'Legit scared for my life...': Bengaluru woman among India’s 'top earners' why she regrets not moving abroad years ago

An Indian woman’s heartfelt Reddit post comparing her life in Bengaluru to her recent trip to Japan has gone viral, and many Indians online are saying they completely relate. Her detailed account of why she regrets turning down a chance to move abroad has sparked a broader debate on India’s infrastructure, public behaviour, and quality of life.

‘India Will Never Be This Good in 100 Years’

In her post titled “Regretting my life choices because this country is doomed!” the woman shared her frustration after spending just two days in Tokyo. She wrote that the experience had made her “emotionally exhausted” and regretful of her decision to stay back in India years ago when she had a chance to work abroad.

“It’s only been two days and I walked for over 25 kilometres. And this is the thought I had, India will NEVER be as good as these countries in 100 years,” she wrote.



According to her, the most striking difference was the dignity and comfort enjoyed by pedestrians in Japan, something she finds “almost impossible” in Indian cities. “There are footpaths, well-maintained footpaths. No exposed drains. No waste. No dog mess. No bikes. The main footpaths are accessible for the disabled (wheelchairs) and the blind. I bet there’s not even 1 km of footpath in our country that’s accessible to everyone,” she said.

‘Even the Rich Aren’t Safe on the Roads’

The woman, who described herself as being among the top 1% of earners in India, said she still feels unsafe navigating Bengaluru’s chaotic roads. “I am lucky enough to be in the top 1% in terms of earning in India, but I am legit scared for my life while I ride my bike around,” she wrote, recalling the daily struggle of dealing with pothole-ridden roads and waterlogged streets during monsoon.

Her comparison extended to the level of civic discipline and urban cleanliness she observed in Japan. “It’s raining here and there is no mud or dirt. I can use my shoes to walk. The shoes I brought from Bangalore are cleaner after walking in the streets here. And I can’t put my head around that,” she added.

‘What Do We Have to Retain Talent?’

Reflecting on her earlier career choice, she admitted that she now regrets declining a similar job offer abroad. She questioned India’s ability to retain its skilled workforce when basic urban infrastructure and civic amenities remain so poor.

“People talk about brain drain and how new graduates should be retained. But what do we have to retain them? What do we have to give to them?” she asked, adding that if given another chance, she would “leave in a heartbeat”.

Online Users Relate: ‘Every Time I Travel Abroad, It’s an Eye-Opener’

The woman’s post struck a chord with many Reddit users who shared similar experiences of feeling disillusioned after visiting cleaner and more organised countries.

“Every time I travel outside India, it’s an eye-opener of how we are deprived of common necessities,” wrote one user.

Another commented, “In Singapore, there’s literally a separate lane for public buses and ambulances so they don’t get interrupted. People actually use more public transport. And here in Bengaluru, forget buses, people in seven-seaters overtake ambulances without care.”

A third user added, “True. I never wanted to leave India. But after visiting Germany in 2022, my perspective changed. Since then, I’ve travelled to multiple countries, and the feeling only gets stronger.”

A Wake-Up Call for Urban India

The viral post has reignited a long-standing conversation about India’s urban challenges, from broken infrastructure and poor waste management to lack of safety for pedestrians. While many argue that change is gradual and progress is visible, others believe that the pace is too slow to match global standards.

For now, the woman’s emotional outpouring has become a mirror reflecting the frustration of countless Indians who dream of a more liveable, dignified, and functional urban life, the kind they often experience only after stepping out of the country.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.