A Mumbai-based cook has drawn significant attention on social media after his employer revealed that he earns approximately Rs 1.05 lakh per month through a combination of multiple domestic assignments and side jobs. Manuraaj Garg, who shared the story on LinkedIn, detailed how the cook has successfully diversified his income sources, allowing him to maintain financial stability and plan his first international vacation to Thailand.
According to Garg, the cook’s monthly earnings are derived from four distinct sources. He receives Rs 18,000 for preparing meals twice daily at Garg’s residence, Rs 16,500 from a flat in the same building, and Rs 38,000 from a larger neighborhood family for cooking and kitchen management. Additionally, he works on Friday nights at film sets catering to crews, earning Rs 7,500 per assignment. With his wife also contributing Rs 45,000, the couple’s total household income reaches approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.
Garg highlighted that the cook operates outside the formal corporate employment system, meaning his income is not subject to Form 16, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), or Cost-to-Company (CTC) structures. Because his workplaces are located within a two-kilometre radius, he avoids lengthy commutes. Furthermore, the cook maintains a diversified client base, ensuring that the loss of a single assignment would not result in the total elimination of his livelihood.
The post compared the cook’s financial position to that of some of Garg’s MBA and IIT-educated friends. Garg noted that while these professionals often have higher paper salaries, their disposable income is frequently depleted by taxes, home loan EMIs, and childcare expenses. In contrast, the cook avoids the pressure to maintain an expensive lifestyle, though he did purchase an iPhone Pro on EMI. He is now preparing for his first-ever flight and has applied for his first passport for the upcoming trip to Thailand.
Key facts
- The cook earns Rs 1.05 lakh monthly from four employers and additional film set catering work.
- His wife contributes Rs 45,000 to their monthly household income of Rs 1.5 lakh.
- All regular work assignments are situated within a two-kilometre radius of the cook's location.
- The cook is currently planning his first international trip to Thailand with friends.
- Unlike salaried employees, the cook does not have a Form 16, TDS, or a formal CTC structure.
Why it matters
The story has initiated a broader conversation regarding what constitutes financial success and the limitations of conventional employment metrics. By contrasting the cook's financial freedom with the high overheads and career struggles of some highly educated professionals, the account challenges traditional perceptions of job security and income generation.
Source: Economic Times, Indian Express
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