Is it possible for those doing well to still acknowledge how our generation is screwed economically?

India's unstoppable rise in tech and innovation makes the West's decline clear. Yet immigration number always baffles me - are we being shortsighted? 🤔

Governor of India just introduced Unified Pension Scheme for government employees. At times when it will become very difficult for corporate employees to survive after age of 40-45 in post AI world, this assured pension which was stopped after 2004 has been reintroduced. This will bring back the charm of government job which existed in 1970s-80s . In 70s and 80s, private jobs were synonymous with lack of job security. Globalization brought heavy salaries in corporate world and helped in reducing charm of govt job. Now, in 3-4 years, AI is going to cause huge change in corporate world thereby causing huge uncertainty. What do you people think?

Asking because the majority of population is still living like beggars and enjoying the hate politics. They talk about the golden period which happened thousands of years ago. But today we copy every app that the West makes eg Ola, Flipkart etc. The people who believe that India is now a Vishwa Guru have never went out of their underdeveloped town ever. What a joke

- Hundreds of young men and women in Lucknow queue at a job fair for low-paying contract jobs. - Despite investments, India's economic boom isn't creating enough quality jobs for millions entering the workforce. - Prime Minister Modi's job creation promises have fallen short, with youth unemployment at 42.8% for ages 20-24. - The informal sector employs 90% of India's workforce, offering little job security or benefits. - Female labor force participation remains low at 33%, with societal views holding women back. Source: [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-09-05/india-s-unemployment-rate-presents-challenge-to-modi-s-ambitions-for-economy)

Just curious to understand others perspectives.

I’ve always had this question on why Indians are very stingy when it comes to paying money for premium products. I agree there are Indians especially in the young generation who aren’t shy from spending for quality products but the masses are still stuck in the bargaining or cheap mindset. When we look for cars the first thing we probably check is kitna mileage dega ? When we look at a premium product we compare it to a copy or a product that does not offer the same quality or service that a premium product offers. What are the reasons to it and when or how can we come out of it. This is one of the reasons we have got the “slave / miser ” label outside our county and why we’ve got weak passports which make it difficult to take a vacation like citizens of other countries .

Don't entirely agree- In the early 1980s, China and India had comparable GDP levels, both being predominantly agrarian economies with similar per capita incomes. However, China's GDP grew exponentially over the following decades due to a series of market-oriented reforms initiated in 1978 by Deng Xiaoping. In contrast, India's economic liberalization began later, in 1991, and while it has also experienced significant growth, it has not matched the pace or scale of China's economic transformation.

Saw the new FIRE community here on Grapevine, thought of sharing my story here. Let's talk about money, startups, and the misleading "get rich quick" mentality that's captivating our generation. I'm 32, and I've been with TCS for 11 years. Yes, TCS. Not a trendy startup, not a unicorn, just good old Tata Consultancy Services. And I've just reached a 1Cr net worth. Before you assume I'm a senior executive or had family wealth, let me clarify. I started as a fresh graduate earning 3.5 LPA. My parents are middle-class government employees. I had no special advantages or lucky breaks. What I did have was discipline. Pure, unglamorous discipline. While my college friends hopped between startups, chasing ESOPs and IPO dreams, I stayed put. I lived modestly, invested consistently, and focused on steady growth. Here's the unvarnished truth: 1. Most startups fail. Your ESOPs are worthless if the company doesn't succeed. 2. Even if your startup thrives, the chances of making life-changing money are slim. You're more likely to end up overworked and burnt out. 3. FIRE is unrealistic for most people, especially through startup gambles. 4. Slow and steady really does win the race. My journey wasn't exciting. It looked like this: - Lived with roommates until 28 - Drove a second-hand Alto while peers financed luxury cars - Invested 50% of my salary monthly, without exception - Educated myself about index funds, debt funds, and asset allocation - Declined expensive trips and unnecessary luxuries - Focused on upskilling and steady promotions at TCS Was it always enjoyable? No. Did I sometimes feel left behind when friends posted about startup funding or fancy perks? Absolutely. But you know what's truly satisfying? Reaching 1Cr net worth at 32 through consistent, unexciting progress. I'm not saying everyone should work at TCS or that startups are bad. If you genuinely love the startup world, pursue it. But do it because you love the work, not because you think it's your ticket to early retirement. The startup world has sold us a fantasy. They've glorified overwork, made "hustle" a personality trait, and convinced a generation that success only comes through a miraculous exit. That's simply not true. Success often looks like showing up daily, living below your means, and making smart, consistent choices with your money. To the 20-somethings chasing startup dreams and thinking ESOPs will enable early retirement - reconsider. The odds aren't in your favor. Instead, think about this: - Find a stable, fulfilling job - Live well below your means - Invest aggressively and consistently - Focus on steady career growth - Ignore flashy social media lifestyles It's not exciting. It won't get you media attention. But it works. Here's the best part: this path has allowed me to have a balanced life. I'm married with a young child, and I get to spend quality time with them every day. I play with my kid after work, I'm present for family dinners, and I even have time for my hobbies on weekends. I'm not constantly stressed about the next funding round or pulling all-nighters to meet impossible deadlines. I have the mental space to be fully present with my family, and that's priceless. I'm not planning to retire soon. I actually enjoy my job and the stability it provides. But reaching this milestone has given me options and peace of mind that no startup gamble could offer. So, is anyone else out there quietly building wealth without the drama? Let's hear your stories. And to those still pursuing the startup dream - I wish you the best. But consider that the less exciting path might be the one that actually leads to both financial success and a fulfilling personal life.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Slow is smooth, smooth is fast :)