‘I’m mentally exhausted’: Civil engineer’s viral post on 6-day work weeks sparks debate on work-life balance in India
For many young graduates, getting a job after college is supposed to mark the beginning of financial independence and career growth. But for a 25-year-old civil engineer from Hyderabad, it has become a story of relentless work schedules, limited personal time and mounting frustration. Her candid Reddit post about working six days a week has struck a chord with thousands of professionals facing similar challenges.The engineer, who graduated in 2023 from IIIT Nuzvid, shared that despite having three years of experience, she still works six days a week with little time for herself or her family. Her emotional post has now sparked a wider conversation online about work-life balance, employee welfare, salaries, labor laws and whether India’s infrastructure and engineering sectors need urgent workplace reforms.
“Sundays are just for recovery” – a routine many could relate to
In his post, the engineer described a routine that many professionals found painfully familiar. She wrote that after coming home from work every day, she barely has the energy to do the housework or spend quality time with her family. Sundays, instead of offering rest or recreation, are spent recovering from the exhaustion of the previous six days before another work week begins.He also revealed that he currently earns Rs 23,000 per month after joining the company at Rs 20,000 in 2023, receiving annual increments of just Rs 1,000. According to her, a large part of her salary goes towards rent, maintaining her family and travel expenses, leaving almost nothing for savings.What disappointed many readers was not just the long working hours, but the feeling that employees often have little choice. The engineer mentioned that despite looking for alternative jobs, several companies in the sector continue to offer six-day work weeks, making it difficult to find a better work-life balance without changing industries entirely.
IIIT graduate’s Reddit post highlights work-life balance challenges for young professionals in India
Internet users say the problem goes beyond one company
The Reddit discussion quickly expanded beyond one employee’s experience. Many users who work in civil engineering, construction, sales and even IT said they could relate to the struggle of six-day work weeks and long hours.Some professionals stated that site-based infrastructure work often demands physically demanding hours, while others noted that design and consulting roles, particularly in multinational companies serving overseas clients, generally offer five-day work weeks and comparatively healthier work cultures.Several commenters argued that the issue reflects broader concerns about labor practices in certain sectors. Discussions also covered employee welfare, overtime policies, workplace safety and limited enforcement of work-life balance rules. Some users encouraged the engineer to explore opportunities in consulting firms, multinational organizations or foreign markets where working conditions may be more structured.Others, however, noted that changing jobs is easier said than done. Long notice periods, limited openings and financial responsibilities often prevent employees from making quick career moves, even when they are unhappy with their current jobs.
A conversation that resonates beyond engineering
The viral discussion has once again highlighted how conversations about work-life balance are becoming increasingly important for India’s young workforce. While many professionals recognize that demanding jobs are sometimes unavoidable, they also believe that constant long work weeks, limited personal time and stagnant pay can affect both productivity and mental well-being.The post has resonated not only with civil engineers, but also with employees in all industries who say they often struggle to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life commitments. As more people openly share their experiences on social media, workplace expectations and employee wellness are becoming part of a much larger national conversation.Whether this growing public discussion eventually leads to policy changes or changes in workplace culture remains to be seen. For now, the engineer’s candid post serves as a reminder that behind every infrastructure project, office building, or development site are professionals hoping not only for career growth, but also the time and energy to enjoy life beyond work.Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral discussion on social media and reflects the claims, experiences and opinions shared by users online. TOI Education has not independently verified the statements made in the original post or comments. Readers are advised to treat social media content as anecdotal and not as conclusive evidence of the employment practices of any organization or industry.
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