The Great Balance - Choosing Between India and Abroad in the CG and VFX Industry

There’s a common path many CG and VFX artists in India take. You start your career here, gain experience, learn the tricks of the trade, and after a while, you start dreaming of bigger paychecks and bigger opportunities. That’s when the idea of working abroad takes root. It’s tempting, isn’t it? The promise of higher salaries, global exposure, and a lifestyle that seems out of reach back home. Many artists take that leap, hoping to find a better life and more recognition in their careers.

But let’s pause for a moment and think about what that decision means. Yes, money is important. There’s no denying that. Salaries abroad are often far higher than what artists earn in India. The projects are bigger, the teams more diverse, and the tools cutting-edge. It feels like a dream come true. But every dream has a cost, and for many, that cost is being away from home, from family, and from the comfort of familiarity.

I’ve met countless artists who took that step, chasing opportunities abroad. They packed their bags with excitement, ready for a new adventure. And while many of them achieved success, there’s always a part of them that misses home. The festivals they can’t celebrate with their families, the moments with loved ones they can only see on a video call, the small joys of life in India that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

The truth is, living abroad isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Sure, you earn more, but you also spend more. The cost of living is higher, and the pressure to perform in an international workplace can be intense. Contracts often keep you moving from one project to another, one city to another, and before you know it, years have gone by, and you’ve spent most of your career far from the people and the culture that shaped you.

That’s not to say working abroad is a mistake. Far from it. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the industry at a global level. The exposure you get abroad is unmatched, and it can help you sharpen your skills and build a reputation that opens doors anywhere in the world. But at some point, you have to ask yourself—what’s the end goal?

I’ve seen artists who found their balance. They worked abroad for a few years, gained valuable experience, and then brought that expertise back to India. They recognized that while the money abroad was great, there’s more to life than just a paycheck. Settling in India gave them the chance to build a career while staying close to their families and friends, to live a life where they could grow professionally without losing touch with their roots.

And let me tell you, the CG and VFX industry in India isn’t what it used to be. The opportunities here have grown tremendously. With international studios setting up base in India and Indian studios producing world-class work, you don’t have to leave the country to find challenging projects or cutting-edge technology. The salaries may not yet match what you’d earn abroad, but they’re improving. And when you factor in the lower cost of living, the support of your loved ones, and the comfort of home, staying in India doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a choice.

This isn’t about convincing anyone to stay or go. It’s about finding balance. If working abroad is something you dream of, go for it. Explore the world, build your network, and soak in everything the global industry has to offer. But don’t lose sight of what’s truly important to you. If staying close to your family and loved ones matters, if celebrating Diwali with your parents or watching your kids grow up is something you don’t want to miss, then think about how you can create a fulfilling career in India.

The decision isn’t easy, and there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about understanding your priorities and making choices that align with them. At the end of the day, it’s not just about where you work—it’s about how you feel about the life you’re building.

So, whether you choose to stay in India or take your talents abroad, remember that it’s your journey. Make it count, not just in terms of money or exposure, but in the happiness and balance it brings to your life. Because no matter where you are, what really matters is the sense of fulfillment that comes from doing what you love while staying connected to the people and values that make you who you are.