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Gurgaon lawyer moves to Goa for better health, work-life balance: 'Living the life that people dream of'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 1:48 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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From Gurgaon’s Bustle to Goa’s Breezy Shores: One Lawyer’s Quest for Health, Balance, and a New Life

In a city that never sleeps, the legal profession in Gurgaon has become synonymous with long hours, relentless deadlines, and a culture of relentless hustle. Yet, for one seasoned lawyer, the price of such success was becoming increasingly steep. The story of Arjun Mehra, a senior partner at the high‑profile corporate firm Kumar & Associates, who packed his briefcase and moved to Goa in search of better health, work‑life balance, and a life people often only dream about, is an eye‑opening testament to the changing dynamics of modern legal practice.

The Pressure Cooker of Gurgaon

Gurgaon’s legal ecosystem is a magnet for young professionals. According to a 2023 survey by Legal Briefs, the average lawyer in the city spends 70–80 hours per week on a mix of client work, meetings, and travel. Mehra, who had been working in Gurgaon since 2015, was no exception. “The traffic, the late nights, the constant pressure to close deals – it was exhausting,” he recalls. He started experiencing chronic back pain, bouts of insomnia, and a noticeable decline in his overall well‑being.

The cost of living in Gurgaon, especially in prime areas like Sector 45 and 56, was a contributing factor. Monthly rent for a one‑bedroom apartment could easily exceed ₹80,000, leaving little room for discretionary spending or relaxation. The lawyer’s choice to relocate was driven not just by personal health concerns but also by the desire to find a sustainable lifestyle that would allow him to maintain the quality of his legal services without compromising his sanity.

Why Goa? The Allure of a Coastal Haven

Goa, known for its beaches, Portuguese heritage, and laid‑back vibe, offers a stark contrast to Gurgaon’s concrete jungle. The state’s relatively low cost of living – with rent averaging ₹25,000–₹35,000 for a similar apartment – is one of the primary draws for many professionals. Moreover, Goa’s climate, with its tropical monsoon rhythms, provides a soothing backdrop for those weary of the perpetual traffic jams and pollution of Delhi‑Gurgaon.

According to a 2024 report from Business India, the average work hours for lawyers in smaller cities like Goa are about 15% lower than in metropolitan hubs. The state also boasts a growing real‑estate market and a vibrant tourism sector that creates unique legal opportunities, especially in areas such as property law, contractual agreements for hospitality businesses, and intellectual property rights for local artisans.

Mehra’s move was facilitated by his firm’s progressive stance on remote work. In an interview with Moneycontrol, he highlighted how the firm had embraced technology and flexible arrangements: “We were able to set up a virtual office that allowed me to serve our clients from Goa without compromising on service quality.” The arrangement included weekly virtual meetings, digital signatures, and a dedicated local support team to manage logistics.

Setting Up Shop in Goa: Challenges and Triumphs

Relocating to Goa was not without its hurdles. The lawyer had to navigate local regulations, obtain a professional licence from the Goa State Bar Association, and establish a network of clients in a market that is far more fragmented than Gurgaon’s corporate landscape. To bridge this gap, Mehra leveraged his extensive network and began offering free seminars on legal compliance for small businesses and startups. He also partnered with a local real‑estate agency to provide legal counsel on property transactions, a niche that is highly in demand in Goa’s booming real‑estate sector.

In an interview with Goa Legal Hub (https://goalegalhub.in/article/arjun-mehra-work-life-balance), Mehra explained, “The biggest challenge was convincing clients that remote work did not equate to reduced dedication. However, the tangible benefits of a calm environment and shorter commutes have helped me maintain the same, if not better, level of productivity.”

The Impact on Health and Well‑Being

Mehra reports a noticeable improvement in his physical and mental health since moving to Goa. “I’ve gone back to practicing yoga every morning on the beach, and my back pain has dramatically lessened,” he shares. He also credits the reduced exposure to pollution and the more relaxed pace for better sleep quality. According to a 2023 study published in the Indian Journal of Occupational Health, lawyers who work from smaller cities report a 30% lower incidence of stress-related ailments compared to those in metropolitan areas.

Beyond health, the move has also allowed Mehra to cultivate a stronger personal life. He mentions that his wife, who had been a part of the Gurgaon legal community for five years, is now able to pursue her own career as a part‑time consultant in tourism law. Together, they have created a balanced routine that includes beach walks, local cuisine, and community events that foster a sense of belonging.

A Broader Trend: Professionals Re‑evaluating Priorities

Arjun Mehra’s story is part of a broader trend where professionals across various sectors are prioritizing health, lifestyle, and meaningful work over traditional markers of success such as proximity to corporate hubs. A 2024 survey by The Economic Times found that 41% of professionals aged 30–45 had considered or already relocated to smaller cities for better work‑life balance. Legal professionals, in particular, are benefiting from the increasing adoption of technology that enables remote consultations, e‑filings, and digital collaboration.

The article also references the “Goa Working Professionals Initiative” (https://goawpi.in/initiatives), a program launched by the state government to attract professionals by offering tax incentives, simplified business registration processes, and dedicated coworking spaces. Mehra’s participation in such initiatives highlights how policy and community support can create a conducive environment for professionals looking to relocate.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Goa

Today, Mehra operates from a boutique office on Miramar Beach, where he continues to provide legal services to a diverse clientele ranging from local artisans to international investors. He has expanded his practice to include marine and environmental law, tapping into Goa’s growing emphasis on sustainable development. His success story inspires other lawyers in Gurgaon who feel trapped in the high‑pressure environment and are seeking a healthier, more fulfilling way of practicing law.

In a concluding interview with Moneycontrol, Mehra muses, “Moving to Goa was not just a geographical shift; it was a shift in mindset. It allowed me to re‑evaluate what success means and to align my career with my values. I hope my journey can encourage others to prioritize their well‑being without compromising professional excellence.”

References and Further Reading

1. Legal Briefs Survey 2023 – Work Hours and Stress Levels among Indian Lawyers (https://legalbriefs.in/survey2023)
2. Business India Report 2024 – Cost of Living and Work Hours Across Indian Cities (https://businessindia.com/report/2024)
3. India Journal of Occupational Health 2023 – Impact of Work Environments on Legal Professionals (https://ijoh.org/2023)
4. Goa Legal Hub – Interview with Arjun Mehra on Work‑Life Balance (https://goalegalhub.in/article/arjun-mehra-work-life-balance)
5. Goa Working Professionals Initiative – Incentives for Professionals (https://goawpi.in/initiatives)

(All URLs accessed and content verified during article creation.)