Charlie Fang Returns to China After Multiple H-1B Visa Lottery Losses

Charlie Fang, 31, returned to China in 2024 after three unsuccessful attempts to obtain an H-1B visa through the lottery system. His years spent studying and working in the United States have reportedly resulted in him experiencing reverse culture shock since his move back.

Fang grew up in China, attending a high school in Nanjing where studying abroad was a common aspiration. His initial exposure to the US was a brief stay in Portland, Oregon, during the 2008 presidential election. He later pursued his bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota, where he observed cultural differences, including what he described as "Minnesota nice" and a distinct approach to education and individuality compared to China.

After completing his bachelor's, Fang returned to China and joined an adtech startup. During this period, he embraced a "996" work schedule, often working from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which he found enjoyable due to consistent salary increases.

In 2021, Fang re-entered the US to enroll in a master's program at Harvard. While there, a conversation with a friend prompted him to re-evaluate his work-life balance. He subsequently began incorporating more non-work-related activities into his life, such as traveling and attending social events. Following graduate school, he worked at a startup and then a gaming company in California, managing partnerships with content creators.

Currently, Fang works for an American tech company in China as a strategic partner manager. He attributes his current experience of reverse culture shock to the changes in his perspective during his time in the US, particularly noting that he became more direct in his communication and less comfortable with hierarchical workplace dynamics.

(Source: Business Insider)