A young software engineer working at a major tech company in Delhi NCR recently took to Reddit to share the toll his job has taken on his mental health.
Severe Pressure and No Relief
He said, “Since the day I started, I’ve been struggling with severe anxiety. A year in, it has worsened — I now face frequent headaches, mental breakdowns, and constant burnout at a young age. The work pressure is extreme; we often have to work long hours even on major Indian festivals due to business needs. Sick leave usually just means ‘work from home while sick.’ There is no hybrid policy — it’s five days a week in a highly toxic environment.”
“This post is not about salary discussion, it’s about how I want my present and future to turn out to be,” he wrote.
While he has been actively applying for other jobs on LinkedIn, the tough market conditions and his unwillingness to relocate outside NCR have limited his opportunities.
Reddit Weighs In on Career vs. Mental Health
The dilemma he faces is whether to continue in the role to gain more experience or to quit now and focus on his mental health, even if it means taking a break without another offer lined up. His post drew responses from several Reddit users who shared practical advice.
One user said, “Yes, this is not a good time to quit given the market. But it is possible for the OP to push through simply by not taking as much stress, giving priority to his health, maintaining work-life balance, and doing the bare minimum required to hold the job, at least until the market gets better. Meanwhile, OP can also continue to apply on the side. Better to have good health and a slightly insecure job than no health and subsequently no job.”
Another added, “Give up on that high salary maybe, and settle even if lower than the current salary (not too low). But if you continue searching for a job with a higher or equal salary to now, that too in NCR, it may take longer. So if you want mental peace, just leave this and get work even if someone pays less. Good luck.”
The discussion highlights the growing struggle of young tech professionals in India’s leading IT hubs, where attractive salaries are often offset by intense workplace stress and health concerns.