Synopsis: A Bengaluru techie rejected a remote US job worth $75,000 (₹67 lakh/year) to continue his ₹48 lakh in-office role at a mid-sized AI startup, sparking a major debate online about work culture, priorities, and the evolving mindset of young Indian professionals.
Techie Rejects ₹67 Lakh Remote US Job — Chooses Office Perks Instead
A career choice made by a Bengaluru-based tech professional has taken social media by storm.
Ashish Jha, a solutions engineer at DevRev, shared a now-viral post revealing that his friend turned down a remote US job paying $75,000 per year (around ₹67 lakh) to stay in his current ₹48 lakh in-office role at a mid-sized AI startup.
What appeared to be a simple personal decision soon ignited a deeper debate about workplace priorities, the value of office environments, and how young tech workers in India perceive job satisfaction.
Why He Rejected the Higher-Paying Job
According to Jha, his friend is a Technical Support Engineer with four years of experience.
The US company had offered him a remote role that would have significantly boosted his earnings.
However, he rejected it for one surprising reason:
“He didn’t want to give up the office perks he enjoys — mainly food and travel benefits.”
Jha clarified that these perks weren’t extraordinary; they were just the standard conveniences many companies offer. Yet, for his friend, these small benefits were meaningful enough to justify staying.
Social Media Reacts: Shock, Humor & Skepticism
The post, shared on X, drew thousands of reactions:
- Many expressed disbelief at someone refusing a ₹20 lakh salary hike.
- Some joked that office perks must be “legendary” to justify such a decision.
- Others criticized it as the “fumble of the year.”
- Several doubted that someone with four years of experience could earn ₹48 lakh at a startup.
Jha quickly dismissed the doubts, noting that people often underestimate what engineers in certain startups earn.
A Deeper Look: What People Value in Their Jobs
The situation revealed something deeper: people value different things in their workplace.
For some, the structure, social interaction, and daily routine of an office provide a sense of stability and comfort.
Even seemingly small perks like free food and company transport can simplify everyday life and create a sense of belonging.
While remote work offers flexibility, it can also bring:
- Loneliness
- Repetitive routines
- Lack of clear boundaries between home & work
- Reduced social interaction
For this techie, staying in an environment where he feels motivated and comfortable mattered more than a higher paycheck.
Changing Priorities Among Young Professionals
The debate sparked by Jha’s post reflects a larger shift in work culture.
Modern professionals are no longer driven solely by high salaries.
They increasingly prioritize:
- Mental comfort
- Workplace culture
- Job stability
- Work-life balance
- Personal compatibility with work style
Salary Isn’t Everything — And That’s Okay
The engineer’s decision highlights a simple truth:
A higher salary does not always mean a better life.
What truly matters is how well a job fits into a person’s daily routine and how it makes them feel.
Whether it’s a high-paying remote position or a comfortable in-office job, the “right” choice is deeply personal.
📌 Key Takeaway
Work priorities are evolving. Young professionals are increasingly choosing comfort, culture, and day-to-day happiness over higher salaries. The Bengaluru techie’s decision shows that the best job is the one that aligns with a person’s lifestyle — not just the one that pays more.
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