For many engineering students, landing a high-paying IT job is the dream. A good salary, a comfortable home and financial independence are often seen as the goal.But what if earning Rs 7 lakh per month still doesn’t make you feel financially secure?That question is at the heart of a conversation that has struck a chord with thousands of online professionals. On a recent episode of the Personal Finance Podcast Get your finances in orderhosted by mutual fund advisor Anshuman Sharma, a 29-year-old software engineer named Rohit talked about his career, his fears and the pressure of working 16-hour days even though he already earns much more than most people his age.
“I’m working for two companies”
Rohit revealed that he currently works two tech jobs – one day and one night for a company in the United States.“I’m working for two companies, one during the day and one at night,” he said, explaining that his schedule stretches to almost 16 hours each day.The demanding routine leaves little room for anything else.“It’s very rare that I give time to people … I just want to go out,” he admitted, admitting that work has taken over almost every aspect of his life.
The pressure started long before the paycheck
For Rohit, long working days are driven not by luxury but by responsibility.Recalling his childhood, he shared that his family could not afford to educate the two brothers.“Only one person could study… so my brother taught me. It’s like a burden for me that if I can’t do it, it’s like a family failure,” he said.This feeling has accompanied him throughout his career.Even after becoming financially successful, he continues to strive, believing that he must create long-term security for his family.
Why AI still worries him
Despite owning two houses, buying a new car and building savings of over Rs 80 lakh in mutual funds, fixed deposits and shares, Rohit says he constantly worries about the future.“I’m doing an IT job and you know, AI is booming. I think if something goes wrong, my income just goes down,” he said.Their concern reflects a growing sentiment in the tech industry, where rapid advances in artificial intelligence have sparked discussions about automation, changing job roles and the need for continuous improvement.When asked why he continues to work such long hours despite having significant savings, Rohit explained that he has set himself an ambitious financial goal.“In the next five to six years, I want to save Rs 7-8 crore. Then I will quit this job and just continue my work in the US,” he said.
A lesson that every student should think about
Rohit’s story is not simply about earning a high salary. It’s about the psychology of success, financial anxiety and the pressure many young professionals put on themselves.For students preparing for engineering entrance exams, management programs or technology careers, the story provides an important reminder.Career success is not measured by the size of a pay packet alone. Long-term growth also depends on learning new skills, adapting to technological change, managing money wisely, and protecting mental and physical well-being.Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly transforming the workplace, but experts increasingly believe that professionals who continue to learn, develop specialized skills and remain adaptable will remain valuable in the years to come.Rohit’s journey also highlights another reality. Financial security is not just about how much someone earns, but also about how secure they feel. Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t creating wealth, but finding the confidence to believe that what you’ve built is enough.For students today, this may be the greatest lesson of all. A successful career is important, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of health, relationships and peace of mind. The most meaningful success is the one that allows people to build both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by an individual during a publicly available podcast conversation and related publicly released information. The opinions expressed are those of the individual and are for educational and informational purposes only.