An IIIT Delhi graduate quit his Rs 17 lakh banking job due to a toxic work culture, citing long hours, insufficient breaks, and immense pressure from aggressive sales targets. His viral video resonated with many, sparking discussions about prioritizing well-being over high salaries and the need for change in corporate environments.
In today’s highly competitive job market, young professionals often chase high salaries and prestigious titles, only to find themselves stuck in roles that drain their spirit.One such case is that of a graduate from IIIT Delhi, who walked away from a Rs 17 lakh-per-year banking job, sparking a firestorm of debate on social media about toxic workplaces.Users online appreciated his video for what he revealed and for articulating the common feelings experienced by corporate workers.
IIIT graduate walks away from 17 LPA job amid toxic work culture
Chirag Madaan, a 24-year-old IIIT Delhi graduate, quit his corporate banking job paying nearly Rs 17 lakh annually after the role turned unbearable.
What started as a regular 9-to-5 gig changed into 9 am to 7 pm shifts, stretching the workweek from five to six days.
Photo via @yourbankerchirag/ Instagram
“We didn’t even have time to eat lunch; they expected us to finish in 15 minutes and get back to work,” he shared in his viral Instagram video.Sick leaves were another nightmare, requiring endless justifications even when unwell. In his video, Madaan highlighted how “lunch in 15 mins” became the norm amid constant workload, leaving no room for rest.
Mounting pressure at work, the real issue was the aggressive sales targets – deals worth up to Rs 10 crore – which created intense stress when unmet. Madaan noted in his clip that missing targets led to repeated performance reviews and added pressure, gradually eroding his work-life balance.
He further added, “Rs 17 LPA not worth it… can’t sell peace of mind for a salary package”.And this decision did not come impulsively, and mounting demands took a toll on his health and happiness, as he explained in the viral post.
The audience related to the story
The video went viral online, drawing praise for prioritising well-being over paychecks. Many called it “relatable,” sharing their own experiences of long hours and no breaks in similar high-pressure roles.Users called out firms to rethink productivity, pointing out such cultures are widespread in banking and beyond.
A call for change
With overpopulation and job scarcity in India, his bold move inspires others to seek balance. It highlights the need for better leave policies, reasonable hours, and mental health support in toxic setups.
