For many young professionals, success is often measured by salary, job title, and the city in which they live. But a viral LinkedIn post by an IIT Kanpur alumnus has shifted the conversation in a different direction. Instead of asking how much someone earns, the post asks whether the place we choose to live quietly shapes our mindset, priorities, and everyday experiences. The comparison has struck a chord with many online, leading to a debate on whether our surroundings influence how we look at life.
Bengaluru and a mountain town: Two different realities
In his post, Modi compared the lives of two 27-year-olds.The first earns around ₹40 lakh a year in Bengaluru, lives in a spacious 3BHK apartment, uses Uber for commuting, and orders groceries through Zepto. Despite having what many would consider an ideal urban lifestyle, Modi suggested that such an environment can also encourage constant comparison with others.According to him, regularly seeing very young professionals achieve major milestones can leave people questioning their own progress.He wrote, “You see super young people around you. You feel that your best years are gone. You feel behind in life compared to kids who are just 21. You feel lonely & sad.”
Why he feels the mindset changes
The second example in the post is set in a small mountain town.
Here, the person lives in a modest 1BHK home, earns less than half of what friends in Bengaluru make, and usually travels by scooty or on foot. Simple routines, like buying vegetables while watching the sunset with a partner, become part of daily life.Modi said that the environment creates a different perspective. Seeing people in their 30s and beyond living happily, smiling, and welcoming others makes it feel like life is not slipping away but still has a lot to offer.Reflecting on his own experience, he wrote, “Just my observation after 4 months of living in this small mountain town i call home now. where you live decides how you think & function.”
His response to people asking about the location
The post also attracted several messages from people wanting details about the place where he now lives.Responding to them, Modi wrote, “ps: for all the people asking about location, guide, rentals, etc etc in dm – it’s okay to be curious, but actually sound curious. don’t be like – hey, give me details & then run away with that. small town life is not great for people who just talk to people for their own benefit, and are entitled about what all they have achieved in their lives.”
LinkedIn users shared mixed opinions
The post led to a wide range of reactions, with many users saying the discussion was less about location and more about perspective.One user wrote, “I don’t think the situation is wrong it’s often our perspective. 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 becomes secondary.”Another commented, “Wrong analogy… Happiness is never about comparing.. its about content and gratitude! so wherever you are Happiness is within.”Sharing a personal experience, another user wrote, “That’s a beautiful perspective to have, ultimately it’s a choice. I have spent more than 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 some day!”A fourth user added, “Every choice has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s about what you’re willing to accept, guided by your mindset, priorities, and courage. For me, of course- a peaceful life, maybe with less money, but a life lived to its fullest.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral LinkedIn post. The opinions expressed are those of the author of the post and the social media users quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Times of India.
