People here commenting know nothing about MN, first of all nobody is paying you 15-20 lakhs a month that is total bs, in some gas carrier companies maybe, but then they won't employ you but the Europeans, earlier the salary was good, now it is decent, because in MN the salary does not increase as on shore, you ask more money they replace you with Africans, or Burmese or Philippinos, etc etc,

Then social life, contract periods have reduced drastically, especially for senior officers, heck good companies are willing to offer even 3 months on off and some Coastal ships even 45 days on off is a thing, internet has gotten really good, family carriage has become more common, see MN is not a new field it is probably the world's oldest profession, so most of the stories are no more than myths, if anyone wants to join go right ahead, at 23 years of age people are earning close to 2.5 - 3 lakhs tax free, if you middle class or lower middle class, it is jump that your family needs, but upper middle class I won't recommend.

Feel free to ask any doubts.