When an offer for a high-paying job appears, most people view it as an opportunity for career growth. However, one social media post raised the question of whether an increase in income automatically improves the quality of life.
In this post, one software engineer shared his friend's situation. His friend earns 84 thousand rupees per month in a Tier-2 city. He received a job offer in Pune with a salary of 1.25 lakh rupees per month. Despite this, the friend advised against changing jobs immediately and suggested trying to get a raise in his current city.
A person named Jaideep shared this story on the platform X. He stated that his friend lives in a Tier-2 city and earns 84 thousand rupees monthly. Since he owns his own home there, he does not have to spend on rent. According to Jaideep, the standard of living in the current city is more economical: costs for food, groceries, and children's education are lower. Furthermore, he spends less time in traffic jams, allowing him to save more money each month.
In his post, Jaideep continued by explaining that if his friend accepts the job offer in Pune, living expenses will increase compared to the Tier-2 city. According to his estimates, renting a good two-bedroom apartment (2 BHK flat) could cost between 20 to 30 thousand rupees. Food and groceries might take 12–20 thousand rupees, while utilities like electricity, water, internet, and mobile communication would cost 3–5 thousand rupees. Additionally, transportation and fuel would require 5–10 thousand rupees, and entertainment outside the home and miscellaneous needs would range from 8 to 15 thousand rupees. Thus, the total additional monthly expenses could be approximately 50 to 80 thousand rupees, although actual costs depend on the area and lifestyle.
Jaideep emphasized that the decision to change jobs should not be based solely on the salary amount. Although moving to Pune with a salary of 1.25 lakh rupees will increase his friend's income by 41 thousand rupees, the rise in expenses in the new city might negate this increase. He also noted that if a raise of 15–20 thousand rupees is possible at his current company, the income can be increased without changing residence. In his words, before making a decision, one must calculate how much money will remain after deducting all expenses with the higher salary.
Social media users reacted to this post, sharing their opinions. Some agreed with Jaideep's view, noting the importance of considering both living expenses and savings when changing jobs. Other users asked questions about the necessity of also taking into account the better career opportunities and potential salary growth offered by Pune.
