7 years and 4 job switches: Techie finally decides to move to home town after failing to find work-life balance

In an era where long work hours, endless upskilling, and the elusive promise of work-life balance define the lives of countless professionals, one techie's story is striking a chord across the internet. After spending seven years in the corporate world and switching four jobs in search of a healthier routine, the individual decided to step off the treadmill altogether. The decision? Leave the chaos behind and return to their hometown to live a simpler, more peaceful life.

The Breaking Point After Years in Corporate Life

In a post shared on Reddit, the individual wrote, “I’m working for 7 years now and I’m thinking to quit the job. I have changed 4 jobs in hope of getting a better work life balance but all companies are same in one or another way. I’m tired of working from 9 to 6 and travelling and up skilling all the time just to survive in the market.” With no major commitments at present, the techie plans to spend the rest of their life in their hometown, away from the hectic schedule that’s become all too common in the tech sector.

The post quickly drew attention from others who could relate to the sentiment. One user shared their perspective, saying, “We are conditioned from childhood to be part of the rat race and a fear is planted in our heads ‘omg how can you leave your job?’ , ‘what about employment gap?’... You don’t have unlimited time, maybe 60-70 years of liveable life. What you do in this time, should totally be your decision.”

Another commenter, offered a personal story. “My dad worked in Infosys for a long time, one day he decided to reset his life (after getting some financial stability) and move back to the home town and do a comfortable local business… He does not make a huge income but it is enough to make him happy and being together with me and my mother, his mental health has improved ever since.” The father now manages a rice wholesale business and a general store, maintaining a comfortable lifestyle while prioritizing his well-being.

Burnout and the Corporate Cycle

For many, the reality of long working hours, continuous skill upgrades, and high pressure has created a sense of burnout. One Redditor commented, “The grind can be exhausting, especially when you’ve hopped jobs hoping for something better, only to find the same issues everywhere.” Others echoed the need for a break and space to reflect, with users advising the original poster to “take a break and think of nothing for a few days” or “remember why you started in the first place.”

The story has struck a chord with many who feel trapped in similar cycles. Another user reflected, “I feel the same after grinding for 18 years, but I am stuck. One part of me wants to do something I enjoy, maybe open a small grocery store, and the other part of me wants all the money.”

As India’s tech and corporate sectors continue to demand more from their workforce, stories like these highlight a growing shift in how people define success and fulfillment.