In today’s world, where social media and peer pressure often dictate the standards of success, it’s not uncommon for people to share exaggerated or even completely false claims about their earnings, especially when it comes to international students working part-time while studying abroad. Recently, I came across a claim from a fellow student who, despite working as a waiter in a restaurant in the U.S., allegedly earns ₹4 lakhs a month (around $4,800/month). As someone who lived through a similar experience, I felt compelled to address these kinds of claims and shed some light on the reality of student earnings abroad.
The Reality of Student Work Abroad
I’ve been in the UK for about five years now, studying and working part-time to support myself. During my student days, I followed the rules and worked 20 hours per week (the legal limit for international students). My monthly earnings were around £1,000, which was typical for a student working in retail or hospitality.
This is an important point to note: international students are usually allowed to work only limited hours. In the UK, the typical minimum wage is around £8-£10/hour, depending on the type of work. When you calculate it out, even with a high hourly rate and full part-time hours, a student can realistically expect to earn roughly £1,000-£1,500/month.
Now, contrast this with the claim of earning ₹4 lakhs/month while working as a waiter in the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at whether this is even possible, and why people make such claims.
Can a Student Really Earn ₹4 Lakhs/Month?
1. Part-Time Jobs and Legal Restrictions
In the U.S., international students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and full-time during breaks. For a student to earn ₹4 lakhs/month, their income would need to be around $4,800/month. This translates to roughly $1,200 per week or $15/hour if working full-time during the term.
Now, is that possible for a part-time worker in a restaurant, like a waiter?
The U.S. minimum wage for tipped workers (like waiters) is lower than the standard wage—often around $2.13/hour. Even with tips, the total earnings typically don’t come close to ₹4 lakhs/month. Some cities may have higher wages, but most students working in restaurants earn far less than the claimed amount. Unless they are working in a high-end restaurant or somehow receiving an extraordinary amount of tips, this claim seems highly inflated.
2. Exaggeration and Lying
It’s common for some individuals to exaggerate their income or even lie about it, often to impress peers or fit in with societal expectations. When students share such inflated earnings, it can create pressure for others to do the same—leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy. The reality is that many of these claims are grossly exaggerated or misleading. People may count pre-tax earnings, family support, or mix other sources of income to make their claims sound more impressive.
In this case, it’s very likely that the person is either lying about their earnings or misrepresenting their financial situation. The numbers they are quoting simply don’t add up with the typical wage structure for student jobs.
Why Do People Make These Claims?
So, why do some people feel the need to make such unrealistic claims about their earnings? There could be several reasons behind this:
1. Social Pressure and Competition
In the age of social media, there is a constant pressure to appear successful and financially independent. Many international students face stress from friends and family back home who expect them to be doing well. This creates a culture of competition, where some individuals might exaggerate their earnings to project an image of success, even if it’s not true.
2. Fear of Judgment
Often, students fear being judged for not making enough money, especially if they are living on a tight budget and working long hours to cover basic living expenses. They might feel embarrassed to admit that they are struggling financially, so they fabricate stories of financial abundance to avoid this judgment.
3. Creating False Standards
By making these exaggerated claims, some individuals may feel a false sense of superiority. This can be especially harmful for younger or less experienced students who may look up to these claims as standards of success, not realizing that they are built on lies or manipulations.
Why Should We Be Cautious About These Claims?
It’s important to approach such claims with skepticism. The fact is, most international students cannot legally earn the kind of money being claimed by some individuals. Falling into the trap of believing these exaggerated stories can lead to unrealistic expectations and stress about your own financial situation.
Furthermore, if these claims involve illegitimate income sources (such as working illegally or in cash-in-hand jobs), it can put individuals at serious risk of deportation or losing their visa status. For example, exceeding the allowed working hours or accepting unreported jobs can lead to severe consequences that could ruin a student’s future prospects.
Conclusion: Let’s Keep It Real
It’s crucial to be realistic about the earning potential for international students. While it’s possible to make extra money through part-time work, freelancing, or investments, most students cannot earn ₹4 lakhs/month legally, especially in the U.S. or the UK. If someone is making such claims, it’s worth questioning the source of that income and the accuracy of their statements.
Instead of comparing yourself to others and stressing about unrealistic income levels, focus on your own journey. Financial success takes time, effort, and patience. Being honest with yourself about your earnings and financial situation will not only keep you grounded but also protect you from falling into traps set by those who create false standards of success.
If you’re feeling pressured by such claims, remember this: your value is not defined by how much money you make but by your skills, experiences, and personal growth.
Stay true to yourself, and keep your eyes on the long-term goal. Financial stability, career success, and personal well-being come with time and consistency, not by trying to live up to the myths created by others.
What do you think about exaggerated income claims? Have you experienced similar situations during your time abroad? Let me know in the comments!
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