Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about leaving it all behind? Trading the endless emails, long commutes, and city hustle for something… slower? It's a fantasy for many, but for one Indian couple, it became a reality. They made the incredibly brave move to quit their high-paying Singapore jobs and return to India, not with a detailed business plan, but with a simple desire to prioritize life over work.
Key Highlights
- ✓ An Indian couple left their lucrative jobs in Singapore to move back to India.
- ✓ They traded a fast-paced city life for a peaceful, slow life on a hill-view farm.
- ✓ Sharmilaa, a former engineer, started a new career as a Virtual Assistant.
- ✓ Her initial goal was to earn just ₹20,000 a month for flexibility.
- ✓ Their story went viral on Instagram, gaining nearly 500,000 views and inspiring thousands.
The Quiet Decision to Choose Freedom
Let's rewind about three years. A couple, living and working in the bustling metropolis of Singapore, made what they describe as a "quiet but bold decision." The woman, Sharmilaa, was a successful design and project engineer with a Master's degree from Singapore. She and her husband had what many would consider the dream: prestigious jobs, big paychecks, and life in a global hub. But behind the scenes, they were growing tired of the demanding lifestyle.
The long hours and the relentless pace were taking their toll. They looked at their life and decided they wanted something different for themselves and their young daughter. So, they chose to trade it all in for freedom over the hustle. They packed their bags, left their corporate lives behind, and moved back to India to build a new life from the ground up, one that was slower, more meaningful, and closer to nature.
From a Humble Goal to a Thriving New Path
Here's the part of the story that's truly fascinating. They didn't have a grand, five-year plan. There was no safety net of a new job waiting for them. Sharmilaa’s goal was incredibly modest and grounded. She decided to explore becoming a Virtual Assistant, a role that offered the flexibility she craved. Her financial target was simple: "I thought I'd earn 20K a month doing something flexible as a Virtual Assistant. That was the only goal," she shared.
But that humble beginning quickly blossomed into something much more. That simple start evolved into a stable, sustainable business. It not only brought in the financial stability they needed but, more importantly, it gave them the work-life balance they had been searching for. She now works just a few hours a day, from their peaceful home, and even mentors others who are interested in following a similar path into the world of virtual assistance.
This journey shows that you don't always need a perfect, foolproof plan to make a major life change. Sometimes, all it takes is a clear intention and the courage to take that first small step. For Sharmilaa, that step wasn't just away from her old career; it was toward a life designed entirely on her own terms.
A Picture of a Slower, Richer Life
To prove to the naysayers that their decision wasn't a mistake, Sharmilaa shared a video on her Instagram account, @virtuallybysh. The caption was a perfect clapback: "POV: they said resigning from a high-paying job in Singapore was a mistake and I showed them this." The video itself is a window into their new world, and it's a stark contrast to the concrete jungle they left behind.
The clip showcases a life that feels incredibly rich and serene. You see children playing freely in nature, surrounded by lush greenery. Hens wander around a peaceful farm, and their home is nestled near rolling hills. It’s the kind of idyllic setting that many people only see in movies. This is their everyday reality now: working remotely, enjoying the simple joys of daily life, and giving their daughter a childhood connected to the earth.
The visuals paint a powerful picture of what they gained by giving up what they had. It wasn't about losing a high salary; it was about gaining time, peace, and a deeper connection with family and the world around them. Their hill-view farm has become the backdrop for a life that’s measured not in dollars, but in moments of joy and tranquility.
Striking a Chord Online
It turns out, they weren't the only ones dreaming of this kind of life. The video went viral, resonating deeply with hundreds of thousands of people. It quickly accumulated nearly 500,000 views and over 7,800 likes, with a comment section flooded with praise and inspiration. It's clear their story tapped into a collective yearning for a different way of living.
People were in awe of their courage. One user commented, "Its one best decision you made," while another shared a personal dream, "Im also thinking to come back to home for this peace." The comments celebrated everything from the joy of kids growing up in nature to the sheer guts it took to walk away from a financially secure path. A third user summed it up perfectly, saying, "such bliss. I'm glad many are taking a chance at life."
This massive online response shows that the couple's journey is more than just a personal story. It has become a source of inspiration, giving others permission to question their own paths and consider what "success" truly means to them. Their bold move is a powerful reminder that the life we're told to want isn't the only option available.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the story of Sharmilaa and her family is a powerful testament to the idea of redefining success. They chose to measure their wealth not by their bank account, but by their time, freedom, and well-being. By leaving their high-paying Singapore jobs, they embarked on an uncertain journey that led to a more fulfilling and intentional life on a farm in India.
Their journey from a fast-paced city to a slow life on a farm, powered by the flexibility of a remote career as a Virtual Assistant, proves that it's possible to build a life that aligns with your deepest values. It's a reminder that sometimes the bravest and most rewarding decision is the quiet one—the one that prioritizes life over work.
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