Man earns Rs 20 lakh at MNC, but wants to quit in 10 years. Why? CA breaks down what many high earners really want

A story shared online by a CA this week struck a nerve with thousands of young professionals. It wasn’t about a promotion, a massive bonus, or a flashy lifestyle. Instead, it was about someone who seemingly “made it” on paper — a ₹20 lakh salary at a top MNC — yet wants to walk away from it all within a decade. The post came from CA Nitin Kaushik, and it captured a real mood shift happening quietly across India, he claims.

CA Nitin Kaushik took to X and wrote about how the modern dream isn’t centred around earning more, but around escaping constant pressure. He highlighted the example of a man who brings in around Rs 20 lakh a year, works at a respected global company, enjoys brand prestige, and is considered successful by every usual measure. Yet the man admits he doesn’t want to stay in this lifestyle for more than the next 10 years.

Kaushik explained that the man’s long-term plan is surprisingly simple: return to his village, slow down, breathe easier, and live a life that isn’t dictated by deadlines. It’s a direction far removed from the typical corporate race but one that many people increasingly find themselves drawn to.


In his post, Kaushik pointed out that a high income doesn’t automatically translate into a high-quality life. He reminded readers that the emotional cost of constant stress grows faster than money ever can, and that the quiet of a small town can be more fulfilling than the rush of a high-paying job in a big city.

More wealth means more stress?

In an earlier post, the CA had also explained how earning more money often brings its own set of hidden pressures. He pointed out that a rising income can quietly nudge people into spending more than they realise, turning simple comforts into new expectations. He noted how the chase for higher pay can slowly drain mental energy, leaving little room for rest or joy. He even mentioned that financial stress can spill into personal relationships, creating distance instead of security.

His larger message was that real wealth isn’t just a number on a payslip. It’s the freedom to make choices without anxiety, the discipline to avoid lifestyle creep, and the clarity to handle money in a way that supports life—not the other way around.