Indian man shares the biggest reality check about living in New York after 10 years
Kunal Dutt shared a conversation with an Indian man who has lived in New York for 10 years. The exchange framed the city as full of opportunity but unforgiving without confidence, resilience and social ease.
New York City may be known as the city where dreams are made, but according to an Indian man who has spent a decade living there, success comes at a price.
In a conversation with Indian traveller and content creator Kunal Dutt, the resident reflected on the realities of building a life in one of the world's most competitive cities, offering lessons on resilience, confidence and staying true to oneself.
The conversation, shared by Dutt on social media, explored what it takes not just to succeed in New York, but to survive its relentless pace. The resident explained that while the city is full of opportunities, it also demands persistence, adaptability and the confidence to seize them.
During the interaction, Dutt asked whether people who struggle to match New York's energy often end up feeling lonely or overwhelmed. The resident agreed, saying the city can be particularly difficult for those who constantly doubt themselves or hesitate to put themselves out there.
Summarising the conversation in the caption, Dutt wrote that one of the biggest lessons was the importance of being "opportunistic" and learning how to build relationships quickly.
"You need to be very opportunistic... learn how to make friends and connections because one right impression can change the whole trajectory of your life," he wrote.
He also described New York as "a land of opportunity," adding that people need to stay alert because opportunities often appear unexpectedly and may not come twice.
Another key takeaway was the need to silence self-doubt. According to Dutt's summary, the resident advised against speaking negatively about oneself, whether while searching for a job or trying to make new friends.
Watch the video here:
The conversation also highlighted the value of embracing diversity. "Become a person who can easily talk to any nationality," the post read, suggesting that interacting with people from different backgrounds broadens perspectives and helps people understand human nature better.
Finally, the resident stressed the importance of holding on to one's passion, especially during difficult phases. "Don't ever forget your passion when times are bad," Dutt quoted him as saying. "It is the main thing that will keep the real you alive."
The video has resonated with many social media users, particularly young professionals and students, who said the advice reflected the realities of navigating life in a fast-paced global city while trying to stay grounded.
New York City may be known as the city where dreams are made, but according to an Indian man who has spent a decade living there, success comes at a price.
In a conversation with Indian traveller and content creator Kunal Dutt, the resident reflected on the realities of building a life in one of the world's most competitive cities, offering lessons on resilience, confidence and staying true to oneself.
The conversation, shared by Dutt on social media, explored what it takes not just to succeed in New York, but to survive its relentless pace. The resident explained that while the city is full of opportunities, it also demands persistence, adaptability and the confidence to seize them.
During the interaction, Dutt asked whether people who struggle to match New York's energy often end up feeling lonely or overwhelmed. The resident agreed, saying the city can be particularly difficult for those who constantly doubt themselves or hesitate to put themselves out there.
Summarising the conversation in the caption, Dutt wrote that one of the biggest lessons was the importance of being "opportunistic" and learning how to build relationships quickly.
"You need to be very opportunistic... learn how to make friends and connections because one right impression can change the whole trajectory of your life," he wrote.
He also described New York as "a land of opportunity," adding that people need to stay alert because opportunities often appear unexpectedly and may not come twice.
Another key takeaway was the need to silence self-doubt. According to Dutt's summary, the resident advised against speaking negatively about oneself, whether while searching for a job or trying to make new friends.
Watch the video here:
The conversation also highlighted the value of embracing diversity. "Become a person who can easily talk to any nationality," the post read, suggesting that interacting with people from different backgrounds broadens perspectives and helps people understand human nature better.
Finally, the resident stressed the importance of holding on to one's passion, especially during difficult phases. "Don't ever forget your passion when times are bad," Dutt quoted him as saying. "It is the main thing that will keep the real you alive."
The video has resonated with many social media users, particularly young professionals and students, who said the advice reflected the realities of navigating life in a fast-paced global city while trying to stay grounded.
