Sumit Agrawal, a professional who left his high-paying job in Mumbai to return to his hometown of Jamshedpur five years ago, recently reflected on how the move transformed his life. In a candid LinkedIn post, Agrawal shared his initial doubts about adapting to a “small town” lifestyle after years spent in metropolitan cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai. However, the decision, he said, proved to be overwhelmingly positive.
“Questions like, ‘Will I have a social life there?’, ‘What will I do on weekends?’, and ‘What kind of work environment will I have?’ haunted me initially,” he wrote. Yet, over the past five years, the advantages of small-town living far outweighed its challenges, reshaping his perspective.
In his post, Agrawal outlined five reasons why moving to Jamshedpur was the right decision for him:
Improved daily commute: One of the most significant changes was the drastic reduction in time spent commuting. “I don’t spend 20-25% of my day in traffic anymore. My office is 14 km away, but it only takes 15 minutes to get there. I’m less irritated and more productive when I reach work,” he explained.
Lower living expenses: Agrawal highlighted the financial benefits of his move. “My monthly expenditure is much lower for almost the same ‘quality of life’ as that of a larger city,” he noted, adding that the cost savings have allowed him to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.
City conveniences at lower costs: Despite living in a small town, Agrawal found that Jamshedpur offers many urban conveniences at reduced costs. “Everything—cabs, events, multiplexes—comes at a much lower price without compromising on ease,” he said, praising the accessibility of services such as food delivery and e-commerce.
Less crowded public spaces: Weekends in Jamshedpur felt more enjoyable, thanks to less crowded public spaces. “Unlike Mumbai, I no longer dread stepping out because of overwhelming crowds,” he remarked, highlighting the slower and more peaceful pace of life in his hometown.
More time for fitness and sports: The move also allowed Agrawal to dedicate more time to personal well-being. “I find ample time for fitness and sports—something I couldn’t afford in Mumbai,” he revealed.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr Agrawal concluded, “Five years ago, I wasn’t really sure how life in a small town would turn out. But it isn’t that bad after all.”
The post quickly gained traction, sparking discussions among LinkedIn users. Many shared their own thoughts and experiences about life in smaller towns.
“Moving back to my hometown is something I’ve been considering for years. This just reinforced it,” commented one user.
Another wrote, “The day I moved out of my hometown, Jodhpur, I vowed that I would come back someday. Every time I visit, my desire to return grows stronger. Life is slower (in a good way) in small cities, with better quality of life, time, food, and energy overall.”
A third user added, “This is so relatable! The peace in smaller towns is unmatched.”
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
