Leaving Big Tech for Social Impact in India
A couple trades California tech careers for a nonprofit mission in their homeland.
1Transitioning from Big Tech
Chandana Shivanand, a former senior technical program manager at Meta, left her career in California to return to India. Alongside her husband, she moved back in late 2024 after establishing a financial cushion. The couple sought to move beyond corporate roles, prioritizing social impact and personal passion over traditional tech industry career paths.
2The Motivation for Change
The decision was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Indian society. While living in Santa Clara, the couple managed a charity remotely, but they felt limited by merely sending money. They wanted to provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineering students in rural India, leading to their eventual relocation.
3Financial and Asset Strategy
The couple initially rented out their California home to maintain a safety net. Eventually, they sold the property for $2 million, having purchased it for $1.7 million. This capital provided the necessary freedom to pursue their nonprofit, Polygnan, without the immediate pressure of finding traditional employment upon their return to India.
4Establishing Global Engineers Connect
Founded in 2023, the organization leverages a network of over 150 mentors to support aspiring engineers. They offer programs in entrepreneurship and AI, helping students develop minimum viable products over ten-week cycles. This initiative combines the couple's professional backgrounds in AI, network infrastructure, and database management with their desire for social change.
5Navigating Cultural Adjustments
Returning to India presented significant challenges, including adapting to local traffic, pollution, and societal expectations. To maintain independence, the couple rented a five-bedroom villa that serves as both their residence and office. This setup allows them to navigate the intense professional environment while maintaining the autonomy they cultivated during their time abroad.
6The Value of Global Exposure
Shivanand believes her time in the US was essential for her current success. Working at Meta and Microsoft provided the confidence, financial backing, and professional network required to launch a nonprofit. She argues that this international experience allowed her to make a conscious, informed decision about her lifestyle and long-term professional vision.
7Redefining Career Success
The couple intentionally decoupled their identity from their corporate titles. By testing their return with a two-year trial period, they mitigated the risks of relocation. They now focus on high-impact educational work, finding that the flexibility and freedom in India outweigh the stability of their previous roles in the American tech sector.
8Long-term Impact and Outlook
This move highlights a growing trend of professionals returning to emerging markets to apply global expertise locally. By focusing on entrepreneurship and AI incubation, the couple aims to bridge the gap for rural students. Their journey serves as a case study for balancing financial security with the pursuit of personal and social goals.
Original article: Business Insider — Leaving Big Tech for Social Impact in India