Imagine working a full-time job, earning ₹82,000 per month, and still feeling the weight of financial pressure. Sounds hard to believe, right? But for one man in a small town, this is his reality. He recently opened up online about his struggle to make ends meet despite having what many would consider a decent salary. His story has sparked a conversation about how much people truly need to live comfortably, especially when dealing with home loans and limited job options.
Balancing a full-time job and financial burdensThe man, who works a standard 9-6 job, brings in ₹82,000 every month. But a big chunk of his salary– ₹36,000– goes toward paying off a ₹46 lakh home loan. This leaves him with limited money to cover other living expenses and support his family. Despite working hard, he’s finding it difficult to keep up with the expenses. To make things even more complicated, he lives in a small town where job opportunities are scarce, and moving to a bigger city isn’t an option due to family constraints.
In his Reddit post, he shared that he urgently needs to earn an additional ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month, a struggle many middle-class families can relate to.
A variety of responses: Advice and sympathy from the online communityWhen the man shared his post online, responses came quickly. Some Reddit users suggested he should “upskill” and find a better-paying job. “Upskill and switch jobs. That’s it,” one person wrote. But not everyone agreed, as job opportunities in his town are limited. Others recommended finding other ways to earn extra money, like freelancing or starting a YouTube channel.
Side hustles: A viable option for extra income?In his Reddit post, he also mentioned his excellent skills. Given his skills in public speaking, customer service, and design with tools like Canva and PowerPoint, some suggested he look into freelance work. Side hustles offer a way to earn extra income without relocating, as they provide flexible hours alongside a full-time job. Suggestions ranged from offering design services online to creating content that could generate passive income.
In today’s digital world, freelancing and side hustles are more accessible than ever. Whether it’s graphic design, writing, or consulting, there are numerous platforms where people can monetize their skills while keeping their main job.
Is ₹82,000 really enough?This raises an important question: Is ₹82,000 a month enough to live comfortably? For this man, it clearly isn’t. Despite having what is considered a good income, his financial obligations make it difficult to support his family and manage day-to-day expenses.
This also highlights a broader issue, how people in different regions experience financial pressure differently. In bigger cities, higher-paying jobs and side hustle opportunities might offer more financial flexibility. But in smaller towns, even a decent salary may not go far enough.
A wake-up call for middle-class familiesUltimately, this man’s story sheds light on a challenge that many middle-class families face today: the financial strain of living on a fixed income, even with what seems like a decent salary. It also highlights the importance of diversifying income streams. In today’s world, relying on a single job may not be enough, especially with rising living costs and loan repayments.
His struggle isn’t unique. Many others face similar challenges, making this a reminder that financial security isn’t just about how much you earn– it’s about how you manage your money, adapt to changes, and explore new ways to increase your income.