Does geography influence thinking? IITian says Bengaluru lifestyle with Rs 40 lakh income left him 'lonely'; then a bold choice changed everything

For many young professionals, a well-paying job in Bengaluru is often seen as a sign that life is on track. But for IIT Kanpur alumnus Arjav Modi, earning around Rs 40 lakh a year did not bring the sense of satisfaction he expected. Instead, he says it left him constantly comparing himself with others and feeling that he was falling behind. After moving to a small mountain town, however, his perspective changed completely.

In a post shared on X, Modi reflected on the difference between his life in Bengaluru and the one he has built over the past four months in the mountains. His post has struck a chord with many online, sparking conversations about success, happiness and how surroundings shape the way people think.

A high salary, but a constant feeling of falling behind

Describing his life in Bengaluru, Modi said he was 27, living in a three-bedroom apartment, commuting by Uber every day and ordering groceries through Zepto while earning "around 40 lacs."


Despite the financial comfort, he said the city made him feel like he was always competing with someone younger. "You see super young people around you, you feel that your best years are gone, you feel behind in life from kids who are just 21," he wrote. According to him, that constant comparison eventually led to one feeling: "you feel lonely & sad."

His observations reflect a reality many professionals in India's startup and technology hub often talk about, where rapid success stories and ambitious peers can create pressure to constantly achieve more.

Why moving to a mountain village changed everything

Modi then compared that experience with his present life in a small mountain village, where, according to him, his income is "not even half" of what his Bengaluru friends earn.

Instead of city traffic, he now either walks or rides a scooty. Grocery shopping has become an evening outing where he walks with his partner while watching the sunset. More importantly, he says the people around him have changed how he views life.


"You see people around you who are 30+, they are doing great in life, they are happy, and cheerful, they make you feel welcomed & comfortable," he wrote. Being surrounded by people who were content with their own pace of life made him realise that "your best years are actually ahead of you."

'Where you live decides how you think'

Reflecting on his experience, Modi said the change in mindset came after just four months of living in what he now calls home.

"Just my observation after 4 months of living in this small mountain town i call home now," he wrote, before adding what he considers the biggest lesson from the move: "where you live decides how you think & function."

As his post gained attention, many people reached out asking about the location, rentals and other practical details. Modi responded with a message of his own, saying curiosity is welcome but should be genuine. "Ps: for all the people asking about location, guide, rentals, etc etc in dm - it's okay to be curious, but actually sound curious," he wrote.

He also added that "Small town life is not great for people who just talk to people for their own benefit, and are entitled about what all they have achieved in their lives."