Indian doctor chooses to leave UK and return home, citing overwork and underpayment
For many professionals, the allure of building a career abroad in high-demand fields like healthcare is a dream worth pursuing. However, for one Indian doctor, the reality of life in the UK’s healthcare system fell far short of expectations. Overwork, underpayment, and a lack of work-life balance ultimately prompted him to leave the UK and return to India—a decision he says has brought him greater career growth, financial freedom, and personal fulfilment.
The doctor shared his journey in a now-viral Reddit post, where he candidly discussed his reasons for leaving the UK despite successfully navigating its healthcare system. Having passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) and working within the National Health Service (NHS), he initially envisioned “better professional opportunities, financial stability, and a higher quality of life.” However, these aspirations were soon overshadowed by the harsh realities of his experience.
Struggles within the NHS
The NHS is often regarded as one of the world’s leading healthcare systems, but it is not without its challenges, particularly for junior doctors. In his post, the doctor described long, gruelling hours, inadequate support, and salaries that barely allowed him to make ends meet.
He revealed, “Earning £2,300 per month as a junior doctor in the UK might seem reasonable at first glance, but with rent costing £1,000 to £1,500, along with utilities and groceries, it’s barely sufficient to get by.” He also highlighted the relentless pressure of the job, stating that the NHS’s chronic underfunding and staffing shortages place enormous strain on its employees.
The decision to leave, he admitted, was not an easy one. “I gave it considerable thought, but it became clear that the challenges outweighed the benefits,” he wrote.
A return to balance and opportunity
Upon returning to India, the doctor discovered a vastly different landscape—one that offered him the balance and opportunities he had been seeking. He described finding “more favourable conditions for financial growth, career advancement, and personal satisfaction” than he ever experienced abroad.
In India, he noted, healthcare professionals often have greater flexibility and the ability to pursue private practice or entrepreneurial ventures, which can provide a more lucrative and rewarding career path. Additionally, the cost of living and cultural familiarity made his transition far more appealing.
“For me, it wasn’t just about the money,” he explained. “It was about finding a lifestyle that allowed me to thrive both professionally and personally.”
A word of caution
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The doctor ended his post with advice for others considering a similar move to the UK. While he acknowledged the value of the experience and exposure gained from working in a system like the NHS, he urged others to consider the sacrifices involved.
“For anyone considering moving to the UK as a doctor, it’s important to look beyond the surface,” he wrote. “The prestige of working abroad often comes at significant financial, professional, and personal costs. Be prepared for what lies ahead and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals.”
Broader implications
The story highlights a growing trend of healthcare professionals reconsidering their decisions to work abroad. While countries like the UK are often seen as desirable destinations for medical practitioners, the realities of working within systems burdened by underfunding and staff shortages are prompting many to look elsewhere—or, like this doctor, to return home.
As the NHS grapples with these systemic challenges, stories like this serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of overwork and underpayment to retain talent. For this doctor, however, the decision to return to India appears to have been the right one—offering him a renewed sense of purpose and a better quality of life.
