Dot the i's and cross the t's

Just 28 more days to go! The weekdays seem to move leisurely and the weekends seem to breeze past us. Reminds me of Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity' explanation that I learnt during high school years. For most parts, I and my wife are enjoying our stairway discussions on the list of things to do after we return2India. Me, I am just anxious to find out how things would pan out once we return. I take pride in being a judicious orchestrator leaving little things to fate, destiny or powers beyond my control. This is a fairly common trait among Americans to plan every step of the way. A little bit of chaos or uncertainly throws us off big time and we end up running around like chicken sans head. From what I hear, planning far too ahead and having rigid set of expectations in India would end up in tears. Well, we'll have to find out, won't we? ;-)

Having spent months reading other R2I'ers diaries, the work culture and the work environment in corporate India makes me a bit anxious. The reviews seem to range from nightmarish to average at best. It is not just the usual desi bodyshops like Infosys, TCS that get negative reviews from R2I'ers but also reputed MNC's such as Accenture, IBM that seem to fare worse among R2Iers. The usual complaints seem to be regarding long/odd work hours, relationship with peers, job satisfaction level, work-life balance, professionalism, travel/traffic and relationship with managers.

We are currently disposing our assets, clearing out stuff, collecting relevant documentation and more importantly, having some fun during our last few weeks in the US. Weekly eatouts are turning into daily eatouts and weekend getaways are becoming mandatory. This week we have planned to visit a few art, science and aerospace museums in Sacramento. Coming back to item disposal and clearing out stuff, we have been having a tough time selling our brand name electronics and appliances that we have acquired over a period of time. Listing on Craigslist seems to be our only choice and the response has been average at best. I think at some point in the next few weeks we might just consider giving away some of the stuff to the Salvation Army or just dump it. Thankfully, our next door neighbors have committed to buying a few appliances and electronic items for insanely low price. I guess it is not a tough decision when your choices are limited to lowballing neighbors, weird folks from craigslist or dumping in junkyard.

Here is a check list of items that we are taking care prior to R2I.

Things to take care in the US:
* Apply for PIO card/OCI card as necessary
* Get a US passport for your child if he/she is a US citizen
* Keep up to date on shots for your kids
* Gather medical records for you, spouse and the kids
* Freeze credit history to prevent identity theft
* Close all the credit card accounts except one or two
* Forward USPS mail to your friend's address
* Complete 40 points to qualify for Social Security benefits
* Inform IRS regarding the relocation --> this is very important because the Social Security office collects information from the IRS
* Apply for re-entry permit as a backup if things go south in India (only for GC holders not US Citizens) --> We are still contemplating on this
* Sell house, dispose of all assets (car, electronics, furniture)
* Close bank accounts that charge monthly maintenance fees
* Get a checkbook for at least one bank
* File federal and state taxes
* Purchase unique items that are not available in India (iPhone is an example)
* Get a VOIP phone account (Skype/Magic Jack/Vonage)
* Purchase flight tickets well in advance
* Remit savings to India
* Take a vacation!!!

Things to take care in India while you are still in the US:
* Get a job offer or at the very least, get some leads
* Look for a place to live that is close enough for you and spouse to commute and that is close to good schools for your kids
* Look for schools for your kids
* Apply for PAN card