Startup Story Team
Living and working in the U.S. on an H‑1B visa is often seen as a dream fulfilled – good pay, professional respect, and the promise of opportunity. But for one Indian data engineer, the reality is starkly different. He recently took to Reddit to share a harrowing glimpse into life in a toxic workplace while living alone thousands of miles from home. His candid post has gone viral, sparking widespread discussions about loneliness, career pressure, and mental health among Indian tech workers abroad.
Toxic Work Environment: Constant Micromanagement and No Respect
The engineer works in data engineering, building complex SQL queries. He isn’t complaining about the technical demands but rather the lack of autonomy and respect in the workplace. According to his words:
“I have no respect from anybody. Nor do I have any say on what I work on, I am constantly micromanaged and in meetings always interjected by my PM.”
This nonstop micromanagement and verbal undermining have chipped away at his confidence and sense of purpose, turning his workplace into a source of daily distress.
Deep Loneliness: Living Alone, Away From Family and Friends
Working remotely without a social support network can be isolating, and this techie’s Reddit post paints a vivid picture of his solitude:
- He lives alone with his cat.
- He misses his parents and doesn’t have close friends in the U.S. or even in India.
Despite his financial stability, he can afford a car and comfortable living his emotional well-being is struggling. The silence and lack of connection echo far louder than any urban hum.
Homesick for Mumbai: Escape Isn’t Always Easier at Home
He recalls his family home in Mumbai, a place with relentless traffic and pollution but still considerably more comforting than his current state:
“In India, my house is always extremely loud due to traffic and i live in a very polluted area of mumbai… It seems like i am losing all of my sanity.”
Ironically, the chaos back home seems more bearable than the oppressive emptiness he feels abroad.
The Tipping Point: When Professional Growth Sparks Personal Fear
He admits he wants career advancement, but something inside him is afraid to move forward:
“I do want to progress but something within me is terrified of moving forward.”
The pressure to succeed and the fear of deeper isolation are creating a mental stalemate, where every forward step feels like a gamble with his sanity.
Reddit Reacts: Advice, Empathy, and Debates
The post quickly gained attention online, drawing varied responses:
- Prioritize mental health: “Prioritize your health. You can work in India for 1–2 years and come back later…
- Value of family support: “The privilege of having family besides is more than anything else in this world.
- Career suggestions: Some recommend switching jobs or even countries, while others urge considering locations like Canada, New Zealand, or Australia.
These responses reflect a growing consensus: mental wellness must come before professional prestige.
