Living the American Dream—or a Quiet Nightmare?
For many, earning over a million dollars annually as tech professionals in the United States represents the pinnacle of success. But for one Indian couple, the dream has turned into disillusionment. In a heartfelt Reddit post titled “Unable to build a life in the US. What next?”, a 32-year-old Indian software engineer shares how he and his wife, despite their elite jobs and salaries, feel deeply unfulfilled and are now rethinking their future.
Behind the Paycheck: $1.35M and Still Miserable
According to the viral post, the couple earns a combined $1.35 million annually—$400,000 from the husband and nearly $950,000 from his wife. Both are employed at major FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) companies. From the outside, their lives appear picture-perfect, filled with status, money, and professional achievement. Yet behind the curtain, they face anxiety, health issues, and a nagging sense of stagnation.
The husband describes their emotional and physical burnout, emphasizing that their wealth has not translated into joy or life satisfaction. “From the outside, our lives seem perfect. But we’re miserable,” he wrote.
Career Plateau and Visa Uncertainty
Despite his high salary, the techie says his career has stagnated. This year, he received a poor performance review, shaking his confidence. Making matters worse, his H1B visa—an essential legal requirement for foreign workers in the US—is set to expire soon, placing their long-term stay in the country in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, his wife, the higher earner, battles a demanding and toxic workplace. She is reportedly dealing with depression, anxiety, anemia, and the aftermath of multiple surgeries, all exacerbated by relentless work pressure and a lack of support.
Considering Singapore—and a Return to India
Now exhausted and emotionally drained, the couple is contemplating a major life change. Their plan? Move to Singapore through the Tech Pass program, an initiative designed to attract global tech talent. While this would offer a new environment and potentially less work-related stress, it’s not their final destination. Their ultimate goal, according to the Reddit post, is to eventually return to India and rebuild a more grounded, fulfilling life.
The emotional post ends with the husband expressing a deep sense of hopelessness: “We have all this money, and life looks bleak. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong that our lives are so miserable. I’m open to any and all suggestions.”
Reddit Reactions: Support, Empathy, and Advice
The post struck a chord with thousands of users, many of whom shared words of support and understanding. One user wrote, “You need to take a step back and enjoy the simpler things in life. Both of you have done extremely well career-wise, but it’s taking a toll physically and mentally.”
Another added, “The amount of money you guys have—you can live an extremely good life anywhere in the world. Stop stressing about a poor rating at your job. You seriously need a break.”
These responses highlighted a growing awareness that financial success does not always equate to personal happiness. Many commenters encouraged the couple to prioritize health and well-being over status or location.
A Broader Trend: High-Earning Burnout
This isn’t the first time highly paid tech professionals have shared feelings of burnout. In Silicon Valley and other tech hubs, long hours, toxic work cultures, and visa stress are commonly reported. Mental health discussions, once taboo in the high-performance tech world, are increasingly becoming part of public discourse.
The Reddit post reflects a broader shift in priorities among younger tech professionals. As burnout cases grow and workplace culture continues to face scrutiny, more people are choosing to step back—even if it means walking away from million-dollar jobs.
Money Can’t Buy Peace of Mind
The story of this Indian couple reveals a sobering truth: financial success doesn’t guarantee happiness. Despite their elite salaries and prestigious roles, the toll on their mental, emotional, and physical health has been steep.
Relocation and a redefinition of success may offer them a way forward—but their story also serves as a wake-up call to many others pursuing similar paths. It’s a reminder that career growth, mental health, and life satisfaction must all be balanced for true success.
What’s Next for the Couple?
With eyes on Singapore and eventual resettlement in India, the couple is now evaluating how to rebuild a life with meaning. Their story has ignited conversation, empathy, and reflection across the global tech community—proving that even those at the top may be quietly struggling.
