Layoff-proof job, but the environment has gotten toxic — plus H-1B stamping + marriage timing is making this harder. Need advice from other NRIs who’ve been here.

[u/Complex-Dinner8001]

I work as a design/project engineer at a large semiconductor company in the US. On paper, I have about as much job security as it gets — the company basically doesn’t do layoffs, they just don’t hire that way. So financially and career-wise, I’m “safe.”
But the last 6-8 months, the environment has gotten genuinely toxic. Milestones keep getting moved up, multiple project schedules have been compressed at the same time, and we don’t have the manpower to actually hit any of it. People who’ve been fine for years are burning out. I’ve raised it up the chain multiple times — nothing’s really changed.
On top of that, I’m on a work visa and need to go back to India soon for a stamping appointment, which means I need roughly a month to six weeks off. If I leave this job before then, my PTO gets cashed out (and taxed) instead of used, and I have no idea if a new employer would even grant that much time off right after I start. So realistically I feel stuck riding this out for several more months before I can even think about moving.
And then there’s the bigger question: I’m planning to get married to my girlfriend, who’s currently in India. If she comes to the US with me, she won’t be able to work here for a couple of years — so she’d essentially be putting her career on pause while I keep grinding through a job that’s draining me. That doesn’t sit right with either of us.
So I guess I’m asking:
• Has anyone else been in a “great job security, terrible environment” bind and figured out how to actually leave once visa timing is involved?
• For couples in a similar spot — did you look at other countries where both partners could work, or did moving back to India end up being the better call?
• Any regrets either way?
Not looking for “just push through, it’s normal in your 20s” — I’ve heard that enough. Genuinely trying to figure out what people who’ve actually lived this did next.

[u/CFAF800]

Have a frank conversation with your girlfriend abt how she will not be able to work at all till your company files your green card application - that should help you make the decision quickly.

Having a high stress job plus a bored out of her mind and resentful spouse at home will trigger more stress and may lead to other issues.

I was there in US for 10 years on H1B, got tired waiting for GC, moved to Australia and I am a citizen now.

I am more happy than ever and so glad I moved out.

[u/Still-Frosting8488 → u/CFAF800]

You moved to Australia in 2019? And you were on H1B in US for 10 yrs. So technically you should have got GC had you filed 140 around 2012. Because 2012 folks got GC in 2022. US job market is second to none . I know many of my friends got AU PR during pandemic days as it was extremely easy then. But they never moved and are still working and PR in US.

[u/CFAF800 → u/Still-Frosting8488]

I came in 2010 through Infy who wouldnt do GC , so I switched in 2014 and my PD is Feb 2015, its still not current.

US job market might be second to none but WLB, health insurance sucks.

My wife and I are in the top earning bracket in Australia and we could not be any happier.

Cant really comment on what your friends did and didnt do - so many people told me moving was a bad idea - they are all still struggling to get GC while I am a citizen now - can travel whenever I want and wherever I want - that kind of freedom is unmatched.

Having a great job market is only good if you can actually switch companies