GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle

30k and happy | 9-5 is not a rat race

Hello, anonymous people,

Here I am, sharing the thoughts in my head.

Note: If the title didn’t intrigue you, feel free to skip. I don’t wanna waste your time.

To others, let's begin the story.

I earn 25-30K. I am satisfied. No EMIs to pay. Weekdays: I work, animate, cook food, and chitchat with my dad. Weekends: Play BGMI, go trekking, or edit videos for my YouTube channel.

(I actually know my work.) With the knowledge I have, instead of working 9-5, I work only 3 hours and use the rest of my time to do other things or learn. That’s how I save time. (WFH now, but I went to the office 5 days a week post-COVID when the whole country had WFH or hybrid—so don’t bitch about it. I even loved that time. I can pretty much turn any situation to my convenience because I love myself.)

But most people are stuck in jobs that demand 12 hours for good pay—just because they don’t actually know the work.

Aren’t you missing out on life?

Be overqualified, deliver the work in less time, and save your time.

I never felt pressured to earn more money. I’m not chasing numbers, just trying to find balance in life. I’m applying for new jobs, sure, but I’m also happy with what I have.

Everything is fine… going fine…

But the moment I open Instagram, that 1% doubt kicks in. A thought creeps in—maybe I’m not earning enough. Maybe I need more to be happy.

I don’t usually compare myself.

But but but… Instagram influencers have a way of brainwashing you. They make you feel like your life is useless and theirs is better. So you start thinking you need to follow them. (And while re-reading this, I feel like I might be making you feel the same way… but hey, at least I’m not selling you a course, so I’m not one of them.)

Is there anyone out there who can truly say, "I am satisfied with what I have"?

In my view— Be it a 9-5, business, or even your favorite "traveling lifestyle"— Everything takes effort.

Even those who say they’re "just traveling"— Are they really traveling? Or just documenting their journey, turning it into content to sell you courses? I’m not blaming them—it’s their way of survival. Every path has its own struggles.

Real freedom lies in actually living. Being present in whatever you're doing.

If not, then it’s just another rat race.

Think about it—people who start businesses put in effort. They don’t get holidays like us. Not saying you shouldn’t start a business, but whatever you do, it takes effort.

A business driven purely by profit? Sure, you make money. But then what? What about life? Idk.

Some people work their ass off, earn money, quit, retire, and finally do what they like.

But where are these people? If they exist, redirect me to them.

But what if I die during the process? What if life just passes by, waiting for that someday? Doesn’t that mean it was all in vain?

I think freedom lies in not doing anything forcefully, but simply because you love it.

You don’t need to earn more or do something big to be free. You just be.

It’s not in the doing. It’s in the being.

Tell me, people— Am I a person with no desires, missing out on life? Or have I unlocked real freedom?


Thanks for reading.

Now, here’s something I’ve been thinking about:

I have an idea that could provide the basic needs—food, water, shelter—without money.

This would free up time for people to focus on things they actually love—whether that’s earning money for other goals or just living fully.

It’s not possible alone. It requires many hands. So I’m putting this out here—to weigh my thoughts against your judgment.

Life actually starts beyond survival.

And I want to create a solution that saves time for those stuck in survival mode. Something that could erase poverty and bring out the real essence of life.

Drop your thoughts in the comments. I want to hear your opinion. Your words could give life to this idea.

Adios, Yours, Anonymous writer ✍🏻


Can't be posted in linkedin as I mentioned I only work 3 hrs . My manager will dump me more work so posting here.

25d ago
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SwirlyPancake
SwirlyPancake

Fastest way to become successful - Parents money.
If my parents had enough money, such that my 30k is enough to live a happy life, then yes, i would have also been happy like you.
Life is too much unfair. Yet no other way.

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

Dad lost job on 2014. Mom died on 2018 because of health. 2021 I graduated.

Started with 22k salary. One advantage I have is own home which is also in court.

Parents money dude?

SwirlyPancake
SwirlyPancake

I'm so sorry for your loss. I wonder how you are happy still. Why not work more hard.

