For many Indians, settling in foreign cities like London, San Francisco, New York, or Sydney is a lifelong dream. The promise of better job opportunities, an independent life, and a thriving career draws countless professionals abroad. However, these cities have now become some of the most expensive places to live, making it increasingly difficult for young professionals to save money or achieve financial stability.
An Indian professional living in London took to LinkedIn to claim that she refuses to commute to work 5 days a week. In a bold post, the 25-year-old Global Influencer Strategy and Management Consultant shared why she refuses to spend a significant portion of her income on commuting just to sit in an office.
“I won’t be working 5 or 4 days in the office. PERIOD. Call it entitled, spoiled Gen-Z behavior or ‘Gen-Lay-Z’—doesn’t matter,” she wrote.
She highlighted how younger employees are expected to accept stagnating salaries while dealing with skyrocketing living costs.
“I’m 25, in a so-called ‘good’ career, living in London, and still clawing my way out of my bills every month. I’ll probably never own a home,” she pointed out.
Unlike previous generations who enjoyed company-paid perks such as travel reimbursements, bonuses, and networking opportunities over coffee, today’s workforce often gets nothing in return for their office presence.
“Early Millennials, Gen X and boomers at some point in their careers got free lunches, reimbursed travel, travelling to new places for work, bonuses, stock options… Now? A slice of lukewarm pizza and a beer after work if you’re lucky.”
With remote work proving to be just as effective, she questioned why companies still push for full-time office attendance.
“So, remind me again why I should happily spend a chunk of my already-taxed-to-death salary on the world’s most expensive transport system just to sit in an office and dial into online calls?”
She emphasized that younger employees are not lazy but are simply prioritizing flexibility and financial well-being over outdated corporate norms.
“We’re expected to survive on salaries from 5 to 10 years ago while paying 5 to 10 times the cost of living. Meanwhile, the older generations have their houses, savings, and vacations—yet we’re the ones being told we need to ‘show up’ more.”
Having recently transitioned into freelancing, she shared how it has given her a sense of control over her career.
“Luckily, I pivoted into freelancing, and while it’s still early days, it’s the first time I’ve felt like I have real control over my work.”
You may read her full post here.
Many young professionals are experiencing similar struggles. What we realize is that the future of work may not be about climbing the corporate ladder anymore but building a career on one’s own terms.