When A Home Becomes A Burden The Dilemma Of A Young Earner

Introduction

Many young professionals in India dream of buying their own home one day. But for some, the pressure to do it too early and too fast comes not from society, but from their own families. A recent case of a 26 year old software engineer has brought this issue into the spotlight. He earns a yearly CTC of 27 lakh and works in a private tech firm in Kolkata. His father wants him to buy a flat worth 1.4 crore. The young man is scared because his job is not fully stable and the loan burden will sit on his shoulders for decades. His simple concern is that one wrong financial step can trap him for life.

The Pressure That Comes From Home

Parents often want the best for their children. But sometimes they may push them into decisions that are not right for their age or income. In this case, the father sees the purchase as an investment and even calls the son an investment who must now return the benefit. This creates emotional stress. A house is not only a financial decision. It affects mental peace, career flexibility and long term goals. The young man feels he is being forced into a choice that is too big for him right now.

Understanding His Financial Situation

A CTC of 27 lakh may sound high. But CTC is not the actual salary that goes into the bank. After tax, provident fund, deductions and variable pay, the take home amount becomes much lower. In most tech roles, the monthly in hand salary is far less than what CTC suggests. If his EMI becomes 88000 a month, it will eat almost half of his income. Financial experts say that housing EMIs should ideally be less than 30 percent of the take home salary. Anything above that creates high pressure and leaves little room for savings or emergencies.

The Loan Burden Explained

To buy the 1.4 crore flat, he needs 30 lakh as down payment and a loan of around 1.1 crore. The interest rate is about 7.4 percent. This makes the EMI around 88000 each month for years. With time, the amount repaid will be much higher than the original loan. He will also have other expenses like maintenance charges, property tax and insurance. If interest rates rise in future, the EMI can also increase. These factors make him feel scared because he does not see long term job security in his field.

Job Stability Concerns In The Tech Industry

The tech industry today is going through a phase of uncertainty. Layoffs, restructuring and rapid change in skills have become common. Even good performers can suddenly lose their jobs if a company changes its plans. For a young engineer, carrying an EMI of this size is risky. If he loses his job, he will have no way to pay the monthly instalments. Missing EMIs can lead to penalties, credit score damage and even loss of property. Job stability is one of the biggest concerns he has and it is a valid one.

Emotional Versus Practical Decisions

Parents may think buying a home gives security and prestige. But the son is thinking practically. He knows that taking a loan so early in life can block many future choices. For example, he may want to switch careers, move cities or start his own venture. These things become much harder when you have a huge EMI waiting every month. Emotional reasons cannot outweigh financial reality. A home should bring comfort, not fear.

The Father Son Conflict

In many Indian households, financial decisions are still influenced by elders. Some parents believe children must follow their advice without question. This creates conflict when children try to explain practical limitations. In this case, the father feels it is the right time to buy property. The son feels he is not ready. Instead of understanding the pressure, the father is using guilt by saying he invested in raising the child and now wants a return. This kind of emotional pressure can damage the relationship.

Affordable Housing Choices

If the family really wants property, there are better ways to handle it. They can look for a smaller flat or a property in a different area with a lower price. They can also wait a few years until the son grows in his career and earns a higher salary. Instead of jumping into a huge loan, they can start with long term financial planning. Saving for a higher down payment can reduce EMI stress. Renting is also a practical option in cities like Kolkata where rents are reasonable compared to big EMI amounts.

The Value Of Financial Independence

Every young worker wishes to build an independent life. Being forced into a heavy loan feels like losing control. Financial independence brings confidence. It helps a person make choices based on skill, passion and growth, not fear. A flat is a long term asset, but buying it at the wrong time can limit freedom. It is important for parents to understand the importance of letting children grow at their own pace.

How The Son Can Communicate Better

The son needs to calmly explain his situation to his father. He can present his take home salary, savings, future plans and job uncertainties. Showing the real numbers may help his father understand the burden. He should also talk about his long term goals. If he wants to study further, move for better opportunities or save for emergencies, he needs flexibility. Clear communication can reduce misunderstanding and avoid conflict.

Why Waiting May Be The Smartest Decision

Buying a home is not a race. It is a personal milestone. There is no rule that one must buy a flat at 26. Waiting for a few years can increase income, savings and confidence. With better financial strength, the EMI burden will not feel scary. The real estate market also offers many options over time. Making a rushed decision now could affect the next twenty years.