Indians rank happiness over paychecks while defining success

For an average Indian adult, happiness and health are more important than any other thing including money. According to a survey by professional networking website LinkedIn about 72 percent of Indians choose happiness as their definition of being successful. For others, good health (65 percent) and a healthy work-life balance (57 percent) were also seen as important indicators of success.

The survey found only 22 percent attributing success to a rise in the pay check and 36 percent defined success in terms of earning a six-figure salary. As per the survey, Indian professionals ranked third in feeling successful, just below UAE and Brazil.

About 30 percent of Indians think achieving social success is more important than professional success, which is higher than the global average of 22 percent. In addition, around  63 percent Indians believe success means different things to different people, and 49 percent Indians feel that success comprises both, having a balanced outlook between short-term and long-term wins.

Deepa Sapatnekar, Head of Communications for India, LinkedIn, said, "The growing optimism in India’s macroeconomic environment shines through in the confidence Indian professionals feel towards achieving success. While success means many different things to different people, it is heartening to see indicators like work-life balance, family time and health taking precedence over a six-figure salary. "

As per the survey, Indians do take education very seriously. About 79 percent Indians feel that education plays a positive role in achieving success. The other factors which are responsible for achieving success are age(61 percent), gender(56 percent), and career they have chosen(68 percent). Despite the competition in the job economy and rising inflation, one in 10 Indians feels optimistic about achieving success within one year, which is double the global average number.

LinkedIn surveyed 18,191 adult individuals across 16 countries. The survey was carried out online by international research firm YouGov and the fieldwork was undertaken between October 12 to November 3, 2017.