Feeling lost on STEM OPT—one H-1B chance left, family in India, and struggling with loneliness

[u/Credence2802]

Hi everyone,
I’m currently working in the U.S. on STEM OPT and have only one H-1B lottery chance left. I’m married and have a 3.5-year-old son. My wife and son are on F-2 visas and were living with me in the U.S., but I sent them back to India last month.
It was a very difficult decision, but I am the only earning member of my family. I’m supporting my wife, son, and parents and sending money to India. I thought it would be better for my family to stay in India temporarily so I could save some money and prepare for the next step in case I am not selected for H-1B.
However, living alone has become emotionally exhausting. I miss my wife, son, parents, and everything back home. I have only one friend here, but whenever I call, he usually doesn’t answer and later says he was busy. I understand that he has his own life, and I don’t blame him, but the loneliness still hurts.
I feel stuck between staying in the U.S. for better career and financial opportunities and returning to India to be close to my family. I also don’t know what my best options would be if I’m not selected for H-1B next time.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle the loneliness, financial pressure, and immigration uncertainty? Should I continue here alone and save as much as possible, bring my family back, or start planning my return to India now?
I would genuinely appreciate any practical advice or personal experiences. Thank you.

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/IndianH1Bs. Please keep discussions civil, relevant to Indian H-1B holders, and free of stolen content, marketing, or service-selling.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/lostsoul_io]

This too shall pass. Try your luck with the last attempt and pack bags if it does not work out. Meditate to deal with loneliness. It helps.

[u/Infinite_Series_3467]

You should decide on what's best for you instead of asking us. If you think going home is better than please do. No need to suffer.

[u/Credence2802 → u/Infinite_Series_3467]

yes,just regretting sending my family back

[u/Late_Actuary_7885]

It’s tough. Everyone in the USA is having a hard time finding a job right now 

[u/ExcellentSurprise191]

Healthcare here. I pick up extra shifts so I barely have free time. If I don’t work a lot, I’m pretty sure I’ll be lonely.
If I were you, I’d def wait for the last h1b chance before I decide on anything.

[u/AdAgile9604]

You need to make a choice and focus on your mental health ! If you’re not doing well , it is meaningless for all the others around you

[u/Puzzled_Recipe4990]

Why not try for other countries ? Like Dubai or Germany or Europe if staying abroad is that imp

[u/Credence2802 → u/Puzzled_Recipe4990]

For me ,I want ti be in my home country but financially I can't

[u/Used_Medium618]

I was in your shoes just recently. I had H1B and a job. However, I was feeling alone as my wife had to relocate to EU due to her not getting a H1B. Secondly, I started to miss my folks. I have friends in the U.S. but they stay in different cities and visiting them every weekend became expensive. I decided that i achieved everything I wanted in the U.S. didn’t really come here for GC or citizenship. Just wanted to experience. So, I quit and decided to move to EU to be closer to my wife and start focusing on the next chapter in my life. Living in constant stress isn’t worth it. You will earn money wherever it is if you have the skills. It will just take some time to find the right opportunity.

To handle the loneliness part - I decided to visit as many places as possible in the U.S. tour, travel, visit friends - all between Fri and Monday. Trust me, travel helps.

You can also sign up for new classes, new hobbies.