White Dust founder Rohit Aryan has sparked a debate on career choices and urban migration with an “unpopular opinion” on success and life in your 20s, urging young Indians to rethink the rush to metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Aryan said that while 20-somethings often have opportunities to move to big cities, choosing a metro shouldn’t be seen as the default path to success. Instead, he advised to stay in his hometown, earn a living and lead a quiet life near his family.

“Don’t choose any of them. Stay in your hometown, earn and live quietly. Live near or with your family,” Aryan wrote, adding that the problem is not with metropolitan cities themselves but with the belief that moving there is necessary to succeed.

According to Aryan, the mindset that career growth is tied to living in large urban centers is flawed. He acknowledged that many may disagree with his view, but maintained that staying rooted can offer long-term benefits, especially in terms of mental well-being and quality of life.

“I know many will disagree with this, but trust me, this is the best thing you can do in the long run,” he said.

Arian’s comments come at a time when conversations about burnout, the rising cost of living in metropolitan cities and the rise of remote work are reshaping the way young professionals think about careers, success and where they choose to live.

One user commented: “Fair take, but there are nuances. Do this, not at the expense of exposure or complacency. Independence goes both ways, a lot to learn living alone. Wherever you go, plan to come back and settle in your hometown!”

“Valid take. Success doesn’t come from a pin on the map. The peace, support and consistency from home often trumps the hustle and bustle of the subway that most people romanticize,” wrote a second user.

A third user said: “People are moving to cities for jobs bhai. Smaller cities don’t have economic opportunities on the scale that Mumbai/Delhi offer unless you have generational wealth.”

“The main pull factor for moving to metropolitan cities is the availability of better educational institutions for children. If governments equip remote areas with better educational and health facilities, the movement to bigger cities will be reduced,” commented another user.