'Am I dying?': Bengaluru man works 16-hour days, hasn't taken a holiday in 2.5 years; netizens stunned

Bengaluru: A young professional from Bengaluru has sparked intense online discussion after sharing his harrowing experience with workplace burnout on Reddit. His post, which resonated with thousands of readers, offers a sobering glimpse into the dangerous reality of toxic work culture prevalent in many Indian corporations.

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Since joining his company in August 2022, the man has been trapped in a relentless cycle of overwork—routinely logging 14 to 16 hours daily for almost three years. The consequences have been severe and multifaceted. He reveals gaining 24 kilograms, developing irregular sleep patterns, and experiencing a steady decline in both mental and physical wellbeing.

"Despite being a dedicated employee who consistently meets deadlines and supports colleagues, I've paid an enormous personal price," he writes. His devastating admission—"Am I really dying?"—captures the existential crisis many overworked professionals face but rarely articulate.

The toll extends beyond his health. His personal life has virtually disappeared—no vacations in 2.5 years, not even a short trip to nearby Nandi Hills. His relationship, though still intact, has suffered significantly, with his girlfriend remaining one of the few positive influences in his increasingly isolated life.

Burnout has consumed him entirely. Weekends provide little relief, leave requests are frequently canceled, and work perpetually dominates his existence. Though financially compensated, he confesses his salary brings no joy. Perhaps most concerning is his admission that he lacks even the energy to search for alternative employment or take a much-needed break.

His story reflects a troubling pattern in urban India's corporate landscape, particularly in technology hubs like Bengaluru. The culture glorifies sacrifice and celebrates excessive hours while disregarding fundamental human needs for rest, connection, and balance. This system implicitly rewards output regardless of personal cost, creating environments where employees feel compelled to prioritize productivity over wellbeing.

Workplace wellness experts note that sustainable change requires both individual boundaries and institutional transformation. Companies must recognize that chronically exhausted employees ultimately become less productive, more error-prone, and more likely to leave.

"What we're seeing is not dedication but exploitation normalized as corporate culture," explains Dr. Meera Sharma, an occupational health specialist. "Organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing through reasonable hours, mandatory leave policies, and genuine work-life boundaries ultimately see better retention and productivity."

For individuals trapped in similar situations, experts recommend incremental steps: setting firm boundaries, seeking professional support, practicing intentional disconnection from work, and prioritizing physical health through proper nutrition and sleep hygiene.

The viral nature of this post demonstrates that many professionals recognize themselves in this story. Comments flooded in with similar experiences, suggesting a widespread cultural issue requiring systemic intervention.

As awareness grows about the dangers of burnout, progressive companies are implementing change—introducing mental health days, no-meeting periods, and strict policies against after-hours communication. The question remains whether these reforms will become standard practice or remain exceptions in India's competitive corporate landscape.

For now, the Bengaluru professional's courageous sharing has validated countless others' experiences and perhaps sparked the beginning of a much-needed conversation about sustainable work practices in modern India.