back to Nepal to develop and who should stay in the USA to not be a burden of a progressive society lead by the smartarses like pire dai.. don't mediocre students have families? and just being a mediocre student does not mean that you're mediocre in intelligence as well.  just because they have low gpa or they went to OK  for schooling that makes them a mediocre for life? well , maybe they did not know how to lie in the application saying they were poor from some village in Nepal to land in an ivy league and that is the reason they probably had to work hard like hell to survive let alone get good grades but that does not mean they are not smart. I would actually give first priority to someone who is hardworking and honest and who have real time experience. One irony about business world is most businesses are started/owned by people who have not earned college degrees and people like some we know here work for them and brag of being smart. 
btw, who is this new bill gates in Nepal i would really like to know... 

 kalopani,

Obviously, you seem to think that I wrote I don't have uncertainty in life. You should read carefully what I wrote:" I don't have that uncertainty in life"-- that uncertainty , in the sense that I am not spending my time thinking whether to go or stay here.

Rest of you have similarly displayed sajha-type emotion. If you reread what I wrote, you shouldn't feel so insulted. A mediocre student is still valuable to his family. You are still a precious gem to your loved ones no matter whether you earned degree or not during your stay here in the states. You probably still have the talent that country may need. You may still succeed where you are with what you have. However, what I wrote had nothing to do with it. I looked at this issue from our country and our entrepreneurs. It is just that I believe our country can find substitutes for relatively mediocre Nepalese who have left Nepal relatively easily, which is not the case with the truly exceptional Nepali people since they are hard to substitute.

if someone has more insightful thing to say, I will welcome it. Otherwise, I hope you guys have a great career in your life wherever you stay.

There is room in Nepal for stupids, smarts, uglies, beautiful, white collar worker, blue collar worker etc, etc. We may be a small nation, but our hearts are big.

I'm not sure why everyone is ganging up on Pire. I don't think he said anything negative. I don't feel his intention was to put anyone down.

Pire answered the question of whether Nepalese who are in the States should go back to Nepal from an economic perspective. There is nothing wrong with what he said. 

I feel that he is saying: Nepal needs more people who are job makers. Nepal needs less job takers and more job makers.

I agree with him.  "If you cannot be a part of the economic solution , then you are probably part of the economic problem." It doesn't mean that we don't love all Nepalese. But the harsh realities of living in Nepal are such that if you are not contributing towards the solution of an economically viable Nepal then you are going to be part of the problem in Nepal. There is no point in a Nepali leaving his comfortable and happy life in America to go back to Nepal and be another voice complaining that there is not enough opportunity in Nepal. 
I think Pire is telling those people who have comfortable lifestyle in America to stay in America...if you don't feel that you have anything positive to contribute to Nepal by going there. It's true. 

Like I said above:
Nepal doesn't need another negative complainer simply there in the country whining that 'oh my life could have been better if it wasn't for these politicians.' Nepal needs professionals who can be a part of the solution. Nepal needs people who can think, lead, and actively participate and motivate.
So if someone can't do that, it is better they stay in America and take care of their life and not contribute to Nepal's burden of problems. But, on the other hand, if you have your act togethor, then the nation could use one more capable professional who can work towards the solution without being himself/herself a problem.


I feel that most of the people taking offence at his words are reading his words from a 'human factor' perspective. They feel that Pire is judging their intelligence, education or capability. I don't think he is. 

Most of us in this thread are trying to decide whether or not we should go to Nepal by the question: "How much do we need Nepal?"
Pire is saying: "Ask not how much you need Nepal....ask instead how much Nepal needs you."

Or, as John F Kennedy famously said: "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"

This "job maker and job taker" is really a nothing point to be quite honest. 

A country's economy depends on how much people spend. The more the people make, the more they spend - thats what ultimately leads to job growth.

So say, Mr. X is super talented but has no decent financial backing except for a piece of land in Gorkha. What and how is he gonna generate more jobs, I really wonder. 

Also, this "if you're mediocre, you're better off living in the States" is bogus too. Well, Bogus would be a harsh term, perhaps but its nothing but a mere personal opinion that's demoralizing to say the least. A person's ability isn't to be judged upon his GPA or track record. 

People change overnight as situations arise. 

Prior to my departure for the States, all I could cook were an Omelette and noodles but by the time I made my return, I was a decent cook. Had I stayed here, I doubt I'd have made any progresses in my culinary skills but again, situations changed me. 

At the end of the day, again, I repeat, if you're really determined to succeed in Nepal, you'll do it, eventually but unless you've got at least a decent financial backing, you'll be cussing yourself if you left the States ( provided that you had a decent job already ). 

