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An IIT Kanpur graduate went viral after comparing his 40 LPA life in Bengaluru to living in a hill town, saying where you live shapes your mindset and happiness
IIT Alum walks away from a $40 job in Bengaluru to settle in a mountain town (Image-LinkedIn/@Arjav Modi)
An IIT Kanpur graduate has gone viral after comparing his previous life worth 40 LPA in Bengaluru to his new life in a sleepy hill town. After leaving his high-paying job, he says the move completely changed his perspective on success, happiness, and what it means to live a fulfilling life.
In his post, Modi described a photo of two different versions of the 27-year-old professional. The former, he wrote, earns around Rs 40 lakh a year in Bengaluru, lives in a spacious 3-bedroom apartment, travels daily in an Uber and relies on quick commerce platforms like Zepto for groceries.
Despite what many might consider an ideal urban lifestyle, Modi suggested that such an environment often encourages constant comparison. According to him, being surrounded by exceptionally young and successful professionals can make people feel like they are falling behind in life.
“You see wonderful young people around you. You feel that your best years are behind you. You feel behind in life compared to kids who are only 21 years old. You feel lonely and sad,” he wrote.
Then he compared that life to his current reality in a mountain village. Modi said he now lives in a modest one-bedroom house, earns less than half what his friends in Bengaluru earn, uses a scooter or walks instead of relying on taxis, and even enjoys buying vegetables while watching the sunset with his partner.
According to him, the environment had a great influence on his mentality. In contrast to fast-paced city life, he said the mountain city is full of people in their 30s and beyond who seem content, welcoming and cheerful, making him feel that his best years are still ahead of him rather than behind him.
Summing up his experience, Moody wrote, “Just my observation after 4 months of living in this small mountain town that I now call home. Where you live determines how you think and function.”
He also addressed the growing curiosity surrounding his new lifestyle, adding: “Note: To all the people asking about the location, guide, rentals, etc., it’s okay to be curious, but actually look nosy. Don’t say – hey, give me the details and then run away with it. Small town life isn’t great for people who only talk to people for their own benefit, and are entitled to know everything they’ve achieved in their lives.”
The post quickly gained traction on LinkedIn, with users offering different opinions on whether happiness is more influenced by location or a person’s mindset.
“I don’t think the situation is wrong, it’s often our point of view. No place can make you feel better if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. Focus on what’s right for you, and the place will become secondary,” one user wrote.
Another commented: “Wrong analogy.. Happiness is never about comparison.. It’s about content and gratitude! So wherever you are 🙂 Happiness is on the inside.”
Sharing their personal experience, a third user said, “It’s a beautiful perspective, it’s ultimately a choice. I spent over 10 years living in the mountains, it wasn’t easy but they were the most beautiful years of my life! Maybe I’ll go back to the mountains one day! 😄”
A fourth added: “Every choice has its pros and cons. In the end, it comes down to what you are willing to accept, guided by your mindset, priorities and courage. For me, of course – a peaceful life, maybe with less money, but life lived to the fullest🙃”
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