A Reddit post by a 36-year-old NRI software engineer has struck a chord online, highlighting not just career burnout but deep emotional exhaustion.
The engineer, working at a Fortune 50 tech company in the United States, shared that he is seriously considering resigning and returning to India as he struggles with stress, loneliness, and declining mental health. He revealed that he is currently on blood pressure medication and antidepressants, and described his daily anxiety in stark terms, saying he often fears “ending up having a stroke” when starting work each morning.
Interestingly, he also shared a personal coping habit—going to movie theatres alone on weekends, not for the films, but simply to be around people for a few hours, underscoring the extent of his isolation.
His professional journey began in 2013 when he moved to the US for higher studies, which took several years to complete. After securing a role, he has remained in the same organisation for around seven years, working primarily in front-end development. However, he now worries that this specialization could make him vulnerable amid growing AI-driven automation and recent layoffs in the tech sector.
He also described his workplace as increasingly stressful, citing intense pressure, internal politics, and a demanding shift toward AI-focused output. While a transfer to the company’s India office is technically possible, he said it is uncertain and could involve similar or worse work conditions, including long, late-night work hours.
More than career uncertainty, the post reflects a deeper emotional strain. The engineer shared that he has largely lived alone since his academic years, first in India and later in the US, which has compounded his sense of isolation.
Despite the challenges, he noted that he has financial stability, supportive parents, and no major debts. He is open to taking a lower-paying job in India if it offers better work-life balance and is even considering an MBA to pivot away from technology. His only concern, he admitted, is age and whether he would still find suitable opportunities back home.
The post sparked a wide range of responses on Reddit. Some encouraged him to prioritise health and consider returning, suggesting exercise, a slower-paced job, and reduced stress. Others shared similar experiences of toxic work environments and planned relocations. A few advised caution, urging him to stabilise his career before making a major move, while focusing on fitness, social life, and job-switching opportunities.
The discussion ultimately reflects a broader reality many professionals face today—where career success, mental health, and loneliness increasingly collide in the high-pressure tech world.
Recent Random Post:
