Does your city make you feel like a loser? IIT graduate’s viral post sparks conversation
India’s metropolises sell similar dreams: better jobs, higher salaries and a faster path to success. Yet what if the very places designed to accelerate ambition also become breeding grounds for self-doubt?Arjav Modi, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, shared a reflective post on LinkedIn arguing that geography does more than just determine where people live, an issue that resonated online. It affects how they measure their lives.The issue sparked a lively discussion on social media after IIT Kanpur alumnus Aljav Modi shared a thought-provoking comparison of life in Bangalore and life in a hill town. Rather than arguing that one way of life is better than another, Modi’s post explores a more subtle idea: Our surroundings influence not only how we live, but also how we see ourselves.
A popular LinkedIn post by Arjav Modi, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, sparked a discussion about how geography affects people’s perceptions of success. By comparing the experiences of a young professional in Bangalore and a hill town, this article argues that fulfillment depends not only on income but also on the social context and expectations that shape daily life.
The story of two 27-year-olds
In the viral post, there are two versions of the same person. The first version identified the man as a 27-year-old Bangalore native with an annual income of around Rs 40 lakh. He lives in a spacious three-bedroom apartment and takes taxis to have groceries delivered to his door. By traditional standards, it’s a successful city life.However, according to this article, success does not always equal happiness. Modi said living in a city filled with young entrepreneurs and talented people can put subtle strains on one’s life. A person can be financially successful and still feel inferior because of the achievements of others.The result, he believes, is a growing sense of isolation, self-doubt, and a sense that his “best years” may be over.
Mountain alternatives
The second scenario paints a very different picture. The 27-year-old now lives in a small mountain village and earns less than half that of his counterparts in Bangalore. Instead of taking taxis, they ride motorcycles or walk. Instead of ordering groceries online, they pick vegetables with their partners while watching the sunset.The financial picture is more modest, but the emotional picture is different. Here, the people around me are mostly people in their thirties and above, who are satisfied with their lives, welcome new people, and are optimistic about the future. Rather than feeling left behind, young professionals feel reassured that there is still plenty of time to grow, explore, and succeed.This comparison shows that happiness is affected not only by income but also by the social context in which achievement is measured.
desired geography
Modi’s post brings up a concept that is increasingly important in psychology and behavioral research—self-evaluation through comparison.Where innovation and competitiveness dominate, the criteria for success are constantly changing. Promotions, news about financial support, luxury lifestyles, and social media posts start to become the benchmark. In contrast, where the pace of life is relatively slow, other social rhythms apply. Career success is still important, but not necessarily in every conversation.So the difference is not necessarily urban versus rural. It’s about the ecosystem of expectations surrounding an individual.
Not choosing one life over another
A noteworthy aspect of Modi’s post is that it avoids portraying either lifestyle as a generally better one. Bengaluru remains one of India’s most dynamic technology hubs, offering opportunities that small towns cannot easily match. Meanwhile, quieter areas tend to offer the pace of life that many professionals are increasingly seeking after years of high-pressure careers.Rather, this comparison encourages readers to recognize that successful emotional experiences are often contextually determined. The same income, age and career stage can feel completely different depending on the people you interact with every day and the values reinforced by the community around you.
A conversation beyond salary
It’s attractive because it conflicts with the age-old assumption that higher pay equals greater fulfillment.Instead, the questions asked are more self-oriented: Does a person seek success or just the feeling of success?In today’s world, where young professionals are faced with the task of building fast-growing careers, this is becoming increasingly important.Ultimately, this debate is less about Bangalore or the mountains than it is about perception. Sometimes, while we can’t always change our surroundings, we can change our perception of them.
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