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‘We’re humans, not machines’: Hyderabad engineer earning 23,000 ready for a pay cut to escape crushing 6-day work week

A woman’s post on Reddit about working six days a week has prompted a series of reactions on social media.

Published on: Jun 27, 2026, 08:15:24 IST
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A 25-year-old female civil engineer’s Reddit post about her mental exhaustion has ignited a fierce discussion over six-day work weeks practised by some companies. Employed at a major infrastructure firm in Hyderabad, the woman questioned why the construction industry refuses to adopt a five-day work week like the rest of the world. She shared that the endless grind has completely disconnected her from her family and household routines.

The woman shared how her work life has left her with no time for her personal commitments. (Representational image). (Unsplash)
The woman shared how her work life has left her with no time for her personal commitments. (Representational image). (Unsplash)

“I’m mentally exhausted with 6-day work weeks,” the woman wrote, adding that she is a civil engineer who graduated in 2023. Then she explained how working for six days every week has exhausted her, making her disconnected in her personal life.

Also Read: Marketing head quits after sudden pay cut, says company is now 'begging' him to stay: 'They're in a bad situation'

“By the time I get home, I barely have the energy to do basic household chores, spend time with my family, or even enjoy my evenings. Sundays are mostly spent recovering from the week’s exhaustion, and before I know it, it’s Monday again.”

“We’re humans, not machines just to improve someone’s empire. When will this stop? Almost all the countries are adopting 5days work week.”

While responding to remarks in her comments section, the individual shared that she earns a monthly salary of 23,000.

What did social media say?

An individual asked, “How do you pay rent and save money?” The OP replied, “There is no money left for savings, 8k for rent, 10K I will send to my home, I'll keep 5k for transport expenses and miscellaneous expenses.”

Another posted, “I am so proud of you, mate. This country has failed you. You deserve a lot more than this. Please realise it. Either make a switch anyhow or leave this country. There is no other option.”

Also Read: ‘Disillusioned’ Indian man quits JPMorgan job and takes 70% pay cut: ‘Success isn’t big paychecks’

A third commented, “I am so proud of you OP, please apply for new jobs and pray for a better opportunity. 23k for 6 days per week is brutal. I pray you have enough strength every day and sleep well every night. All I can do is pray for you. All the best.”

A fourth wrote, “I am in kinda the same situation, 6 days in IT, would upskill and quit in the coming months.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Hindustantimes.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta

Trisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.

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