SnoozyPotato
SnoozyPotato
EY25d

I can be happy with 30k too with just food, water and basic travelling. But what about your life after marriage? you get a lotta commitments and responsibilities and you need money for that.
Even if you plan on leading a single life. What about your life after 40? I have heard that you cant survive in IT after you reached 40. You need a lotta savings

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

I get that thought too . But believe me you are thinking with 30k salaried mindset about 40 year time . Answer me will you still be alive at 40? Everything you are now was once a mystery to yourself. But you did it.

JumpyPretzel
JumpyPretzel

Enough people in IT of 40+ age.

SwirlyPanda
SwirlyPanda
TCS25d

Since you asked for a comment in another post, here is what I have to say.

Work hours do not define if it is rat race or even if you are happy or not.

I work long hours, and have worked even longer hours (80+ hrs/week for months) happily. It wasn't because of salary or fear/rat race, but because I was doing something I loved and learning at the same time.

Coming to the salary part, sad thing is there is no pension, no social security and no job guarantee. Finding new job becomes especially harder as you age. The salary should be enough for my current needs and some wants and then some for investment. And on top of that if I'm making my company say 2cr/year, paying me 20l would be just exploitation.

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

Thank you for the comment.
I completely agree.

By your comment I understand you are happy with what you have now but worried about future.

FYI: We do get pension but will be meager(from the pf contributed which is also put into EPS). Based on current scenario. We do get senior citizen pension from govt.

Second is change is inevitable. The more of people deny change and seek stability the more chances of exploitation. Life itself is unpredictable. Companies are providing you something which by nature you can't get it for your self . At this juncture you want stability which comes at a cost which is exploitation. So this says your priority for stability is higher than the exploitation that is being done to you(not just you including myself). Hence you chose to stay but it would be nicer if they treated well. But they won't coz they know the loophole.

In my case time is a valuable thing I am trading for. Based on the current situations prevailed. In my view I have full control in my hands to change it.

I'm rethinking my idea after your comment. People are definitely gonna become lazy if I implement my idea of stability or may be not. More than chasing life people gonna get accustomed to it comfort. I think it's by nature humans are like that may be. may be human minds choose the easy way to survive 😶

But you have everything in your control.isnt the future (retirement stage) so far . You will make it.
Worry about now that's all I say

SwirlyPanda
SwirlyPanda
TCS25d

I am not worried about the future, now. Infact never was because of family support.

But I do realized that many folks are not as fortunate as I am, nor have guidance which I wish I also had 25-30, which is do what you love and love what you do, but don't ignore money and don't only think about money.

WobblyWaffle
WobblyWaffle
Student25d

There is no need for validation for the lifestyle you are living and the choices you have made.

You have reached your comfort zone and have become very comfortable with your routine.

It is good and bad at the same time.

Your mind , body is accustomed to merrier things around it without much toiling.

It may look pleasant in the current moment qnd even in next 2 years also but there will come a time where you will decide to come out of this comfort zone to make some strides with changing time.

At that time it will be very difficult for your body and mind to come out of this comfort zone in the hustle mode.

World is changing at a faster rate then we thought, everything is unpredictable.

Nothing is free in this world . Happiness also comes at a cost!

The cost is the time fleeting, body and mind transformation with age.

The things which seems easy for you today will not be the same after 5-7 years.

I hope you take my opinions lightheadedly.

PS: I have also drenched in my comfort zone very badly. So trying to make a change in my lifestyle.

WobblyWaffle
WobblyWaffle
Student25d

Past was history, Present is an Illusion , Future is a mystery.

Be cautious!

FuzzyBurrito
FuzzyBurrito

This post simply sounds like coping tbh. No offense to OP but this wouldn’t go well for like 95% folks in a long run unless you really downgrade your life to massive extent. Things are not like bed of roses & with a developing country like India it’s even worse.

PrancingDumpling
PrancingDumpling

“I am never pressured to earn more money” This sums up ur entire post The people who are grinding need more money period

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

Don't miss out on life because of that grinding. Everyone has desires even elon musk. But the mind is always on that grinding mode and not understanding that even with what ever amount you have in hand you can still enjoy. Be in present with life . May be my perspective is not applicable to everyone as they might think grind now happy latter. May be you are right too.

