My cook earns Rs 1 lakh a month and is going to Thailand: Mumbai man says he has better financial planning than MBA, IIT graduates

A Mumbai man's LinkedIn post about his cook earning over Rs 1 lakh every month has triggered a conversation about income, savings, job security and what financial success really means. The man pointed out that his cook, despite not having an MBA or an IIT degree, has built a steady income through multiple assignments and keeps his expenses under control. The cook is now preparing for his first international holiday. His destination is Thailand, where he plans to travel with his friends. It will also be his first flight and his first passport. Sharing the story on LinkedIn, Manuraaj Garg explained how the cook's approach to earning and spending money differs from that of many highly educated professionals. He also compared the cook's financial position with that of his MBA and IIT-educated friends, who often have higher salaries but face substantial monthly expenses.

How Mumbai man's cook earns Rs 1.05 lakh every month

According to Garg, his cook earns money by working for several households and taking up assignments at film shoots. He charges Rs 18,000 a month for preparing meals twice daily at Garg's home. Another flat in the same building pays him Rs 16,500, while a larger family in the neighbourhood pays Rs 38,000 for cooking and other kitchen-related responsibilities.

The cook also works on Friday nights at film sets, where he prepares food for crew members during overnight shoots. Each such assignment brings him Rs 7,500. These multiple sources of income take his monthly earnings to approximately Rs 1.05 lakh.


His wife also contributes to the household income, earning around Rs 45,000 every month. Together, the couple brings home approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. Garg highlighted that the cook has built this income without depending on a conventional full-time job or a single employer.

Why Mumbai man compared his cook with MBA, IIT graduates

Garg said several of his MBA-educated friends earn more than the cook when their salaries are considered on paper. However, their actual disposable income can look quite different after monthly deductions and expenses. Income tax, home loan EMIs and childcare costs consume a significant portion of their earnings. By comparison, the cook has fewer such financial commitments and retains a larger share of what he earns.

The LinkedIn post also highlighted the difference between formal employment and the cook's working arrangement. The cook does not have a Form 16, tax deduction at source (TDS), a cost-to-company (CTC) structure or a variable salary component. His earnings come directly from the households and assignments he works for.

Garg argued that conventional employment measures do not always capture the financial realities of people working outside the organised sector. He also pointed out that the cook saves considerable commuting time because all his regular assignments are located within a two-kilometre radius. His professional life, therefore, does not involve spending hours travelling across Mumbai to reach an office.

Four employers give him multiple income sources

One of the most interesting aspects of the cook's working arrangement is that he does not depend on a single employer. He currently works for four employers. If one household stops hiring him, he loses only a part of his monthly income rather than his entire livelihood. Garg said the cook regularly receives enquiries from people looking for reliable domestic cooks. Some prospective employers are even willing to offer higher payments for dependable service.

He contrasted this with the experience of some of his IIT-educated friends, who struggle to receive responses from companies despite completing several rounds of interviews. The post highlighted an unusual difference between the two job markets. While professionals often wait for recruiters to respond, the cook receives enquiries from potential employers.

Garg also noted that the cook does not face the same pressure to maintain an expensive lifestyle. There is no constant demand to upgrade his vehicle, spend heavily on social appearances or enrol his child in an expensive international school. He generally avoids purchases that he considers unnecessary.

Cook buys latest iPhone Pro but avoids unnecessary spending

The cook is not entirely opposed to spending on expensive products. Garg revealed that his biggest indulgence is the latest iPhone Pro, which he purchased through monthly instalments. However, beyond this purchase, he remains careful about his expenses. According to Garg, the cook often questions whether an expensive purchase is actually necessary.

He contrasted this attitude with that of his friends, who are more likely to go ahead with purchases even when they involve substantial spending. The difference, he suggested, lies in how people approach lifestyle choices and manage their money.

Cook plans first international trip to Thailand

At 34, the cook is preparing for an experience he has never had before: travelling outside India. He plans to visit Thailand with his friends. The trip will mark his first international holiday, first flight and first passport. Garg recalled that his kitchen briefly turned into a travel-planning space when he discussed the destination with the cook.

Having visited Thailand earlier, he suggested that the cook visit Maya Bay, explore local street food and rent a scooter to experience the country. The conversation eventually moved beyond work, with both discussing travel experiences and places to explore. Garg shared that the exchange lasted around 10 minutes before his wife asked them to return to their respective responsibilities. The cook had to get back to preparing rotis, while Garg returned to his spreadsheets.

Mumbai man's LinkedIn post raises questions about financial success

Towards the end of his post, Garg questioned whether conventional measures of financial success adequately capture people's actual circumstances. He suggested that a person's financial position should not be judged only by educational qualifications, job titles or annual salary packages.

The cook's earnings come from several sources, his work is concentrated within a small geographical area, and he has some flexibility in choosing assignments. His spending habits also help him retain a significant portion of his income. Garg summed up his observation by describing the cook as someone who may not fit conventional definitions of being rich or poor, but has found a financial arrangement that works for him.

The story has brought attention to a larger question: Does a higher salary necessarily translate into greater financial security? While the cook's arrangement also comes with uncertainties, including the absence of conventional employment benefits, his story offers a different perspective on income diversification, expenses and work-life balance.