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In today’s era of cut-throat competition and ‘hustle culture’, where every youth is running after packages worth crores and the glamor of big cities, a 28-year-old software engineer has created a sensation on social media by choosing the opposite path. Saying goodbye to the traffic, endless working hours and depressing atmosphere of a metro city, this engineer preferred a relatively low paying remote/local job in his small hometown. His decision today has become a big lesson for millions of corporate professionals who are yearning for mental peace and tranquility despite having huge bank balances.
Package worth lakhs and hollowness of metro city
In his detailed experience shared on social media platforms (Reddit and LinkedIn), the engineer said that he spent the first 4-5 years of his career in tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. There he was getting an attractive package of ₹25 to ₹30 lakh annually. Money was coming into the bank account, but peace, good sleep and beautiful moments spent with family had completely disappeared from life.
The severe traffic jam of 3 to 4 hours every day, continuous shifts of 12-14 hours, stress of calls even on weekends and huge rent of expensive flats were hollowing their mental and physical health from within. He realized that in this kind of life he is earning money, but he does not have the time and mental peace to enjoy that money.
Bold decision of ‘downshifting’: low salary, but 100% peace of mind
After suffering from severe burnout and health problems, the engineer took a big and bold step, which is called ‘downshifting’ or ‘slow living’ in the modern lifestyle. He left his high-paying corporate job and accepted a lower salary (about half his salary) in a company where working hours were fixed and work-life balance was given top priority. After this he returned to his Tier-3 hometown.
Gift of simple life and better health
The engineer said that his life changed completely after returning to the small town:
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Freedom from pollution and traffic: Instead of concrete jungles and poisonous air, they got fresh air, open environment and natural surroundings.
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Savings and Less Spending: While in big cities 60% of the salary was spent on house rent, cabs and expensive restaurants, in small towns, due to very low expenses, even half the salary started getting more real savings than before.
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Quality time with family: After finishing work at 6 pm, they spend time with parents, pursuing their old hobbies (reading books, gardening and walks).
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Freedom from mental stress: He got relief from constant headaches, anxiety and sleeping pills forever.
Why do even millionaires yearn for such a life?
As soon as the engineer’s post went viral, many senior executives, entrepreneurs and young professionals from the corporate world agreed to it. Many people commented and wrote that despite having a net worth of crores of rupees, luxury cars and penthouses, people are not able to sleep peacefully at night and struggle with diseases like high blood pressure and stress. The engineer proved that real wealth is not just the number in your bank account, but your health, mental peace and happy moments spent with family.