PrancingDumpling
PrancingDumpling

Yes we do enjoy

BouncyPickle
BouncyPickle

Many people here are complaining the dude should strive a bit harder but common man be a man and be brutally honest with yourself … is not this state of contentment the dude has achieved very hard to attain??

I wont lie , I started in TCS with a mere 3 LPA package and was way way more happy and secure back then as compared to the lifestyle I lead now with constant anxiety even after earning multi folds of that

The comparison is vry hard to avoid and harder as soon as I land in Bangalore back from my native

I envy you brother

Wish you all the love and success 💕

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS24d

Yes you got what I am trying to convey. I am not telling I will be stuck here for ever . What ever I achieved I am happy for it . But many are just thinking about future with the same salary I have right now. What ever I am now was everything I wished for in the past and I'm proud of it and feeling happy at the same time I am working towards future as well. Thanks for the support brother .

I wish you a full filled life . May the universe align so you can have a fullfilled and satisfied life .

BouncyPickle
BouncyPickle

Thanks for the wishes .. more power to you

SnoozyMuffin
SnoozyMuffin

You’re the human form of positivity 🤩😍 Loved your writing and you have painted a beautiful perspective for life. Your friends, relatives and the people around you are damn lucky to have you in their life. 🍀

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

Just like the beholder.

ZoomyCoconut
ZoomyCoconut

I can relate to this post to a greater extent. Watching people comparing their salaries to one another and forgetting what they have at hand by their hard work and efforts, I think that's what matters more. That gives you good sleep and satisfaction at the end of the day.

True not everyone's lives are same and to see some comments of people here without even reading the entire post explains their frustration enough. That further adds to the point of this post - peace of mind and contentment which people lack by large.

However, on a long run especially to manage hospital bills, checkups, travel expenses, or any emergency need, 30k seems stringent to cover them. I'm not including marriage expenses since marriage could be made simple as well yet one can live in a beautiful way in life later. The cost of bearing children and such are subjective but elder care cannot be denied in your case. I hope you consider planning for those in any case.

For the idea - I always think about this. Once I earn and save enough, I really want to contribute to reduce/ end littering and spread education in every means possible. Yk to create a clean surrounding. It gives a sense of calm and belongingness and it's a great deal for our country's growth. Charity as usual.

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS18d

You got the point. I have noted your input as well. I'm looking for job switch as well. I'm proud I made this far and ready to take next steps .

What ever definition you have for success in your dictionary. I wish you get that bro. 🤝

PeppyRaccoon
PeppyRaccoon

Dude, you are talking about the life many people are living in a developed economy. Life beyond survival is not that easy for a developing or under developed economy. I have went to those developed countries and saw the huge difference we have, there people are not fighting for basic things, yes, many are stuck in 9-5 jobs but it's not for their basic bread and butter, many do it to maintain a respectful image of themselves infront of the society, many do it to keep them busy, many do it to avail more than just basic facilities for their family, unlike in a developing economy where we have fight everyday to survive. And the people who are not stuck in this 9-5 culture there, are satisfied with what they have just like you, some of them keep enjoying their riches and some invest in the ideas of themselves or others. To bring out the real essence of life you have to erase poverty, yes that's a solution we can easily see... but you can't do it in developing economies easily, maybe there could be another solution without needing to solve for poverty, think about something else.

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS23d

Yeah I get you . You are right . After going through some of the comments I have realised. The moment basic needs are met , vast number of people go lazy that's what I feel . Rather than them chasing life they would just sit and eat . Do you think a spark will come within if every basic need is met in a developing country or people become even lazier ?

QuirkyNoodle
QuirkyNoodle

Well $30000 is a very huge amount obviously you'll be happy

GoofyPickle
GoofyPickle
TCS25d

Inr dude 😎

SleepyPretzel
SleepyPretzel

It’s INR 30000 , not $30000

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