For many young professionals, a high salary is often seen as the biggest sign of success. But earning more does not always bring the feeling of being financially secure. Bigger incomes are often followed by bigger responsibilities, long-term goals and the fear of losing everything that has been built. A recent Reddit post from a 26-year-old Bengaluru professional has now sparked a wider discussion on this very feeling.

The post, shared on Reddit's personal finance community, came from a man who earns ₹2 lakh a month, has no debt and has managed to transform his family's financial condition in just a few years. Yet, despite everything he has achieved, he says he still does not feel rich.

From growing up in poverty to earning ₹2 lakh a month

The Redditor shared that his family's monthly income never crossed ₹6,000-7,000 until he got his first job in 2021. The family lived in a small 10x10 room, and money was always limited.

After starting his career, he made it a priority to support his parents financially. They no longer work and now live in a 2BHK home in their hometown, while he rents a 2BHK apartment in Bengaluru.

He explained that he invests ₹30,000 every month in mutual funds, ₹10,000 in fixed or recurring deposits and another ₹10,000 in gold chits. Besides this, he sends ₹15,000-20,000 home every month and spends around ₹25,000 on rent and other living expenses.

Since 2021, he has accumulated ₹4 lakh in stocks, ₹2 lakh in fixed deposits, ₹2-2.5 lakh in gold and has another ₹6 lakh lying in his salary account. He has also bought a ₹60,000 scooter for commuting, furnished his parents' house with furniture and appliances, purchased a MacBook M2 and a OnePlus smartphone, and taken health insurance for his parents along with life insurance for himself.

'I never feel rich'

Even after reaching milestones he once dreamed of, the Redditor admitted that the feeling of financial security continues to escape him. "Honestly, I feel satisfied with what I've achieved, maybe even a bit accomplished sometimes, but I never feel rich."

Looking ahead, he said he wants to get married this year, a decision he expects could cost at least ₹10 lakh. He is also considering buying a second-hand car worth ₹3-4 lakh before the wedding and hopes to purchase a piece of land in his hometown, which would cost another ₹10-15 lakh. Recently, he has even started thinking about buying a motorcycle costing around ₹2 lakh.

With so many goals competing for the same savings, he feels he cannot afford everything at once. "I have money, but not enough for everything. Choosing one thing means I have to let go of others."

He also admitted that his relationship with spending has not changed much despite his income. "Like, if I want to buy a shirt that costs more than ₹750, I stress about it."

Comparing himself with friends back home who work as manual labourers or auto drivers, he said they often seem happier despite earning much less. Many of them bought motorcycles on loans years ago and appeared to enjoy life more freely. "I've checked all the boxes for a stress-free life, but I'm still stressed."

He ended his post by asking fellow Reddit users for both financial and personal advice, saying he simply wanted to share what had been on his mind over the past few months.

Reddit users say wealth is about mindset too

The post quickly drew responses from users who felt his experience reflected the emotional impact of growing up with financial hardship rather than a lack of money.

One Reddit user wrote, "I think it’s not about feeling rich but rather getting out of the older mentality without going into overspending mode. You are already doing better than many people out there, please don’t let overthinking steal the joy from you."

Another encouraged him to enjoy the progress he has already made, saying, "Don't be so hard on yourself; you're already doing amazing. Spend time and money on yourself without feeling guilty. There will never be enough money to be calling yourself rich; try practising gratitude and look back in the mirror once in a while at how much you've accomplished! Proud of you OP, and all the best for the future."

One commenter, who said they had built wealth without inheritance, offered a different perspective. "Cars, phones and clothes don’t make you feel rich. The real threshold is when you can stop working for money and start working for your own gratification. You’re rich if/when you work because you want to, without needing to."

Another Redditor suggested that the lingering fear could be linked to growing up in poverty and recommended seeking professional help. "Generational poverty is actually pretty traumatic. You need to learn to think differently about everything!! You have the means to invest in your mental health."