Heartbreaking Story of a Bengaluru Techie’s Workplace Burnout
A Bengaluru-based professional and former employee of Big Four firms KPMG and Deloitte shared a harrowing account of how extreme workplace pressure led to a complete physical and mental breakdown.
Her viral social media post has now reignited the global debate on “hustle culture.”
Her story serves as a stark warning about the hidden costs of corporate ambition in India’s high-octane tech and finance hubs.
A Body at Its Breaking Point
The employee, who spent years navigating the rigorous environments of KPMG and Deloitte, detailed a lifestyle defined by chronic overwork, irregular sleep, and the constant pursuit of performance metrics.
She revealed that the relentless “hustle” eventually caused her body to “give up,” manifesting in severe health complications.
In her poignant reflection, she asked the question that has since resonated with thousands: “What’s the point of success if I can’t even stand up to enjoy it?”
The Reality of the Big Four Workplace “Grind”
The post describes a culture where 14-hour workdays were normalized and “laptops were opened even during family emergencies.”
She noted that while the prestige and financial rewards of working for top-tier consultancy firms were attractive, the internal environment often prioritized billable hours over human well-being.
This testimony comes at a time of increased scrutiny for Big Four firms in India, following several high-profile incidents involving employee burnout and tragic health outcomes attributed to workplace stress.
The Shift Toward “Slow Living”
After her health crisis, the former consultant made the radical choice to exit the corporate treadmill.
She now advocates for “slow living” and setting non-negotiable boundaries.
Her story highlights a growing trend among India’s Gen Z and Millennial workforce—a rejection of the “70-hour work week” philosophy in favor of holistic health.
She emphasizes that professional achievements are hollow if they come at the expense of one’s permanent physical health.
The Workplace Wake-Up Call
Industry experts suggest that such viral testimonies are forcing a slow but necessary change in how HR departments approach mental health.
The post has garnered thousands of comments from fellow professionals sharing similar experiences of “silent burnout,” suggesting that the issues at KPMG and Deloitte may be systemic across the consulting industry.
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