The dream of moving abroad for a lucrative career is a powerful narrative for many Indian professionals. The promise of higher salaries, modern infrastructure, and global exposure is undeniably attractive. However, a recent candid confession by an Indian tech worker in Singapore has ignited a crucial conversation about the often-hidden emotional price of such success.
The High Cost of a High Salary
Aman, a senior machine learning engineer, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram that resonated with thousands. He revealed a stark contradiction in his life: while his income increased five times after moving to Singapore, his sense of joy and fulfillment decreased proportionally. Speaking in Hindi, Aman expressed a deep sense of loss amidst material gain.
He pointed to the absence of simple, authentic pleasures from back home, like the taste of roadside chole kulche and momos. For him, the impeccable hygiene and order of Singapore felt artificial, creating a void that money could not fill. Beyond food, he missed the fundamental freedoms of life in India, notably the ability to own a car and enjoy spontaneous long drives.
A Scripted Life and Calendar-Driven Connections
Aman highlighted a critical cultural shift that affects many expatriates. He described how social interactions in his new environment felt transactional and planned. "People here meet by checking their calendars, not by following their hearts," he noted, contrasting it with the more impulsive and warm social culture he was accustomed to in India. His video, posted on his handle @amandailylogs, poignantly framed this experience as "the depression of success" and living with "first world loneliness."
The caption of his post powerfully summarized the dilemma faced by countless professionals: the relentless chase for visas, passport stamps, and dollar salaries can sometimes lead to a hollow victory, where professional achievement is overshadowed by personal isolation.
Social Media Echoes a Widespread Sentiment
The online reaction to Aman's story was immediate and vast, revealing a spectrum of perspectives. Many netizens who have lived or are living abroad related deeply to his feelings. One commenter agreed entirely, stating they had the "exact same feels," while another who had spent half their life abroad conceded that nothing compares to life in India except the financial aspect.
Others offered philosophical advice, emphasizing that money is important but not everything, and urging Aman to live in the moment. Some took a pragmatic view, suggesting he should maximize his earnings while he can. The discussion underscored that Aman's story is not an isolated incident but taps into a broader, shared experience among the Indian diaspora.
The narrative that emerges is clear: for many, success abroad involves a significant trade-off, often exchanging the comfort of deep-rooted cultural connections and spontaneous freedoms for professional advancement and financial gain. Aman's viral moment serves as a poignant reminder to weigh both sides of the dream carefully.
