The Paradox of Prosperity: Feeling "Very Poor" on a High Salary
A 34-year-old professional in Gurgaon, earning a substantial annual salary of nearly ₹40 lakh, owning a BMW, and living in his own 2BHK apartment, recently sought medical help for severe insomnia and anxiety. His surprising confession to consultant oncologist Dr. Sunny Garg was, "Doctor, I think I'm very poor. I can't sleep at night." This statement, initially perplexing given his financial standing, reflects a growing concern Dr. Garg observes among high-earning urban professionals.
Understanding "Modern Poverty": Comparison as the New Scarcity
Dr. Garg explains that the man's sentiment, rather than being dismissed, highlights a shift in how individuals perceive their self-worth. By conventional metrics, he belongs to India's top income bracket. However, his sense of financial well-being is no longer based on his actual earnings but on who he compares himself to. The doctor elaborates that the man's reference point has drastically shifted from comparing himself to a neighbor's son working as a clerk to a 28-year-old on LinkedIn who has sold a startup for ₹80 crore.
Dr. Garg terms this phenomenon "modern poverty" – not a lack of money, but an inability to achieve satisfaction because personal expectations rise exponentially faster than income. This mindset creates a perpetual feeling of inadequacy, regardless of one's actual wealth.
The Three Questions Revealing a Deeper Crisis
To delve deeper into this mindset, Dr. Garg posed three insightful questions to his patient:
- "How many times in the previous year did you tell yourself, 'I am enough'?" The man's answer was simple: never.
- "Who are you earning all this money for?" After reflection, the man admitted he didn't truly know, stating he was merely trying to keep pace with others he perceived as moving ahead faster.
- "Is there a single activity in your life that you do not pursue for money or career growth?" Once again, the answer was a stark no.
These responses led Dr. Garg to conclude that the issue wasn't financial but a profound crisis of purpose, fulfillment, and identity outside the realms of work and income. He stressed that when money becomes the sole measure of every activity, individuals risk losing their humanity and becoming mere machines.
Social Media's Role in Fueling Comparison and Anxiety
The doctor's social media post about this consultation garnered significant attention, resonating with many users who shared similar experiences. Numerous comments highlighted how constant exposure to curated success stories, luxury lifestyles, and extraordinary wealth on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram contributes to immense stress and a pervasive feeling of being "behind."
"This is exactly what social media does. No matter how much you earn, there is always someone richer making you feel like you're behind."
Users noted a shift in societal goalposts: what was once considered success (owning a house and a car) is now overshadowed by comparisons to startup founders and influencers. Many echoed the sentiment that comparison stifles gratitude, and when self-worth is entirely dependent on net worth, nothing ever feels sufficient. The discussion underscored how burnout, anxiety, and the fear of falling behind are becoming increasingly common, even among those who are financially secure.