A Bengaluru man’s first job that he started his career with- allegedly in August 2022- ended up turning into a nightmare by the time he entered the year 2025- all because of continued ‘workplace toxicity and poor work life balance’. Taking to Reddit, the ‘exhausted’ employee narrated the ordeal that he has been facing over the past few years. The man claimed that he ended up gaining ‘24 kgs in just 2.5 years’, after working for ‘14 to 16 hours per day’. The man further stated that he hardly gets any sick leaves, along with managing ‘working weekends’. The Redditor also ranted about his sleeping schedule and how that too was affecting his health. The employee then turned to the internet, asking for suggestions on what to do, along with asking if ‘he was dying’.
The post, soon after getting shared, went viral and left people reacting. Most suggested the man to leave his job and take a break, while the rest asked him to prioritise his health. Times Now could not confirm the authenticity of the post.
“Am I really dying?” the post read.
“Like most of you, I am also a corporate slave in India, stuck in a toxic work culture since the beginning of my career. It’s been nearly three years now. Every day, I spend 14 to 16 hours working or doing work-related tasks. Since joining in August 2022, I’ve gained 24 kg. My sleep schedule is completely messed up—some nights I sleep at 2 AM, some at 11 PM, but I’m always in the office by 9 AM,” the post further read.
“My mother constantly worries and tells me I’m draining myself. I’ve always tried to be honest in my work—meeting deadlines, helping peers, and pushing my limits—often without prioritizing my own tasks. Looking back, I can say I’ve learned a lot, but the other side of the coin is painful: I have no personal life. I haven’t traveled anywhere in 2.5 years—not even to Nandi Hills, right here in Bangalore. I’ve neglected my girlfriend terribly, though she’s the only consistent, positive thing I have in my life,” the post continued.
“Now, I feel completely drained. I’m not building a balanced career—I’ve just become the ideal corporate slave. I work most weekends, cancel my leaves, and always put work first. In return, yes, I earn some money, but I don’t feel any happiness when I look back. I don’t have the time or energy to prepare for interviews or even to take a proper break. What should I do now? Am I really dying?” the post continued.
The post was shared on Reddit by the handle ‘just_ibu_reads’. The post was shared today and pulled many upvotes from people.
“U need a break. You honestly do. No change your job advice. You need a break. It’s the easiest and least stressful thing you can do. Depending on how much spare cash u have, ur break can be as simple as watch a movie with a fav drink or meet a long lost friend or visit family,” a user said.
“I have been in a similar situation 4 years back. After feeling exactly the same as you, I did ask for leaves which were rejected. And the same thing continued for 2 more months And I was exhausted. Felt like hell. Health was seriously upset And was on treatment for 2 weeks. Forced sick leave no one can deny,” added a second person.
“Plan a vacation with your fam or gf (or both?). Go to some beach resort and just chill, no walking around or exploring the city. Try getting out of the grind for a while and recharge yourself,” added a third person.