An Indian living in Europe has warned people against assuming that a higher salary abroad automatically means a better life. In an Instagram video, he said Indians earning around ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh a month in India should think carefully before leaving the country for a better-paying job overseas.
According to the Instagram post by @rao_in_malta, the decision depends on what a person values more, with the creator highlighting loneliness, family separation, living costs and savings alongside the higher salaries that people may earn abroad.
‘There is absolutely no need to move abroad’
The creator said that people earning ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh in India may not necessarily need to move abroad simply because they see an opportunity to earn more.
"If you are earning 1 lakh rupees in India, is there any need to go abroad?" he said, adding, "If you are earning 70,000 to 80,000, there is absolutely no need to move abroad."
He acknowledged that people can earn more overseas but said the higher income also comes with a different lifestyle and more responsibilities.
"Going abroad means... look, there is money abroad, but look at how much struggle there is," he said.
‘You feel very lonely here’
Loneliness emerged as one of the biggest concerns in his argument. He said people living abroad can find themselves away from family members and miss important moments back home.
"You feel very lonely here. Nobody here cares about you," he said.
He also pointed to occasions such as weddings, deaths and other family events, saying people abroad may struggle because they cannot always be present with their relatives.
In the caption accompanying the video, he described this as a trade-off between "Immediate Comfort & Family" in India and "Long-term Growth, Better Lifestyle & Future Exposure" abroad.
Higher salary does not mean higher savings
The creator also questioned how much of a higher overseas salary actually remains after everyday expenses.
"Here, even if you earn 1.5 lakh, you won't be able to save. The savings will only be around 40,000 to 50,000 rupees," he said.
He argued that people considering such a move should look beyond the salary figure and calculate their actual monthly savings after expenses.
"To make it worthwhile coming here, you should earn at least 2 lakh, 2.5 lakh, or 3 lakh," he said, while adding that not every job offers such salaries.
‘Life quality vs saving’
In his Instagram caption, the creator also acknowledged that moving abroad can have advantages. He said overseas life can offer "labor dignity, fixed working hours, better healthcare, and strong currency value".
At the same time, he said people must account for the higher cost of living and the responsibilities that come with living independently.
He specifically compared the ease of life in India with tasks that people may have to handle themselves abroad, including cooking and cleaning, along with rent and bills.
His central argument was that salary alone should not decide whether someone moves abroad.
"Your ultimate decision is based on what your priority is," he said in the caption, asking followers whether leaving a ₹1 lakh job in India for a foreign opportunity is actually worth it.
