The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
At just 21, Priya Verma balances the weight of financial struggles with the determination to support her family and pursue her dreams. Working at Cinepolis in Jaipur, she represents the resilience of many young women who step out of their comfort zones to build a life of independence and dignity. Her story is about sacrifice, responsibility, and quiet courage.
“Financial freedom is the key to living life on your own terms. Even if things don’t go as planned, never give up on yourself.”
Read her full story below. Profile by Paridhi Jain.
Paridhi: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Priya: My name is Priya Verma, I am 21 years old, and I currently work at the ticket counter in Cinepolis, Jaipur. I belong to a simple family from Jaipur itself.
Paridhi: What is your educational qualification?
Priya: I have completed my diploma in Polytechnic. I always wanted to study further, but due to financial circumstances, I had to stop my studies after graduation.
Paridhi: Tell me about your family.
Priya: We are five members in my family – my parents, my elder brother, my younger brother, and me. My father works in tiles and marble, and my mother is a homemaker. My elder brother and I are working, while my younger brother is still studying. We try to manage household expenses together.
Paridhi: What did you dream of becoming as a child?
Priya: My dreams were very big. I wanted to study hard and become a Collector. I believed I had the ability, but life didn’t go the way I thought.
Paridhi: What stopped you from pursuing that dream?
Priya: Financial struggles. My father had to take huge loans for our education. At one point, we were under so much debt that we even had to sell our ancestral land in the village. It was heartbreaking. That’s when I realized I had to step up and work to support my family instead of chasing my personal dreams.
Paridhi: Why did you choose this job at Cinepolis?
Priya: Earlier, I worked in Kishangarh, but my family lives here in Jaipur, and they wanted me closer to home. So I left that job and came here. Also, I cannot sit idle at home. I want to support my family, stand on my own feet, and contribute. I actually enjoy working – it gives me a sense of purpose.
Paridhi: How do you usually spend your day?
Priya: My day starts early. I wake up at 5 AM, make breakfast for my family, and leave home by 6:50 AM to reach work. I start my shift at 8 AM and work till 5 PM, sometimes till 6 or 7 if shifts extend. After coming back, I help a little at home, eat dinner, and sleep early because my routine is tight.
Paridhi: Do you get paid for working overtime?
Priya: Unfortunately, no. Even when we work beyond our shift, the salary doesn’t change.
Paridhi: How much do you earn per month?
Priya: My CTC is ₹13,000, but after deductions, I get ₹11,000 in hand. If I take even a single leave, ₹330 is cut from my salary. We also don’t get holidays on national holidays.
Paridhi: Do you ever face disrespect from customers?
Priya: Yes, many times. Some customers are sweet, but many lose patience during rush hours. They shout, get irritated, sometimes even insult us. In such moments, I stay calm and try to respond politely with love.
Paridhi: What motivates you to keep working despite all these challenges?
Priya: My family. They are my biggest motivation. When I see my father working so hard despite his age, I feel I must do my part too. And honestly, earning your own money gives a different kind of confidence.
Paridhi: What do you think is the biggest challenge for youth like you in today’s world?
Priya: For middle-class youth, financial freedom is the biggest challenge. We have dreams but not always the resources. Most of us are working to survive, not to live. That’s the harsh truth.
Paridhi: Have you ever thought of switching careers or upskilling yourself?
Priya: Yes, many times. I want to continue studying side by side with work, maybe do a professional course that can give me a better salary in the future. But managing time and money together is difficult.
Paridhi: If your life was a movie, what would it be?
Priya: Sanam Teri Kasam. I like that movie because it’s full of struggles, sacrifices, and emotions, something I relate to.
Paridhi: What’s one message you’d like to give to people reading your story?
Priya: Financial freedom is the solution to almost every problem. If you’re independent, you can make choices. I am the first girl in my family to step out of home and work in the city, and I’m proud of that. My only message is – don’t give up on yourself, even if life doesn’t go according to your plans.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from the youth of India. Follow us on social media for more updates.