A bigger salary is often treated as proof that a career is going well. But one Reddit user found himself questioning that idea after reconnecting with a former classmate who earns far less but appears to have a calmer routine.The software professional said he earns about eight times as much as the man he called Rakesh. Yet, the conversation left him thinking about his own work pressure, lack of free time, and whether a high income is enough to make someone feel satisfied.The Reddit post has since been removed from the platform.
The Reddit post has since been removed from the platform.
Rakesh earns around ₹3 LPA
The two men had been classmates but were not friends. They reconnected after around four to five years.According to the Reddit post, Rakesh works at an “unknown company” and earns around ₹3 LPA. His job is reportedly not stressful.He and his wife spend their weekends going outside. Their loan on a subsidized home is expected to end next year.Rakesh is also considering leaving software engineering to open a small kirana store. His wife works as a government teacher in a rural school.
His lifestyle made the Redditor reflect
The Reddit user said Rakesh enjoys reading books, uses public transport, and gets treatment at a government hospital.These details led him to feel that his former classmate had found peace without earning crores.He then compared that routine with his own experience. He said his workplace involves a manager who asks him to memorize the codebase, toxic co-workers, and office politics. He also struggles to find time for his hobbies.
Reddit users have different views
The post prompted several reactions, with users questioning whether income alone can be used to compare two people’s lives.One person wrote, “This sounds amazing until you have a major medical emergency and need tons of money for a private hospital.”Another suggested trying the same lifestyle before deciding that it was better.“Maybe you can try being in their shoes once and feel the difference. Like using public transport, no eating outside, maybe no movies. Do exactly what he does. Same lifestyle.”
‘It may be your job that you dislike’
Another commenter felt the post was really about the Redditor’s dissatisfaction with his workplace.“It looks to me like this is less about how good the life of your friend is and more about you not feeling good about your job.”A fourth user took a more critical approach and argued that nobody’s circumstances can be understood from the outside.“Lol, if you were in his place, you would say that my Kamwali has a better life than me. She doesn’t care about managers because she does the work and goes home. You are truly delusional. Dude, everyone has their own problems. And these government programs, or awas yojna, aren’t even comparable to a private residence or making your own money.”
What the discussion says about money and happiness
The Reddit conversation does not establish that earning less leads to a better life. It simply shows two people making different choices with their careers, spending, and time.For the software professional, the comparison raised an uncomfortable question: what is the value of a much higher salary if work leaves little room for hobbies and personal time?The responses, meanwhile, highlighted another side of the debate. Financial security, healthcare, and individual circumstances also matter.In the end, the discussion comes down to a question with no single answer: is career success measured by how much is earned or by how satisfied someone feels with the life that income supports?Disclaimer: This article is based on a Reddit post and comments shared by users on the platform. The views expressed are those of the individual Reddit users and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Times of India.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)