Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based user interface designer has sparked conversations online after sharing a personal reflection on the endless corporate chase for higher salaries. Arpit Verma, in a post on social media platform X, reminded people that “peace per annum” is as important—if not more—than “lakhs per annum.”
I still remember that conversation with my friend back in 2020 that if we reach somehow 25lpa, life will be so easy! (Read this if you’re also busy chasing numbers)
At that time, we were at around 12-15lpa. 25 sounded a lot. Our managers were earning that much and we visited…
— Arpit verma (@arpit_vermaniac) September 22, 2025
The salary chase story
Recounting a conversation from 2020, Verma wrote that both he and a friend were then earning between ₹12–15 lakh per annum (LPA). At the time, they looked up to their managers, who were earning around ₹25 LPA and seemed to be living lavishly.
“Back then, ₹25 lakh felt like a milestone figure that could change our lives. We thought that if we reached that number, our worries would end,” Verma said.
However, things changed rapidly in the post-pandemic world. Salaries across sectors rose, but so did the cost of living in metro cities like Bengaluru. Within five years, many of Verma’s friends crossed the ₹25 LPA mark and now earn more than ₹50 LPA. Yet, according to him, most of them are still chasing “the next big milestone LPA.”
Life lessons beyond LPA
Verma concluded his post with a reminder to step back and savour life:
“Life’s funny, beautiful and precious. Sprint & relax. Repeat. But don’t forget to, RELAX.”
His observation struck a chord with many professionals who related to the constant pressure of setting new income goals without pausing to enjoy achievements.
Social media reactions
Hundreds of users engaged with Verma’s post, agreeing with his message.
One X user, Siddhant Garg, commented:
“It’s great to see the progress, but your point about relaxing is essential. Sustainable success involves periodic breaks and celebrating achievements, not just moving to the next target.”
Another person shared their own journey:
“We were 3.6 LPA juniors in 2019, and our roommate was at 12 LPA—it looked massive then. Within two years, we got there too. But it never stops.”
A third user summarised the sentiment aptly:
“That’s the trap most fall into → every milestone becomes just another checkpoint. Beyond a point, it’s not about LPA, it’s about peace per annum.”
A wider reflection on corporate culture
The viral post underlines a broader truth about modern corporate life—while India’s young workforce is breaking barriers and commanding impressive pay packages, many feel caught in an endless cycle of ambition. Mental health experts often warn that burnout, stress, and anxiety are side-effects of constantly pursuing “the next big salary number.”
Verma’s message echoes the growing emphasis on work-life balance, urging professionals to combine ambition with self-care.