Village techie earning Rs 1 lakh a month considers city move over lifestyle

A monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh, no rent to worry about and the comfort of living with family may sound like an ideal arrangement. But for one software engineer working remotely from a village, the financial advantages have come with an unexpected downside: a life that feels increasingly repetitive. With no cafes to visit, cinemas to catch a movie at, gyms to work out in or food delivery services such as Swiggy and Zomato, the techie says even weekends have become difficult to enjoy. The experience was shared in a Reddit post that has started a conversation about whether saving money is enough to make remote work satisfying. The software engineer, who has around one year of work experience, works in a fully remote role and earns approximately Rs 1 lakh a month. While living in the village means very few expenses, the lack of activities outside work has prompted the techie to consider moving to Kota, around 80 km away. When working from home starts feeling like living at work The techie described the village lifestyle as financially comfortable but socially and recreationally limited. "There’s literally nothing to do. No gym, no theatres (and I love watching movies), no cafes, no Zomato/Swiggy, nothing to do on weekends," the user wrote. The problem is not the work itself or the salary. It is what happens after the laptop is shut. The techie said there are few opportunities to step out, meet people, enjoy a meal or simply spend time somewhere different. The daily routine has started feeling predictable: waking up, working, scrolling on the phone and going to sleep. Without nearby places to visit or activities to look forward to, even free time can begin to feel like an extension of the working day. The user also explained that the arrangement makes financial sense. Living with family means there is no rent to pay, and everyday expenses are limited. This allows the techie to save a substantial part of the monthly income. Yet the question remains: what is the point of earning well if there are few opportunities to enjoy life outside work? Kota offers an option, but moving comes at a cost The techie is now considering relocating to Kota, which is about 80 km from the village. A move could bring access to gyms, restaurants, cinemas and other places to spend time. However, the decision is not as simple as packing up and leaving. Moving would mean taking on expenses that are currently almost absent from the budget. Rent, groceries, transport and household bills could reduce the amount saved every month. There is also the possibility that changing locations may not completely solve the problem. Since the job would remain remote, the techie would still spend much of the day working indoors. A city might offer more options, but making use of them would require effort and a change in routine. The Reddit post captures a dilemma faced by some remote workers: choosing between the financial comfort of staying with family and the independence and social opportunities that living elsewhere may offer. Reddit users suggest trying a different kind of remote life The post attracted responses from people who had experienced remote work in different locations. Some encouraged the techie to try living independently, arguing that the experience could be valuable even if it did not turn out to be permanent. One user suggested giving relocation a chance rather than wondering indefinitely whether it would improve everyday life. "For the sake of the experience, I would want you to try it out. You might or might not like it, but you would never regret not moving," the commenter advised. Others felt the choice did not have to be limited to staying in the village or shifting to Kota. Since the job allows the techie to work remotely, travelling to different destinations could also be an option. One Reddit user recommended trying hill stations and beaches, suggesting affordable hostels and workspaces with reliable Wi-Fi. The commenter shared that they had travelled across the country during a remote work assignment, spending around 10 to 15 days each month in different places. Another user described spending a month working from Manali and another month in Rishikesh. They suggested booking accommodation with Wi-Fi, planning trips around work schedules and using one or two days of leave when needed. Is saving money enough to make remote work worthwhile? The discussion points to a larger question about the changing meaning of work-life balance. Remote jobs can reduce commuting time and living costs, but they do not automatically provide a fulfilling routine. For someone living in a village with family, the savings can be significant. For someone who values cinemas, cafes, fitness facilities and opportunities to meet people, the lack of these options may eventually become frustrating. Moving to a city could offer more freedom, but it would also bring higher expenses. Travelling while working remotely may provide another way to experience different places, provided the job, budget and internet connection allow it. There is no single answer that works for every remote employee. The techie's dilemma is a reminder that a good salary and low expenses are only part of a comfortable life. Having time, places and experiences to look forward to can matter too.