Hey Agnibikram
Some Quick questions for you...
Since you are in Nepal, can u please enlighten me with some of your wise words on how u cope with all the situations? When and why did you leave the states and what are u doing right now?
Share for better Nepal..
Peace

 To be quite honest, I'm having quite a tough time getting used to the conditions that I was brought up in. I've been here for almost a month ( maybe a bit longer ) now and I'm yet to apply for jobs and what not. 

I'm still busy meeting up friends and families. 

Now by "situations", I hope you're talking about the problems. Load-shedding has been quite a bitch. Since I'm not in a holiday/vacation mold anymore, I don't at all enjoy night-outs like I did when I was here during winter breaks. 

Further, since I'm now expected to bring some dough ( well Rupees rather ) home, the pressure over here is really huge. But like I aforementioned, I'm lucky to have been brought up in a decent family with a reasonably "ok" financial standing. So, I must admit that I don't really have to worry about doing a lot of chores and what not. 

Water is another depressing situation. From once or twice -a-day bath/showering rituals to limiting the occurrences to once every 3-4 days has been an awkward transformation. But I suppose its something you can get used to ultimately. Further, Nepal's current weather doesn't really encourage one to cleanse himself every day anyways. 

My biggest concern has been the traffic situation. I'm perplexed by the audacity of Kathmanduites of blasting the traffic personnel off. They are doing a phenomenal job to say the least, especially considering how underpaid they are. Driving can really be a painful experience, especially during rush hours. 

Moving on, I left the States because I never had serious intentions of living in the States. But that doesn't mean that one could mistake my intentions as a noble one, as in, it was due to patriotism. That's not the case. I didn't return back because I was patriotic, neither did I return back because I couldn't find a job or found a way to extend my stay. I never sought an American lifestyle. I just felt like I didn't belong there. 

Some might say I will probably rue my decision to return back but I'll just leave it to others' opinions. I keep close tabs on my buddies seeking to pursue their careers in various parts of the States. Habitually, I've set my CNN homepage to a U.S edition as opposed to an International one. Ultimately, I wish to seek a career working for an American agency or some sort of institution that deals with Americans but as of now, I'm just enjoying my life at a slow-paced 15kmph. 

 Pire, which bank offered 1lakh/ month to a newly hired employee from an American institution? 

 well said agnibikram....

Agni,

Looks like you went home without any planning. It also seems you have been home for a month (graduated last December?). You are also equivocating on whether your family is pressuring you to find a job[You say they expect you to bring home dough, and yet you say they are financially okey and probably don't care]. I am sure they want you to start doing something.

There is a saying, 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail'. So, if I am to go home, I at least plan it beforehand. Make some rational expectation regarding what the job market in Nepal is like. I had a friend who , in his first year as a master's student here, actually brought Lok Sewa Ayog's stuff to prepare for his exam. A first class officer in Nepal now used to be seen preparing for his exam when he was a second class officer and was here in some training. There are a lot of people who plan, and who are motivated to succeed.

You asked "Pire, which bank offered 1lakh/ month to a newly hired employee from an American institution? "

This really reflects how you are thinking now. First, I didn't say 1 lakh/month (it is way more than that), I didn't say American institution (his last degree is a very prestigious MBA school outside US). You should really read the information given by others carefully. Furthermore, you framed the question as if there exists an institution that offers 1 lakh/month to a US graduate. You have to understand that people have their own channel to hire people. In any case, you should ask around, try to find out more about banks (they are in distress righnow, however), and you will be able to uncover a lot of things about them.

In any case, it seems you are aiming for INGOs. Best wishes.

When i was working for a company in 2001, my salary was Rs25,000 then and so earning Rs. 1,00,000 should not be a big deal now but i agree with Pire, it is our mindset we need to change.

No one will pay you money just because you are a US graduate, there are a lot of people in Nepal themself with Nepali education who are smarter than you and they know the market and current work situations. You need to do your homework well and actually need to accept the current condition in Nepal if you are planning to live there.

" I left the States because I never had serious intentions of living in the States. But that doesn't mean that one could mistake my intentions as a noble one, as in, it was due to patriotism. That's not the case. I didn't return back because I was patriotic, neither did I return back because I couldn't find a job or found a way to extend my stay. I never sought an American lifestyle. I just felt like I didn't belong there."

That is honest statement. I love to read something that people write honestly. Through these lines, I feel, I am able to read you.

