
Bengaluru-based software engineer Saksham Raj Seth quit his Rs 85 lakh per annum job in August to become a full-time travel content creator, while his partner Smriti Sidana continues working as a…
Bengaluru-based software engineer Saksham Raj Seth quit his Rs 85 lakh per annum job in August to become a full-time travel content creator, while his partner Smriti Sidana continues working as a software engineer earning Rs 1.5 lakh per month to support their lifestyle. The couple told hindustantimes.com that they made the decision to prioritise freedom and experiences over corporate comfort, despite the financial uncertainty.

Seth said his life had become monotonous and work consumed most of his time, leading him to value freedom over a high salary. He acknowledged that his content creation income is currently nowhere close to his previous earnings and that the biggest challenge is the uncertainty of a career with no fixed salary, guaranteed growth or clear path. Sidana also creates travel and lifestyle content part-time.
The couple emphasised that their decision is not a blanket recommendation for everyone, as Seth was in a fortunate position to take the risk. They are now focusing on building a sustainable long-term routine on the road, spending longer periods in places rather than taking short vacations, and balancing work, content creation, finances and personal time.
This couple's story reflects a growing trend among Indian tech professionals who trade high salaries for creative pursuits, often enabled by a dual-income household where one partner retains stable employment. The risk is real: content creation income is volatile and brand deals are not guaranteed, while the Rs 85 lakh package Seth left is in the top 1% of Indian software engineer salaries. What matters next is whether their content channels can generate enough revenue to replace even a fraction of that lost income within a year, given that most travel creators struggle to monetise beyond initial viral traction.
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Source: hindustantimes.com
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