In today’s urban India, a pay hike often does not guarantee financial comfort. With high living costs, mounting debts, and family responsibilities, many professionals find that even a significant jump in salary leaves little space for lifestyle improvements or savings. A recent post on Reddit highlighted this dilemma, capturing how financial obligations can overshadow the joy of earning more.
A 26-year-old professional shared his journey of moving from a monthly salary of Rs 40,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh after switching jobs. While the rise looked like a dream on paper, he explained that in practice, he still middle-class struggles to manage expenses and feels as though his financial position has not improved.
Debt and Family Commitments
The individual revealed that much of his earnings are tied to family-related expenses. His father’s health problems created significant debt, and since private health insurance was unavailable due to pre-existing conditions, corporate medical cover was the only option. Hospital bills and loans took up most of his earlier income, and the situation continues despite his higher salary.
Currently, his fixed outgo includes Rs 20,000 in rent, Rs 20,000 towards a personal loan, Rs 15,000 for his parents’ loan EMI, Rs 10,000 sent to his family, and around Rs 5,000 on food, transport, and other essentials. Nearly Rs 70,000–75,000 is committed every month, leaving little breathing room.
Living Without Lifestyle Upgrades
He clarified that his spending habits remain modest, with no luxuries or unnecessary indulgences. He avoids transport costs by walking, lives frugally, and is even planning to move to a less expensive place to reduce rent. Despite this discipline, he said the jump in salary has not translated into freedom or comfort, making him feel caught in the same cycle as before.
Looking ahead, the Reddit user hopes to increase his systematic investment plan (SIP) from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 per month, secure separate health insurance for his parents, and make part-prepayments on loans. He is also mindful of saving for a wedding in the next two years. However, he admitted to being unsure about whether to prioritize debt repayment or investments first.
Beyond finances, he described the emotional toll of watching peers achieve visible financial milestones while he struggles to find balance. Despite earning three times more than before, the constant pressure of debt repayment leaves him feeling behind.
A 26-year-old professional shared his journey of moving from a monthly salary of Rs 40,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh after switching jobs. While the rise looked like a dream on paper, he explained that in practice, he still middle-class struggles to manage expenses and feels as though his financial position has not improved.
Debt and Family Commitments
The individual revealed that much of his earnings are tied to family-related expenses. His father’s health problems created significant debt, and since private health insurance was unavailable due to pre-existing conditions, corporate medical cover was the only option. Hospital bills and loans took up most of his earlier income, and the situation continues despite his higher salary.
Currently, his fixed outgo includes Rs 20,000 in rent, Rs 20,000 towards a personal loan, Rs 15,000 for his parents’ loan EMI, Rs 10,000 sent to his family, and around Rs 5,000 on food, transport, and other essentials. Nearly Rs 70,000–75,000 is committed every month, leaving little breathing room.
Living Without Lifestyle Upgrades
He clarified that his spending habits remain modest, with no luxuries or unnecessary indulgences. He avoids transport costs by walking, lives frugally, and is even planning to move to a less expensive place to reduce rent. Despite this discipline, he said the jump in salary has not translated into freedom or comfort, making him feel caught in the same cycle as before.
Looking ahead, the Reddit user hopes to increase his systematic investment plan (SIP) from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 per month, secure separate health insurance for his parents, and make part-prepayments on loans. He is also mindful of saving for a wedding in the next two years. However, he admitted to being unsure about whether to prioritize debt repayment or investments first.
Beyond finances, he described the emotional toll of watching peers achieve visible financial milestones while he struggles to find balance. Despite earning three times more than before, the constant pressure of debt repayment leaves him feeling behind.