CEO of KIST bank makes more than 5 lakh per month. He is a CA from India, in his interview with Nepal TV he told that he was not bright student, he passed SLC in second division. He is from Palpa (i think) his last name is Gyawali (i think). 

You do not have to be  extemely talented to make money. Should enjoy whatever you are doing and keep on doing. There is saying in Geeta "focus on me you will be fine" , do your duty and let me take care of you, Krishna told Arjun. 

I think we should all read Geeta and follow geeta , we all will be happy.    

You're making a ton of hypothetical assumptions that are pretty inaccurate, Pire. I didn't return back without proper planning or anything. 

I'm got a Degree now and albeit I'm not required to bring a ton of dough in, I'm not 19 anymore. Hence, there's an expectation that I'll start seeking a career ( not doing some non-paid voluntary work, of course ). 

I didn't intend to imply that just because someone has a degree from the States means a lot. Further, I thought you were the same dude who stated that US Graduates were offered jobs at 1lakh/month. So, cut the "American Degree" bit and answer my question. 

Which bank run by morons ( or retards I should say ) offered a salary of 1 lakh/ month to entry level employees? By entry level employees, I hope you're talking about Bank Tellers or some entry level employees ( lower than Managerial positions ). 

 Agni,

Hmm. I think you are an unemployed, angry, frustrated young man. I don't see any point in talking to you anymore.

With Best wishes to you in your life.

 Agni,
my IQ dropped by couple of percentage just by reading your last post.

Pire,
Keep it cool. 

Interesting discussion.

Rather than stating my opinion I will post some information about me ( some things are slightly altered to ensure anonymity)

I returned to Nepal in April 2009 after spending ~6 years in the US. I graduated with a Bachelors in Finance from a decent US University (Top 40 US News Rankings), worked for 1 year on OPT, worked for 1 year on H1 and returned to Nepal. Currently, I am working as a Finance Officer for an INGO in Nepal. I earn ~35,000(gross pay) monthly which is ~11% of what I used to make in the US.

Hopefully this information will help some of you to make an informed choice.

As for why I returned to Nepal with just a bachelors degree

1) I had average grades (~3.5 gpa) and average GMAT score(~650) so I couldn't get into any good(top 15) Masters Program. I got into okay schools only. May be I was aiming too high.

2) I didn't return out of patriotism nor did I return because I couldn't find a job. I returned because of selfish reasons. I was fed up with living as an average Joe in the US. In US I was just another college graduate working for an average company but I felt if I returned to Nepal I will be special, I felt I would get respect from people because of my US degree; it took me 1 month in Nepal to realize how wrong I was. A bachelors degree doesn't mean anything in Nepal thesedays. I should have returned with at least a Masters (or preferably a PhD)

I like it in Nepal. I haven't tried to come back to the US on a H1 visa.

Easyname,

Highly appreciate your honest post. I think we need more 'from the ground in Nepal' posts like you have posted. It would help a lot of people living in the States to make a more informed decision.

I have already mentioned that we are too quick to generalize our understanding based on few observations. For those people who have a US green card (or PR of CANADA/AUS/EU) at one hand and strong family background in Nepal at the other hand, it is much easy to talk big about returning back. Karishma Manandhar, Saroj Khanal and Puja Chand did it recently. But Ramraja Poudel, despite being in the same boat, does not have the same story. So, I mentioned earlier, every case has a different story. People of different fields, e.g. science, managment, technology, education, health etc. may have different environment but the condition is similar.

There are plenty of success and failure stories about the returnees (US or elsewhere). If we collect data, I don't expect to see more success than failure side. Most so called successful people (who earned money and name) have somehow exhausted the corrupt system and loopholes. Those people who have tried to correct the system, be honest, and did not do "khurafati kaam", they are mostly "failed people" in the eyes of common citizen in Nepal.

The "lahure mentality" is deeply rooted in our society. Traditionally, our "Lahures" are expected to return back with fancy transistors, gold and wealth. Because of this mentality, your family and friends have high expectations, which is really hard to fulfill. Whether you "make job" or "take job", you have limitations. The system and infrastructure in Nepal is definitely not encouraging to "job makers" and "job takers". "Success stories" circulated in news media or networks like E4N, are purely made out of coincidental success. You can not draw out any systematic conclusion from that. You can not figure out any successful business model. Any of these "successful people" are not role model in our society for their work and contribution. Often these stories are written to provide false encouragement or to brag the success through a sponsered journalism. For me, these success stories are outliers, because I have seen many others failed who were in similar business.

 So, what's your point, Chana? Will you be successful, or unsuccessful, or you do not trust is statistics?