'Someone pointed it out to me..': Indian techie's advice for 20-year-olds for self-investment sparks backlash leading...

A Bengaluru-based techie, Shobhit Shrivastava, has sparked a heated debate online after offering advice to 20-year-olds about self-investment. Known for his candid views on productivity and personal growth, Shrivastava’s suggestions for young professionals quickly went viral, but not without facing significant backlash.

On December 29, 2024, Shrivastava took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on how young professionals should focus on investing in themselves during their early 20s. He recommended buying “productivity-enhancing tools and services,” such as a MacBook, noise-cancelling headphones, a gym membership, and even hiring a maid. He argued that these purchases would free up time and energy, allowing people to focus more on their careers and personal growth, ultimately increasing their earning potential. "Early 20s is the time to invest in yourself and increase your earning potential. No investment can give higher returns, ever,” he wrote in his post.

Someone pointed it out to me, and I agree. I should have used the word "domestic help" instead of "maid". Apologies!

— Shobhit Shrivastava (@shri_shobhit) December 31, 2024

However, his advice was met with strong criticism from many netizens, who pointed out that such suggestions may come across as impractical or privileged for young people facing financial constraints or juggling other responsibilities. Critics argued that not everyone can afford to spend on high-end products or services, especially when starting out in their careers or managing living expenses.

In response to the backlash, Shrivastava clarified his stance in a follow-up post. He explained that his advice was primarily aimed at young professionals, particularly programmers, who have recently started earning decent salaries. He acknowledged that his message may have been misunderstood by some and emphasized that his advice was not meant for everyone. “Obviously, it doesn’t apply to everyone. No advice does!” he admitted.

Despite his explanation, the post triggered a broader discussion about balancing ambition with practicality, especially in one’s 20s. While some users supported his emphasis on self-investment, others felt his recommendations were disconnected from the realities faced by many young people today. The debate continues, highlighting the diverse experiences of navigating personal and professional growth in today’s world.