Hyderabad, June 30: A 25-year-old civil engineer from Hyderabad has sparked a nationwide debate on work-life balance through a heartfelt post on Reddit. Employed at a major construction company for the past three years, she expressed her frustrations regarding her stagnant salary and the overwhelming demands of her job. Despite her annual increment of just ₹1,000, her current salary stands at ₹23,000.
Her post has resonated with many, shedding light on issues such as long working hours, low pay, and the mental fatigue faced by employees across various sectors. The engineer highlighted the challenges of balancing a demanding job with personal life, stating that after working six days a week, she often lacks the energy to engage in household chores or spend quality time with family.
Having graduated with a B.Tech from IIIT Nuzvid in 2023, she is grateful for her job but feels exhausted by the extended work hours. She revealed that her monthly expenses include ₹8,000 for rent and ₹10,000 sent home, leaving little for savings. Despite seeking new job opportunities, she found similar conditions in other companies, indicating that the six-day workweek is a common practice in the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors.
The engineer’s candid remarks have led to a broader discussion on social media, with many professionals from construction, sales, IT, and other fields sharing their own experiences of work-related stress. While some noted that jobs in design and consulting firms often offer better work-life balance, the pressure in infrastructure roles remains significant.
This conversation highlights the urgent need for changes in workplace culture to support employees’ mental health and overall well-being.