A short Instagram video has quickly sparked conversations around burnout and long working hours, after an Indian professional in Singapore shared how asking for leave felt completely different once he moved abroad. His post came at a time when many young professionals are openly discussing rigid expectations around availability, and the clip is now being cited as another example of how work culture is being debated online.
Aman explains the contrast in his own words
The employee, identified as Aman, recorded clips from his workplace in Singapore while reflecting on how he used to request leave in India. In his video, he said:
“India mai leave maangne ke liye humein beg karna padta tha, sir tabiyat kharab hai, sir family emergency, we had to invent tragedy just to get a Friday leave. Here in Singapore, I do not ask, I just inform. Shaam 6 baje baad mera phone mera hai, boss ka nahi, no calls, no guilt, just life. Agar tum 8 baje ke baad office me baith kar hard work kar rahe ho toh tum hard working nahi, tum bas exploited ho yaar.”
The post highlighted how personal time and after-office hours are treated differently in the two countries.
Moving abroad changed his approach
Aman added in his caption that relocating to Singapore reshaped his perspective on time off. He wrote:
“The biggest mindset shift I had moving to Singapore. Stop justifying your time off. In toxic cultures, you feel the need to explain why you aren’t working. You overshare details, hoping for sympathy or approval.”
His message emphasized that he no longer feels pressured to justify personal leave.
Comment section reflects ongoing concerns
Once the video circulated online, viewers shared similar experiences. One comment read, “Hope GenZ change this in India,” while another said, “I also want this kind of work culture.” A user added, “As an Indian, I completely relate with Indian toxic work culture,” and another wrote, “You are doing your dream job.” Responses ranged from admiration, “This is so cool,” to envy, “I am jealous of you, bro.”
The reactions under the video highlighted how relatable the issue is for many, making Aman’s post part of a broader, ongoing discussion about work culture online.