A Hyderabad-based techie has thanked her 9 to 5 tech job for giving her the financial independence to buy her dream car — a Mini Cooper. Niharika Nayak shared an Instagram video that shows her receiving delivery of the iconic vehicle. In a conversation with HT.com, she also opened up about her job, salary and her dream of purchasing a Mini Cooper.
A middle class upbringing
Niharika is currently working as the head of quality assurance at a mid-sized technology consultancy firm in Hyderabad. She lives with her husband and young son in Hyderabad.
The 39-year-old told HT.com that she had a “very normal, middle class” childhood in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. After graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information Technology in the year 2008, she worked at a series of companies.
“When I graduated, there was actually some stigma around IT jobs. The IT sector was going up and down at the time, it wasn’t very stable,” said Niharika. “But I chose that field, and I have been in it for 16 years”.
Salary and expenses
Choosing the IT sector was a bet that seems to have paid off for Niharika. Over the last 16 years, she has climbed the corporate ladder while switching several jobs for professional growth. She currently has a leadership position where she draws a high salary.
Niharika says her reason for switching jobs was not just to get a better salary. “I have been working hard. I am the kind of person who always wants to be at the top of whatever they do.”
For the last six years, Niharika has been working for a tech consulting firm. She refused to divulge her exact salary but confirmed that she earns above ₹45 lakh per annum. Her husband, too, works in the IT sector and draws a similar salary.
As a couple, they divide their expenses. However, buying the Mini Cooper was Niharika’s dream.
A symbol of financial freedom
Niharika told HT.com that the on-road price of the Mini Cooper S is ₹65 lakh in Hyderabad. She bought the car in January 2025 on a loan. For the next five years, she has to pay an EMI of roughly ₹85,000 – 90,000 per month.
“To the world, it might look like you know it’s a luxury purchase, but for me, it’s a kind of symbol of my journey,” the techie told HT.com
“I am constantly trying to improve myself. I work hard at my job, I run my household. I have a young boy and we also have two cats.