‘Stuck In Toxic Work Culture’: Bengaluru Man Opens Up On 16 Hours Of Work That Forced Him To Sleep At 2 AM And Gain 24 Kg Since 2022

A Reddit post titled “Am I really dying?” has gained attention. It was shared by a Bengaluru-based corporate employee who opened up about the harsh reality of toxic work culture and its impact on his health and personal life.

In his post, the man only identified as user ‘just_ibu_reads’) expressed being trapped in a demanding job that forced him to dedicate 14 to 16 hours of his day, leaving him with little to no time for himself. Since joining in August 2022, he revealed he his sleep cycle was in shambles and he had gained 24 kg due to his poor lifestyle patterns.

He shared going to bed as late as 2 AM, only to be back at work by 9 AM. “I work most weekends, cancel my leaves, and always put work first”, he posted.

Take a look at the Reddit post below

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Calling himself a “corporate slave”, he called out the toxic grind he’s been caught in for nearly three years.

"Like most of you, I am also a corporate slave in India, stuck in a toxic work culture since the beginning of my career", the post opened.

He did everyone from meeting deadlines, helping colleagues, and even sacrificing his personal life for work assignments, only to admit feeling completely drained.

He pointed out he hadn't been on a proper vacation since he joined this unidentified company, not even a short trip to Nandi Hills, which is a common hangout or weekend getaway spot for the people of Bengaluru.

While the authenticity of the post is questionable, it also threw light on his relationships. “I’ve neglected my girlfriend terribly, though she’s the only consistent, positive thing I have in my life,” he wrote. “My mother constantly worries and tells me I’m draining myself”, he added.

Though the job pays, he ends the post with a sobering truth: “I don’t feel any happiness when I look back.” He accepted that he wasn’t building a balanced career but becoming an “ideal corporate slave”.

Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 02:17 PM IST