A recent social media post by an Indian entrepreneur has ignited a fierce online debate about the conventional career path for young professionals. Rohit Aryan, the founder of White Dust, shared what he termed an "unpopular opinion," advising people in their 20s to reconsider the compulsive move to major metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.
The Viral Advice Against the Metro Migration
On December 31, 2025, Rohit Aryan took to X (formerly Twitter) to challenge a deeply ingrained belief among Indian youth. He addressed the growing trend of individuals relocating to bigger cities in pursuit of career opportunities and a perceived path to success.
"Unpopular opinion: In your 20s, life will give you a chance to move to or choose Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or any other city. Don't choose any of them," Aryan wrote in his now-viral post. He was quick to clarify that his critique was not directed at the cities themselves, but at the prevailing mindset. "Be in your hometown, earn and live peacefully. Live close to or with your family," he advised.
Elaborating further, Aryan stated, "It's not that these cities have problems; it's just that the mindset of moving to a metro city to become successful is wrong." He concluded by acknowledging potential disagreement but stood firm on his perspective, asserting that staying put could be the most fulfilling choice for the long run.
Social Media Erupts with Divided Opinions
The post quickly gained significant traction, drawing a flood of reactions from users across the platform. The debate highlighted a clear divide in perspectives on career development, independence, and opportunity.
One user offered a nuanced take, commenting, "Fair take but there is nuance to it. Do this, not at the cost of exposure or complacency. Independence goes both ways, lots to learn by living by yourself. Wherever you go, do plan to come back and settle in your hometown!"
However, strong counter-arguments emerged. Another user bluntly called it the "Worst advice ever," urging people to do the exact opposite and emphasizing the importance of one's surroundings. A third reaction pointed to the practical economic realities, stating, "People move to cities for jobs bhai. Smaller cities don't have economic opportunity of the scale that Mumbai/Delhi offer, unless you have generational wealth that is."
Reevaluating the Definition of Success
At its core, Aryan's post forces a conversation about how success is defined and achieved. It questions whether professional advancement must come at the cost of personal peace, family proximity, and a lower cost of living. The debate underscores a potential generational shift in priorities, where mental well-being and life balance are increasingly valued alongside traditional career metrics.
The viral discussion also connects to broader narratives about urban saturation, the rising feasibility of remote work, and the economic pressures in cities like Gurgaon, as highlighted by other recent online stories about professionals struggling with affordability despite high incomes.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the passionate response to Rohit Aryan's advice proves that the dream of metro city success is being rigorously examined by India's young workforce, sparking a necessary dialogue about alternative paths to a fulfilling life and career.
