Rs 40 lakh debt, no US job and ailing parent: Depressed graduate recounts how dream turned into nightmare
education loan of Rs 40 lakhs to study in the US found himself debt-ridden, struggling to make ends meet, and support an ailing parent.
Taking to Reddit, a user named The Tech Philosopher shared his struggles in a long, emotional post. He recounted how his father, who operated a small manufacturing business, and the rest of his family invested all their emotional and financial resources to support his aspiration for a better future.
Despite completing his degree, he faced significant challenges in securing employment in the U.S. due to economic recession, visa restrictions, and limited internship opportunities for Indian students. After a year of relentless applications, he was unable to earn enough to cover his living expenses, relying on monthly financial support from his family, which depleted their remaining savings.
Eventually, his father's business collapsed, and his father fell ill. Unable to continue supporting him, he returned to India, heartbroken, jobless, and burdened with substantial debt.
After months of job searching, he secured a position in India with a monthly salary of Rs 75,000. However, his monthly EMI payment is Rs 66,000, leaving him with just Rs 9,000 for personal expenses. Although the family business is now operational and can support the family, he is attempting to take on additional freelance or part-time work. Nevertheless, balancing his day job and caring for his father's declining health has left him emotionally and physically drained.
He expressed feeling that his life is