Being in a managerial position often looks powerful from the outside, but in reality, it can be emotionally exhausting and isolating. Recently, on the subreddit Indian Workplace, an employee narrated how they once witnessed a manager quietly break down after a difficult meeting. The poster clarified that they themselves were not in a managerial role and did not feel any particular sympathy for such positions, but they were struck by the loneliness surrounding that moment.
Unlike team members or associates, who can vent to one another when the pressure builds, managers are not afforded the same outlet. The writer shared that they had seen a manager leave a meeting visibly shaken, struggling to contain their emotions at their desk. The individual tried to hide behind their work, acting as though nothing was wrong, yet everyone could tell they were holding back tears.
“Saw one such manager today… silently holding onto their tears and pretending to focus on their work, holding onto their emotions so everybody thinks, they’re not crying when everybody can clearly notice that…” read a comment.
The sad reality, the post implied, is that managers cannot openly share these struggles. If they confide in their teams, they risk ridicule. If they approach other managers, internal politics might betray their vulnerability. If they turn to higher leadership, they may face indifference or even the threat of being seen as incapable of handling responsibilities.
The post concluded with the stark thought that being a manager means constantly playing the villain, making unpopular choices to retain the job, while simultaneously having no one to rely on when things go wrong. Bad days are not just ignored but sometimes mocked, leaving managers trapped in an exhausting cycle.
Reddit users weighed in with their own insights. One comment suggested that if managers suffer this much, then senior leaders like VPs and directors must be even more ruthless, since the higher someone climbs in corporate hierarchy, the harsher their role seems to become. Another person shared personal experience from middle management, calling it the most challenging and thankless level. According to them, people in that position face pressure from every direction: subordinates venting frustrations and senior leaders offloading accountability. To survive, one often has to suppress empathy and act with cold detachment.
The commenter added that crying managers may also carry personal burdens, but the role itself is undeniably draining. They recalled moments of advocating for their team only to be abandoned later. Their advice was blunt: anyone skilled technically should avoid managerial roles unless prepared for mental strain and the need to appease higher-ups to stay afloat.
Warning Signs Of Workplace Burnout
Constant fatigue, even after rest
Loss of motivation and interest in tasks
Declining productivity and frequent mistakes
Irritability, mood swings, or detachment from colleagues
Frequent headaches, body aches, or digestive issues
Trouble sleeping or relying on stimulants to cope
Feeling undervalued or hopeless about work
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Avoiding responsibilities or procrastinating often
Reduced satisfaction in both personal and professional life