The Illusion of Success

Thursday, December 28th, 2023

Today, I conducted an interview with an Indian candidate for the position of Solutions Architect. For the sake of this account, I shall refer to him as Rahul. As our conversation unfolded, I delved into his professional background and experiences, only to uncover a narrative that, though not unfamiliar, was profoundly disheartening.

Rahul was faring reasonably well in Mumbai, India, before he made the pivotal decision to relocate abroad. His transition to Ireland occurred through an intercompany transfer, which he seemingly accepted under less-than-ideal financial terms, perhaps driven by a sense of urgency or desperation. Upon settling in Ireland, reality struck—his remuneration was far from commensurate with his skills or expectations. Seeking better prospects, he switched jobs, yet the pattern remained unchanged. With his family accompanying him, the financial strain and professional dissatisfaction compounded, leaving him feeling suffocated. Once again, he sought change, eventually securing a position that offered just enough to sustain a livelihood in Ireland.

However, in the relentless pursuit of financial stability, the quality of his work and the honing of his skills gradually faded into the background. By the time he recognized the gravity of this shift, it was already too late. As I conducted the interview, I couldn’t help but take note of an unsettling detail—his most recent employment had ended only last Friday. Now, he stands in an unsettling limbo: jobless, far from home, and burdened with the responsibility of a family dependent on him. I cannot help but wonder about the turmoil he must be enduring at this very moment.

What compels Rahul to persist in this struggle outside India? Is it societal pressure? The silent yet oppressive force that judges individuals by the carefully curated snapshots of their lives on social media—by fleeting smiles rather than enduring realities? Perhaps he is not yet prepared to face his extended family and in-laws, both in India and overseas. His predicament is not unique; it mirrors the plight of many others who, rather than confronting their truth, find solace in denial, even as it quietly erodes their well-being.

Rahul, if these words ever reach you, I urge you—return to India. I believe in you and in the boundless opportunities that your homeland has to offer. There, you will rediscover a life of fulfillment, surrounded by genuine friendships, personal freedom, and a sense of belonging that no foreign land can replicate. Your family deserves your presence, your joy, and your undivided self. Do not let the illusion of success abroad rob you of the life you were meant to live.