A frustrated Redditor recently shared how his picture-perfect dream ‘Bengaluru life’ was not as idyllic as it seemed. In a post titled, “Why does life in a metro feel so fragile?” A user named onepoint5zero, who was living in Bengaluru with his family, revealed that despite earning over Rs 1.5 lakh per month, life lacks stability for him, and were he to lose his job, his savings will dry up in a few months.
The professional shared that while his income may sound impressive on the surface, the financial burden of supporting his family in his hometown, along with existing loan repayments, leaves him with a monthly savings of only Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. However, financial prudence is not the primary concern that weighs on his mind.
Reflecting on his childhood aspirations, he had once envisioned a life in Bengaluru filled with opportunities, excitement, and a glamorous routine. The idea of earning a substantial income, having a romantic relationship, and experiencing the city’s dynamic energy had been a dream. But as he now lives through it, he describes feeling as fragile as a delicate flower pot—one that might crack under the pressure at any moment.
His primary fear stems from the precarious nature of his financial security. With little saved for emergencies, the prospect of losing his job is daunting. If he were to find himself unemployed, his savings would deplete within three to four months, given the weight of monthly expenses and EMIs. Additionally, he and his fiancée currently reside in a paying guest (PG) accommodation, as the thought of searching for a rental flat in Bengaluru feels overwhelming. The city’s real estate landscape is notoriously expensive and competitive, further adding to his anxiety.
Beyond personal financial concerns, he shoulders the immense responsibility of supporting his family back home. His parents are entirely dependent on his monthly contributions, without which their survival would be uncertain. The emotional and financial strain of being their sole provider only intensifies the pressures he faces.
Adding to his frustration is the overall cost of living in Bengaluru, which he describes as exorbitantly high. He laments that despite earning what many would consider a decent salary, he finds himself struggling to afford even the basics. The city's soaring inflation rates mean that securing even moderate-quality food, groceries, housing, and services comes at an unreasonably steep price. The alternative—opting for cheaper options—often results in substandard quality, leaving him feeling trapped in an endless cycle of financial and emotional exhaustion.
As he grapples with these daily challenges, he questions whether this struggle is unique to Bengaluru or if young professionals across the country are experiencing similar hardships. He wonders when life became so difficult for those earning what was once considered a lucrative salary.
His post, shared as a heartfelt rant, serves as a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the reality that many young professionals face. What was once a dream-come-true lifestyle has transformed into a high-pressure existence, leaving him searching for answers and, perhaps, a semblance of relief amid the chaos.
Redditors React
The post, which was shared on the popular subreddit Indian Workplace, went viral. One Reddit user wrote, “Income isn't wealth. It's a sad realisation. The only people who get to be secure have generational wealth. Everyone else gets to face the heat…”
Another commented wryly, “Welcome to adult life. Constant anxiety and money worries are the norm.”
The professional shared that while his income may sound impressive on the surface, the financial burden of supporting his family in his hometown, along with existing loan repayments, leaves him with a monthly savings of only Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. However, financial prudence is not the primary concern that weighs on his mind.
Reflecting on his childhood aspirations, he had once envisioned a life in Bengaluru filled with opportunities, excitement, and a glamorous routine. The idea of earning a substantial income, having a romantic relationship, and experiencing the city’s dynamic energy had been a dream. But as he now lives through it, he describes feeling as fragile as a delicate flower pot—one that might crack under the pressure at any moment.
His primary fear stems from the precarious nature of his financial security. With little saved for emergencies, the prospect of losing his job is daunting. If he were to find himself unemployed, his savings would deplete within three to four months, given the weight of monthly expenses and EMIs. Additionally, he and his fiancée currently reside in a paying guest (PG) accommodation, as the thought of searching for a rental flat in Bengaluru feels overwhelming. The city’s real estate landscape is notoriously expensive and competitive, further adding to his anxiety.
Beyond personal financial concerns, he shoulders the immense responsibility of supporting his family back home. His parents are entirely dependent on his monthly contributions, without which their survival would be uncertain. The emotional and financial strain of being their sole provider only intensifies the pressures he faces.
Adding to his frustration is the overall cost of living in Bengaluru, which he describes as exorbitantly high. He laments that despite earning what many would consider a decent salary, he finds himself struggling to afford even the basics. The city's soaring inflation rates mean that securing even moderate-quality food, groceries, housing, and services comes at an unreasonably steep price. The alternative—opting for cheaper options—often results in substandard quality, leaving him feeling trapped in an endless cycle of financial and emotional exhaustion.
As he grapples with these daily challenges, he questions whether this struggle is unique to Bengaluru or if young professionals across the country are experiencing similar hardships. He wonders when life became so difficult for those earning what was once considered a lucrative salary.
His post, shared as a heartfelt rant, serves as a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the reality that many young professionals face. What was once a dream-come-true lifestyle has transformed into a high-pressure existence, leaving him searching for answers and, perhaps, a semblance of relief amid the chaos.
Redditors React
The post, which was shared on the popular subreddit Indian Workplace, went viral. One Reddit user wrote, “Income isn't wealth. It's a sad realisation. The only people who get to be secure have generational wealth. Everyone else gets to face the heat…”Another commented wryly, “Welcome to adult life. Constant anxiety and money worries are the norm.”
