The Spoiled Rich Kid Phenomenon: A Personal Journey Through Ambition and Reality

Do you remember the most spoiled rich kid you've met? They might surprise you with their questionable actions and attitudes. In this article, I'll be sharing my own experience growing up and how the term 'spoiled rich kid' applies to me, while also shedding light on the realities of ambition and lifestyle differences.

Stealing and Ignoring Consequences

Back in school, I had a friend who was incredibly spoiled. He had a father who was so wealthy that he wouldn't have to worry about money for his entire life. Despite his privilege, this friend engaged in some truly cheap and irresponsible behavior. He would steal food items from a shopkeeper without informing anyone, accumulating around 5,000 rupees in debts.

During a conversation, he proudly told me about his actions and how he never planned to pay back the shopkeeper. When I asked him why, his response was simple and arrogant: 'Why would I? Are you mad?'

This friend wasn't alone in his behavior; many of his friends from rich families also engaged in similar questionable activities. It was quite a sight to see how sugar-riddled they were and how they refused to take responsibility for their actions.

The Consequences of Unchecked Privilege

After hearing about his actions, I couldn't help but distance myself from him. I knew many students from my school who belonged to rich families, and around 60 of them were behaviorally questionable, with only 5 to 10 being worth hanging out with. Eventually, this friend was caught red-handed by a shopkeeper, adding another stain to his already flawed character.

My Background and Values

Although my family was wealthy, we never flaunted our wealth. We embraced a simple lifestyle that we found deeply fulfilling. Despite my wealthier classmates having better cricket equipment and other accessories, I grew up without any materialistic possessions. Festivals and village life were my true loves, and I was perfectly content with the simpler life.

My family was proud of my attitude and ability to adapt to different situations without complaint. However, the day came when my mother labeled me as a 'spoiled rich kid.' This phrase, 'pagal h kya mein kyu du be,' resonated with me, making me introspect on my values and lifestyle.

Aspirations and Career Path

My dream was to join the Indian Army as an officer through the NDA (National Defense Academy). The NDA is an incredibly prestigious institution, and I was eager to serve in a career that required both strength and discipline. When my parents suggested that I go to the USA, I firmly told them that I had cleared the NDA written and SSB (Service Selection Board) exams and would join the academy.

Initially, my father supported this decision, knowing the value of NDA and the challenging but rewarding life in the Indian Army. However, my mother and other family members were furious. My mother sarcastically remarked, 'You spoiled rich kid. Your father has a lot of wealth, and you'll inherit it after we die.' These words hurt me deeply.

nDA and the Unexpected Twist

After one year at NDA, a medical issue was detected, and I was withdrawn from the academy. This was a significant setback, but I remained determined. I worked hard and joined a reputed university, eventually going to the USA for an MS (Master of Science), and then worked there for a year. I moved to the UK for five years before returning to India.

However, in my family, joining the army is seen as a sign of being a spoiled kid. This phenomenon is not unique to my family; many rich kids share similar stories and attitudes.