Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh salary enough? Why MBA professional warns against chasing more

An MBA professional's viral Instagram reel has sparked debate over salary, ambition and work-life balance. Mohit Talreja suggested that urban professionals could treat Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a month as a personal financial threshold and focus beyond work on health, family, learning and other sources of income.Mohit Talreja suggested that urban professionals could treat Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a month as a personal financial threshold and focus beyond work. (AI-generated image)For many young professionals, a bigger salary is the obvious next goal. But an MBA professional's viral take is asking a different question: What if there is a point where earning more starts costing you more than it gives back?In a viral Instagram reel, MBA graduate Mohit Talreja suggested that urban professionals could treat Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a month as a personal financial threshold rather than endlessly chasing higher pay.His argument is less about earning less and more about knowing when enough is enough.WHY HE CALLS A HIGH SALARY A 'TRAP'Talreja said professionals working in urban cities should aim to cross a threshold salary as soon as possible. "In India, if you reach Rs 1.5-2 lakh per month, that should be your benchmark," he said, adding that people can decide their own threshold depending on their circumstances.According to him, once a person has reached a level that supports a good family life and lifestyle, the constant pursuit of a bigger package can come with trade-offs. "The more you chase a higher salary, the more you want to go up, the more you sacrifice, then other aspects of your life get affected," he said.WHEN DOES CAREER GROWTH STOP BEING THE WHOLE POINT?Talreja's suggestion is to push hard early in one's career, reach a financial safety mark and then allow career growth to continue without making it the only priority.He pointed to health, family and learning as areas that can get squeezed when work and salary become the central measure of progress.His broader argument is also about what professionals do with their time."Continuously earn money by selling time and chase a high salary, make someone else rich by working hard," he said, arguing that this approach may not provide long-term fulfilment.Instead, he suggested using some of that time to learn independently or build another source of income.BUT IS RS 2 LAKH REALLY 'ENOUGH'?That is where the debate gets complicated.Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a month can mean very different things depending on the city, family size, housing costs, loans, children's education and financial goals.Talreja himself framed the figure as a benchmark, not a universal rule. His larger message was to decide what "enough" means personally, rather than allowing every appraisal, promotion or salary hike to automatically become the next target.For some professionals, the next raise may mean security. For others, it may mean giving up time they value more.The question, perhaps, is not simply how much can you earn?It is how much are you willing to trade for it?(Disclaimer: This story is based on a social media post. The details, including figures, background, and outcomes, have not been independently verified by India Today. The article is intended for informational purposes only, and readers are advised to exercise their own discretion before drawing conclusions or making decisions based on the content.)- EndsPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 12:14 IST