For many professionals, a higher salary is often the deciding factor when choosing a job. However, a Bengaluru-based woman has taken a different path, opting for a lower-paying remote role after concluding that the city’s daily commute was costing her more than she realised.
Shikha Priyadarshani, 24, left a ₹10.5 lakh per annum office-based position and accepted a fully remote role paying ₹8.5 lakh per annum. While the move meant a reduction in annual salary, she says it brought significant savings in time, money and mental well-being.
When commuting became the biggest challenge
Priyadarshani’s previous company introduced a mandatory five-day work-from-office policy after opening its Bengaluru office. Her daily journey involved travelling nearly 30 kilometres, often spending up to two hours in traffic.
Without a personal vehicle, she depended on ride-hailing services, spending between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 every month on transportation. Additional expenses on meals and the physical strain of commuting further increased the burden.
She said the daily travel left her with less time and energy for personal growth, health and activities outside work.
A smaller salary gap than it seemed
Although she received other offers with higher compensation, most required regular office attendance. After carefully evaluating commuting expenses, work-life balance, flexibility and future career opportunities, she chose a remote position with a US-based SaaS company.
According to Priyadarshani, the money saved on transport and food has narrowed the practical difference between her old and new salaries.
Choosing flexibility over pay
Working remotely has allowed her to focus on learning new skills, freelance projects and content creation while maintaining a better work-life balance. She also appreciates the freedom to spend more time with family without interrupting her professional commitments.
Reflecting on her decision, Priyadarshani said professionals should assess opportunities based on overall quality of life rather than salary figures alone.
Her experience highlights a growing trend among urban professionals who are increasingly valuing flexibility, personal well-being and time over higher pay packages.