Should I Return To Vietnam After Graduation? Insights From A Chill Guy

Adams Bảo has a mixed Indian, French, and Vietnamese heritage. He spent 5 years studying at the University of Nevada in the United States.

After returning to Vietnam in 2017, Bảo recently took on the role of Project Leader at Decathlon Vietnam, where he oversees the opening of smaller stores to provide Vietnamese consumers with easier access to sports equipment. His latest project involves launching a Decathlon store at Parc Mall in District 8, Saigon.

Driving his eco-friendly VinFast VF3 to the Just Show Up interview, Bảo arrived in a green T-shirt and black jogging pants. Within moments, he greeted me with a firm handshake and extended the same warm gesture to every team member, showcasing his readiness to share his unique journey.

The Boys Meet The World

How far can a 9-year-old child go on their own? To a grocery store to shop for dinner, to their primary school, or just around the neighborhood?

For Adams Bảo, it was around Saigon. Among the children at an international primary school, he was the only one given the freedom to explore the world early on.

Raised in a multicultural family with Indian, French, and Vietnamese roots, Bảo grew up with open-minded parents who encouraged him to take responsibility for his choices. By the time he was 12 or 13, they even arranged for him to travel solo throughout Southeast Asia.

Alongside his independence, Bảo also embraced the collectivist values of Vietnamese culture. He loves weekly gatherings with family and relatives in Vietnam. During a typical gathering, you might see Bảo at the center of the table, always ready to share stories about his new martial arts lessons or his latest trip.

Bảo left his home to attend university at the age of 17. He chose to study in the U.S., following the image of an adventurous America painted by his godfather—an American former soldier once participated in the Vietnam War. Although the U.S. wasn't filled with hard individuals, wild trips, and nightly barbecues as he had imagined, he was still satisfied with his experiences there.

Every day, he woke up early at 4 or 5 a.m. and completed his running session before 7 a.m. He then attended classes, spent time in the library, trained in boxing for school competitions in the afternoon, and worked a part-time job in the evening. During the summer, he went on mountain trekking, and in the winter, skiing became one of his favorite activities.

During those hectic days in America, there were moments when a sudden breeze caught his hair, carrying with it the memory of the cool, salty wind of Nha Trang or Đà Nẵng. He would recall sitting by the beach with his relatives, where their laughter mingled with the sound of crashing waves.

On some lonely nights, when he was eating a hand-made salad, he would be transported back home to those lively family dinners. He could almost hear the clinking of chopsticks, his mother’s gentle nagging about missing his aunt’s birthday party last week, and the warmth of being surrounded by people who truly understood him.

These memories grew into a quiet concern that he couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t just a temporary homesick but the sense of belonging that no snow-capped peak could replace. He realized that while he had sought adventure, what he truly longed for was connection—a deeper bond to his roots.

The Man Meets The Family

It was the homesickness that brought Bảo back to Vietnam in 2017 after his graduation. However, adjusting to a traditional workplace in Vietnam wasn't easy. Having been accustomed to international environments since childhood, he faced reverse culture shock when he began working at a national pediatric hospital.

“In Vietnam, people often prefer subtlety over directness,” Bảo reflected. “Even if they agree with feedback, it’s not easy for them to accept it right away.” He had to adjust his communication style, learning to phrase feedback more gently and time his words carefully.

When he later moved to work in his family business, things didn't get better. In Vietnamese culture, the older’s opinions are often prioritized, so Bảo's contributions were not always recognized. It took a while until April 2019, a pivotal opportunity arrived: Decathlon, a global sports retailer originated in France, was opening a branch in Vietnam. Bảo joined the founding team, eager to help shape something new.

At the same time, Vietnam's growing economy was attracting foreign investment, with companies like Uniqlo, MUJI, and Maison Kitsune entering the market. The country’s expanding consumer base offered new professional opportunities, and Bảo was in the right place at the right time.

After almost six years at Decathlon, Bảo not only built a successful career but also rediscovered the joy of being close to his family—sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and caring for his parents.

"Are there any places in the U.S. that you’d like to revisit?" I asked.

Surprisingly, no specific destination came to his mind. “Not really,” he said, “If I want to go skiing, I can just book a flight to Korea/Japan—it’s only a few hours away.”

Reflecting on his return, Bảo now realizes that his connections with the Vietnamese sports community have not only allowed him to engage in the activities he loves but have also led to genuine friendships.

His return to Vietnam, once driven by homesickness, has transformed into an opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally. Coming back home was not just about being with his roots but finding a place where he could truly grow.

Is Life In Vietnam Worth It?

10/10.

I’m living a life that balances physical and mental health effectively. I’m able to manage my finances, career, and relationships with confidence.

About Overseas Vietnamese Summit 2025: Crossing Over

Participate in our homecoming reunion, where Vietnamese professionals from around the world share their experiences and perspectives on seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges in building careers and settling down in Vietnam.

Date: January 2-4, 2025
Location: Ho Chi Minh City

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Special thanks to our sponsors & partners for accompanying us in this event, including Ninety Eight (Title Sponsor), Janus Executive Search & Talent Advisory (Recruitment Lead Partner), and Vietinvest.au (Engagement Partner).