Bengaluru man on 7-year corporate journey: ‘Even after a 50% hike, you still feel empty’
Bengaluru man says salary hikes can’t fill emotional emptiness in corporate life.Corporate employees often switch jobs for better pay hikes, but a Bengaluru man who has spent seven years working in the corporate sector believes that earning money never fills the emotional emptiness. The user, who goes by the name Bishist Shome, shared his thoughts through an Instagram reel, which has now struck a chord with people on social media.‘Why am I doing the same thing for 8 to 9 hours every day?’Shome believes that despite salary hikes and job switches, the real question often remains unanswered: "Why am I doing the same thing for 8 to 9 hours every day?"In the now-viral clip, Shome said: “Seven years in corporate, four jobs, and I’m yet to figure out what actually makes me happy. No matter how much money you earn from corporate, you will always have this feeling of emptiness. Even after a 50% hike, the feeling of emptiness will always come back. A higher salary will only let you afford better distractions: a bigger flat, nicer dinners, better trips. But none of this will answer the real question: Why am I even doing this? Why am I doing the same thing for 8 to 9 hours every day? Money doesn’t fix meaning. It just buys you more time to keep avoiding the same question again and again.”‘Why am I even doing this?’The caption of the video reads: “7 years. 4 jobs. Still figuring it out. Nobody talks about this. You can keep switching jobs, chasing 50% hikes, upgrading your lifestyle… and still feel empty on a Sunday night. The bigger flat, the better trips, the nicer dinners, none of it answers the real question: why am I even doing this? Money doesn’t fix meaning. It just buys you time to keep avoiding the question.”How social media users reacted:The post has evoked a plethora of reactions, with several agreeing with him and sparking discussion about burnout, workplace satisfaction, and the pursuit of purpose beyond pay cheques.“This is exactly what many people feel but never say out loud.” Another said, “A salary hike feels good for a month, then the same emptiness returns," one user wrote.Another Instagram user said, “This hit hard. Sunday night anxiety is real.” Someone else wrote, “People need to talk more about meaning, not just money.”A third user said, "I agree and relate to you."Another enquired: “Bro, who gave you a 50% hike?”(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Mint has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)About the AuthorKanishka SinghariaKanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling
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