A woman from Bengaluru has triggered a wide discussion online regarding career choices and work-life balance after she reportedly chose to leave a highly paid IT job to prepare for a government banking exam.
Earning Rs 21 lakh a year in the IT sector, she now wants to leave her job and prepare for the Government Bank Probationary Officer (PO) exam, which pays much less, as reported by Live Mint.
Viral post draws attention
The story came to light after social media user Pratham Khanna shared details about his aunt's planned career move on X. Describing the family's financial background, he wrote, "My uncle & his wife have been working in Bengaluru for 9yrs. He earn ₹32L CTC. Aunty earns ₹21L CTC. They have a 4-year-old daughter."
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Highlighting the pay difference, he added, "Last week her wife said, "I want to quit IT & prepare for Government Bank PO." PO salary? PO salary?u2028Around ₹75,000 per month. From ₹21L to ₹9L per year. Is it good decision to prepare?"
The post, shared on February 20, quickly gained traction and crossed 4 lakh views.
My uncle & his wife have been working in Bangalore for 9yrs.
— Pratham khanna (@Portfolio_Bull) February 20, 2026
He earn ₹32L CTC.⁰Aunty earns ₹21L CTC.
They have a 4-year-old daughter.
Last week her wife said —⁰“I want to quit IT & prepare for Government Bank PO.”
PO salary?⁰Around ₹75,000 per month.
From ₹21L to ₹9L…
Debate on job security vs income
The conversation that followed veered into the balance of money and stability, as well as the pursuit of happiness. There were many posts that mentioned the allure of government jobs, as well as professionals who were re-evaluating their priorities and trying to strike a balance between salary and lifestyle.
The trending thread is reflective of a growing interest in how individuals in different professions weigh the options of a career move that goes beyond the salary.
What are people saying online?
Reacting to the post, an X user wrote, "₹21L IT job → ₹9L PO salary = ~57% pay cut, but govt perks (pension, stability, WFH post-exam) shine for parents of a 4yo. Less stress, more family time in Bangalore chaos.If uncle's ₹32L covers it GO FOR IT! Work-life > money grind. Thoughts?"
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Another said, "everyone is doing the math on salary but nobody is asking what she is optimizing for. after 9 years and a 4yo daughter, maybe she is not chasing money. maybe she is buying time she can never get back."
Another user weighed in on the benefits of a government job and wrote, "What many people do not realize is that post retirement medical benefits of govt job significantly outperforms every other financial decision... I am seeing my parents save tens of lacs in procedures every year .. and these costs only grow with age..that's a hard fact especially if you were to live 75+..."
"Banking is tougher than IT and even tougher in Govt banks. Frequent transfers, no work life balance. Extreme stress to achieve unreasonable targets. The list goes on…" said an X user.
"t’s not about ₹21L vs ₹9L. It’s about: "Will this make her happier 10 years from now?" Money can be rebuilt. Regret is harder," wrote one user.
