“I Have a Degree Too”: High-Rise Painter’s Salary Reveal Stuns Internet

A viral video featuring a high-rise painter working at great heights has captured widespread attention on social media, as he calmly reveals his monthly earnings of Rs 35,000 while defying common stereotypes about manual labor, education, and income. Shared by Instagram user Saniya Mirza, the conversation unfolds in Hindi during what appears to be a casual interaction with the painter, who remains focused on his task while secured by a safety harness.

The exchange begins lightly, with Mirza inquiring about potential back pain from the harness and jokingly suggesting he must earn a substantial amount. The painter responds that he feels no discomfort and earns Rs 35,000 per month from his painting job. When pressed further, he discloses that he holds a degree, countering assumptions that such physically demanding work is pursued only by those without formal education. He adds that his family includes a brother serving in the army and a sister in the Bihar Police, highlighting a background of public service alongside his own multifaceted livelihood.

Beyond his salaried work, the painter is actively involved in farming, particularly sugarcane cultivation. When asked if his agricultural income exceeds that of his siblings, he reveals earning approximately Rs 10 lakh annually from selling sugarcane. This additional revenue stream underscores how he has built financial stability through a combination of skilled labor and entrepreneurship in agriculture, challenging narrow views of success tied solely to white-collar professions or high-profile careers.

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Social media users have reacted with a mix of surprise, admiration, and reflection on the value of hard work and risk. Comments praised the painter's dedication, with one noting, "Everyone is just looking on pay, but no one is seeing his hard work and risk of life." Others emphasized the importance of not judging by appearances, describing him as a "perfect example of don't judge a book by its cover." Many highlighted the respectable earnings possible in skilled trades and farming, pointing out that professions like painting, carpentry, and small businesses often provide good income without the life risks of high-altitude work or the societal prestige of degrees alone.

The video serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse paths to financial independence in India, where practical skills, resilience, and side ventures like farming can lead to impressive outcomes. It has sparked broader discussions about dignity in labor, the true meaning of success, and the need to look beyond stereotypes when assessing people's achievements.

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