An Indian employee’s decision to deny an internal transfer to the US sparked widespread discussion on social media after businessman Ujjawal Asthana shared the story. Because of the comfort and luxury of life in India, the employee chose to stay. The incident has reignited the debate about whether career growth abroad trumps the quality of daily life. (Image generated by artificial intelligence)
The “American Dream” has always been nurtured as a one-way ticket to a better life. It stems from greater salaries, global exposure, and the promise of career advancement. In countless Indian families, posting abroad is often celebrated as a milestone.
It’s something that is proudly shared in family WhatsApp groups.But every now and then, a story emerges that challenges that familiar narrative. This time, it’s not about visa hurdles, homesickness, or family obligations. It’s about something far more mundane and surprisingly relatable. The question at the heart of the discussion is simple: What if the better salary comes at the expense of a lifestyle you don’t want to give up?This question sparked conversations on social media after an Indian employee refused an internal transfer to the US, instead choosing to stay in India for a comfortable everyday life.
The businessman shares his relative’s decision on social media
The discussion began after businessman Ujjawal Asthana, co-founder of Zymrat, narrated the incident in a post on X.According to Astana, his unmarried relative turned down the opportunity to move to the United States despite the professional advantages the move would have provided. He said the reason was not dissatisfaction with the role or the salary itself, but rather the lifestyle adjustments that might accompany life abroad.
Asthana wrote that his relative believed he would have to run household chores independently in the United States, prepare meals at home frequently, and live without services like express grocery delivery and other conveniences that have become part of urban life in India.Describing his relative’s current lifestyle, Asthana noted that he is “living king size” in India as a single professional.
Growing controversy about Quality of life
This post quickly evolved into a broader discussion about how success is measured for professionals.
For many urban workers in India, services such as domestic help, laundry, food delivery, and express commerce platforms have become affordable additions to daily life. These conveniences, supported by relatively low labor costs, allow many professionals with middle and above-average incomes to outsource routine household chores.In contrast, similar services in the United States usually come at much higher costs.
As a result, many residents, including highly paid professionals, take on the cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and other household responsibilities themselves.The widely-circulated publication highlighted that the comparison is not just about gross salary, but also about purchasing power, lifestyle and the amount of free time available outside of work.
Social media was divided over the decision
This led to mixed opinions regarding the employee’s online decision.
It is believed that declining an international appointment may be wrong for several reasons, including professional benefits, cultural exchange, and opportunities to obtain residency in the United States.One user believes that through technology and automation, homework will eventually become easier. It is important to note that there is more to living abroad than financial rewards.Many people were supportive of the employee’s decision and cited comfort and convenience as factors of great value.Some have pointed to India’s rich ecosystem of services, which includes domestic help, chefs and delivery apps, as an aspect of being at home that may be difficult to get elsewhere. Others believe that the wage offered is not high enough to compensate for the cost of living in the United States.
More than a salary account
The widespread discussion reflects a broader shift in how many professionals evaluate career opportunities. While international assignments still hold prestige, a growing number of employees are also weighing factors such as personal time, rest, mental health and quality of lifestyle alongside compensation packages.For some, moving abroad remains a dream worth pursuing despite the adjustments it requires. For others, the ability to enjoy a comfortable daily routine close to home holds equal, if not greater, value.The story serves as a reminder that career decisions are rarely determined by salary numbers alone. Increasingly, professionals are wondering not only where they can earn more, but where they can live better.