By Startup Story Team
Bengaluru, widely known as the heart of India’s startup scene, is quietly battling a wave of exhaustion. Startup founder Karan Raghani recently shared his thoughts in a viral LinkedIn post that sparked widespread conversation. After spending ten days meeting with designers, marketers, product managers, and even meme creators, Karan came to a striking conclusion. He wrote, “Bengaluru is burnt out.”
According to him, the city still gives the impression of energy and hustle. Cafés are full, startups are constantly pivoting, and LinkedIn is buzzing with updates. But beneath this energetic surface, he observed something more serious.
“Yes, the coffee’s still strong, the startups are still pivoting, and the LinkedIn posts continue to thrive. But under all that hustle lies a deep, collective burnout.”
In his post, Karan highlighted what he believes are the top three corporate concerns currently affecting Bengaluru’s professionals. The first one is what he humorously called the Marathahalli Bridge Syndrome. He pointed out the severe traffic issues in the city, saying,
“People are spending more time here than in their own homes.”
For many residents, long hours stuck in traffic have become an unavoidable part of daily life, adding to the stress and reducing their personal time.
The second concern is what he described as Calendar Nap Blocks. Karan explained that Bengaluru’s cool and pleasant weather has a unique impact on corporate work culture. People are now intentionally setting aside time just to rest during the workday.
“People are now blocking their calendars just to yawn and spread the nap mode,”
he said, highlighting how fatigue is becoming a scheduled part of modern work life.
The third issue is one that almost every Bengalurean can relate to: the struggle of finding an auto after 6 PM. Karan described it with wit and accuracy. “Auto drivers here are unofficial life coaches – teaching you rejection, negotiation, and detachment.” He also commented on the recent ban of bike taxi services like Rapido, calling it a major blow to the city’s working population.
“Rapido is the Roman Empire, a constant saviour, a shortcut to freedom,”
he wrote. He ended that section with a humorous yet honest remark, saying, “Everyone in Bengaluru deserves ESOPs in emotional damage.”
Despite the satire and sarcasm, Karan’s love for the city was clear.
“Love you with all my heart, Bengaluru,”
he concluded. His post quickly gained attention from people across industries, many of whom echoed his sentiments. Some shared their own stories of burnout and daily struggles, while others expressed nostalgia for the quieter, simpler days of the city. One user even suggested creating a “Bengaluru Corporate Survivors Club” as a lighthearted way to cope with the shared challenges.
Karan’s post has opened up a much-needed conversation around mental health, work-life balance, and the realities of corporate life in one of India’s fastest-growing cities. It’s a reminder that while Bengaluru continues to be a land of opportunity and innovation, it also needs space to breathe, reset, and care for its people.
