Few were prepared when an investor from Bengaluru shared a rather unusual life story on X (formerly Twitter). The post, which came last week, told of how he retired at 33, stopped drawing a salary in 2019, and continues to lead "a simple life" as his investments have been earning him 100 times his annual expenses.
"I married the love of my life when I was 25, had a child at 28. My son is homeschooled under the Indian Knowledge System and registered with NIOS. My last salary was in March 2019. Since then, it's only long-term investing and SWP. Simple life!" he wrote.
The blog post quickly went viral as thousands responded to his minimalist lifestyle, one that avoids credit cards, home ownership, or luxury consumption despite significant wealth.
A wave of reactions from across India
The tweet struck a chord with many Indians who have reflected on their own financial choices. One former Indian Air Force employee shared his story of service and purpose, saying he too now lives simply and focuses on serving others after 20 years in uniform.
Others, however, resisted the idea of early retirement. One 32-year-old professional responded that he was not going to retire at all. “I love what I do. Comfort and growth can coexist. I use credit cards smartly, travel well, and invest heavily. For me, work gives freedom, not pressure,” he said.
What the debate reveals about India's changing money mindset
The viral post has opened up a wider conversation about financial independence, early retirement, and redefining success in urban India. For some, it represents freedom from corporate life; for others, it highlights privilege and the ability to opt out.
Many discussed parenting choices when they learned the investor's 10-year-old son is being homeschooled. While some praised the flexibility, others questioned the lack of social exposure. "School isn't just for academics," one commenter wrote. "It teaches how to work with others."
A reminder that simplicity means different things
Despite the debate, the post resonated because it tapped into a deep desire common across borders: a longing to live life on one's own terms. Whether through disciplined investing or a fulfilling career, Indians are reconsidering what financial freedom and happiness mean, and that conversation may be the real story here.
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