‘No Time To Breathe’: How A Gurugram Man’s Viral Post Exposed The Reality Of India’s Hustle Culture
A video shared by a Gurugram-based professional has gone viral for its raw portrayal of workplace burnout and the growing mental toll of corporate life in India’s cities. The clip, posted by Instagram user Director Dayal, has struck a deep chord with thousands online who see their own struggles mirrored in his exhaustion and honesty. Dayal’s words and visuals offer a sobering reminder of the fine line between ambition and burnout — a dilemma faced by countless urban professionals today.
His appeal, however, isn’t one of complaint but of longing for empathy. Addressing three groups — his boss, his family, and his partner — Dayal urges understanding rather than sympathy. To his employer, he says he seeks no promotion or extra pay, only mental relief. To his family, he asks patience when he misses calls due to overwhelming workloads. And to his partner, he confesses that his efforts are rooted in love, even as they cost him his well-being.
His story underscores the reality faced by a growing number of professionals: rising living costs, shrinking leisure time, and the mental fatigue that comes with trying to keep up. The emotional honesty of the clip has made it a touchpoint for a broader conversation about the lack of balance in India’s white-collar work culture.
Others, however, offered a contrasting view, urging self-discipline rather than blaming workplace structures. “Let’s not call our lack of discipline a 9-to-5 issue,” one user wrote. “The mess in your room isn’t because of your job — it’s because of lack of discipline. No one is coming to save you. Start changing your life.” The comment sparked debate over whether personal responsibility or systemic reform is the key to improving work-life balance.
Among the supportive messages were simple but powerful notes of solidarity. “Start saying no, bro. Unless you do, no one will listen,” one comment read, while another added, “My heart goes out to you, brother.” The mix of empathy and constructive criticism reflects how the topic has struck a nerve across social media audiences.
With cities like Gurugram, Bengaluru and Mumbai at the heart of India’s corporate ecosystem, employees face the dual burden of high living expenses and relentless professional expectations. For many, the result is a silent crisis of exhaustion, emotional detachment and declining mental health.
The conversation his video sparked isn’t just about one individual’s struggle; it’s about a generation learning to set boundaries, speak openly about stress, and redefine what it means to truly 'make it' in corporate life.
Image Courtesy: Instagram/ director_dayal
‘I’m Mentally Exhausted’: A Cry for Understanding
In his video, Dayal speaks candidly about the fatigue that comes with relentless work schedules. He explains that he has been clocking 12-hour shifts, often feeling drained to the point of despair. Comparing his situation to physical labour, he remarks that his “condition is worse than a labourer’s,” pointing to the emotional and mental wear that comes from long office hours and constant pressure.His appeal, however, isn’t one of complaint but of longing for empathy. Addressing three groups — his boss, his family, and his partner — Dayal urges understanding rather than sympathy. To his employer, he says he seeks no promotion or extra pay, only mental relief. To his family, he asks patience when he misses calls due to overwhelming workloads. And to his partner, he confesses that his efforts are rooted in love, even as they cost him his well-being.
A Glimpse into the Reality of Urban Strain
Beyond his words, the video’s visuals paint a vivid picture of modern burnout. Dayal shows his small rented flat, for which he pays over ₹14,000 a month, cluttered and unkempt — clothes strewn around, coriander leaves withered, and unwashed utensils piled up for days. He points to a television set bought from Gurugram’s Banjara Market, once intended as a symbol of relaxation after work, but now a reminder of time he never gets to enjoy.His story underscores the reality faced by a growing number of professionals: rising living costs, shrinking leisure time, and the mental fatigue that comes with trying to keep up. The emotional honesty of the clip has made it a touchpoint for a broader conversation about the lack of balance in India’s white-collar work culture.
Social Media Reacts: A Mirror to Modern Struggles
The post has received widespread engagement, sparking thousands of comments and shares. Many users empathised deeply, recounting similar experiences of overwork and neglect of personal life. One commenter recalled losing 8 kilograms in six months due to relentless hours, describing a work routine that began at 7.30 am and ended near midnight — with no overtime pay and even ridicule for taking lunch breaks. After leaving that company and joining a multinational firm, they said life improved, but the scars of burnout lingered.Others, however, offered a contrasting view, urging self-discipline rather than blaming workplace structures. “Let’s not call our lack of discipline a 9-to-5 issue,” one user wrote. “The mess in your room isn’t because of your job — it’s because of lack of discipline. No one is coming to save you. Start changing your life.” The comment sparked debate over whether personal responsibility or systemic reform is the key to improving work-life balance.
Among the supportive messages were simple but powerful notes of solidarity. “Start saying no, bro. Unless you do, no one will listen,” one comment read, while another added, “My heart goes out to you, brother.” The mix of empathy and constructive criticism reflects how the topic has struck a nerve across social media audiences.
The Larger Picture: India’s Burnout Generation
Dayal’s video is more than a viral moment; it symbolises a growing mental health challenge in India’s rapidly urbanising workforce. Studies and workplace surveys over the past few years have shown an increase in stress-related illnesses and employee fatigue, particularly in the technology, finance and service sectors. The pandemic normalised remote and hybrid work but also blurred boundaries further, leaving many feeling “always on.”With cities like Gurugram, Bengaluru and Mumbai at the heart of India’s corporate ecosystem, employees face the dual burden of high living expenses and relentless professional expectations. For many, the result is a silent crisis of exhaustion, emotional detachment and declining mental health.
A Wake-Up Call for Change
While the internet may move on from one viral story to the next, Dayal’s message continues to resonate because it captures a shared truth — that success without rest is unsustainable. His experience has reignited the public debate on what meaningful work-life balance should look like in modern India.The conversation his video sparked isn’t just about one individual’s struggle; it’s about a generation learning to set boundaries, speak openly about stress, and redefine what it means to truly 'make it' in corporate life.
Image Courtesy: Instagram/ director_dayal
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