Faces of Success:

What does success mean to you? 

Wait, before you answer, ask yourself this: are you a boomer, a millennial, or one of those Gen Z cool kids who claim to "romanticise life" while sipping overpriced coffee?

Because if there’s one thing we Indians have mastered—besides cricket, jugaad, and dramatic family WhatsApp groups—it’s the art of redefining success every generation.

Spoiler alert: none of us can agree.

Let’s rewind to our grandparents’ era. 

For them, success was as simple as "secure a government job, get married by 25, and building a house big enough for the entire extended family." Stability is king.

The idea of job-hopping or "following your passion" was as foreign as avocado toast. They believed in saving every paisa, frowning upon any "unnecessary" expense, including travel or hobbies.

Enter the millennials

who grew up amidst rising globalization, the IT boom, and Shah Rukh Khan redefining love in Bollywood. For us (yes, us!), success shifted to acquiring degrees, working in multinational companies, and buying that elusive 3BHK apartment in a gated society. Our mantra? Hustle till you drop. 

let’s talk about Gen Z

the disruptors, the dreamers, the ones who believe in "quiet quitting" and becoming influencers overnight. Success for them isn’t measured in paychecks or possessions but in "aesthetic life experiences."

They want jobs with purpose, work-life balance, and enough time to hit Goa twice a year (if it’s not canceled). Their mantra? Work smarter, not harder. Oh, and they have zero guilt about spending on self-care, be it yoga retreats or a subscription to the latest meditation app.

But let’s not forget the great Indian family drama that plays out across generations. Try explaining to your grandparents why you quit a cushy corporate job to become a stand-up comedian or a YouTuber, and you’ll witness their soul leave their body. Or tell your parents you want to "travel the world for inspiration," and they’ll look at you like you’ve committed treason.

Despite our differences, there’s one thing that unites us: the hustle. Whether it’s grinding 9 to 5, creating content, or building start-ups, we’re all chasing our dreams in our own chaotic, Indian way. Sure, our definitions of success may vary, but isn’t that the beauty of it?

So, whether you’re a boomer reminiscing about the good old days, a millennial juggling side gigs, or a Gen Z curating your Instagram grid, remember this: