Losing a job can shake anyone to their core, especially when it forces you to rethink what really matters in work and life. One tech professional found herself at a tricky crossroads: after months of stress and uncertainty, she landed two job offers—but each came with a very different trade-off between pay and lifestyle. The choice isn’t just about numbers; it’s about daily happiness, long-term growth, and how much flexibility matters after years of remote work.
The 29-year-old Reddit user, who was laid off in July and remained on payroll until September, now faces two offers. One is a startup role in Bengaluru offering 22.5 LPA with a five-day onsite requirement. The other is a fully remote software company role offering 12 LPA—less than her current 19 LPA—but in a setup she’s grown comfortable with over four years of remote work.
While the higher-paying job promises more money, the thought of returning to daily commutes and office hours is daunting. On the flip side, the remote role offers flexibility and comfort but comes with a significant pay cut. The experience has left her anxious and overthinking every decision, seeking perspectives from the internet to figure out which path aligns better with her priorities, lifestyle, and mental well-being.
Internet reacts
Several Reddit users weighed in on the dilemma, largely recommending the higher-paying Bengaluru offer. Many pointed out that while remote work is more comfortable, choosing the 12 LPA role could mean playing catch-up later, potentially limiting future salary growth. Others noted that working onsite would allow for better networking and career opportunities, making it easier to transition to a remote setup later if desired. Some cautioned that accepting a lower-paying offer after a layoff could make it harder to gain recognition and long-term growth. Many also mentioned that even in Bengaluru, hybrid arrangements could become possible once performance is proven.
The 29-year-old Reddit user, who was laid off in July and remained on payroll until September, now faces two offers. One is a startup role in Bengaluru offering 22.5 LPA with a five-day onsite requirement. The other is a fully remote software company role offering 12 LPA—less than her current 19 LPA—but in a setup she’s grown comfortable with over four years of remote work.
While the higher-paying job promises more money, the thought of returning to daily commutes and office hours is daunting. On the flip side, the remote role offers flexibility and comfort but comes with a significant pay cut. The experience has left her anxious and overthinking every decision, seeking perspectives from the internet to figure out which path aligns better with her priorities, lifestyle, and mental well-being.
Internet reacts
Several Reddit users weighed in on the dilemma, largely recommending the higher-paying Bengaluru offer. Many pointed out that while remote work is more comfortable, choosing the 12 LPA role could mean playing catch-up later, potentially limiting future salary growth. Others noted that working onsite would allow for better networking and career opportunities, making it easier to transition to a remote setup later if desired. Some cautioned that accepting a lower-paying offer after a layoff could make it harder to gain recognition and long-term growth. Many also mentioned that even in Bengaluru, hybrid arrangements could become possible once performance is proven.
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