Rejected Apple USA, life in Paris, for Bulgaria: Indian man claims he has 'zero regrets' on choosing a happy life over immigrant flex

For many an offer from Apple USA or a life in Paris might sound like the ultimate dream. Enjoying the American culture or cruising through the French streets, hand in hand with your partner, nothing could top that right?

However, for an Indian man, it seems the dream life looks a little bit different. The man based in Europe, claimed he rejected an offer from Apple USA and life in Paris for working for a French company based in Bulgaria, calling it the "best decision" of his life.

After 8+ years abroad living in Singapore and Malaysia, he shared that he got married right before COVID. During the lockdown, the couple spent 26 "heartbreaking" months apart with the man stuck in Singapore and the wife in India where international flights had completely stopped.

On May 25, 2022, the man quit his stable permanent Singapore on his mother's advice and returned home. "Dream offers flooded in Apple in the USA every desi’s American dream. A French company also reached out for Paris but when they heard my situation, they offered their Sofia, Bulgaria branch," wrote the man.

He shared that his wife had also landed a big opportunity in Sofia, which was the "only reason" he accepted the French offer, to be with her and support her career, the same way she had supported his for years.

"Everyone laughed: This fool rejected Apple and Paris for Bulgaria ����? They didn’t get it. As a man, real strength isn’t always chasing the biggest paycheck or Instagram immigrant flex," he wrote.

He shared that on his last night in Singapore, he stood alone on Robinson Road, the place where he had hustled, built his entire life with "pure hard work and sacrifice." "I cried in silence, tears I never showed anyone. Not my family, not friends, not even my wife or parents," he wrote.

"Leaving the dreamland where I had given everything wasn’t easy. Those quiet tears carried the weight of years of struggle, success, and the fear of starting over. But I chose peace over pressure, partnership over personal glory. I had lived the high-stress Robinson Road life long enough," he added.

4 years later in Sofia, the man said he had zero regrets. He could opt for a flexible WFH from India whenever he wanted, paid lower taxes, had good savings and most importantly he was living with his wife "building a calm, happy life with no Instagram filters with our 4-month-old baby."

While he did sometimes miss the Singapore dollars and city vibe, he said he would choose his life with his wife over himself again "in a heartbeat."

"Sometimes the world laughs at your decision until it becomes your greatest blessing. No rags-to-riches story. Just a common average migrant man who stood for his partner, cried in silence, and chose family, love and peace. Note- The last day’s sunset image in juronng Air dalam which was my favourite place in Singapore" he added.

Social media reactions

Numerous netizens appreciated the man's sacrifice for a stable life with his wife, noting how not many would be willing to go to such lengths.

"True strength of a man lies in silent sacrifices standing by his wife, choosing family peace over dreamland, and building a home for his child. That’s not a weakness. It’s one of the greatest achievements he can give. Respect," wrote a user.

"This was deep! I share the exact same experience, just with a few less days, but almost the same story," added another.

"You’re very much level-headed..!! Good decision bro and best of luck for the trio..I was in Singapore for almost 10 years so I can relate to what you’re saying," one wrote.

"The bravest migrations aren't always toward the brightest lights, sometimes they're toward the people who make anywhere feel like home," shared one.