Social media has turned quitting a corporate job into a popular topic. From leaving the 9-to-5 to starting a business or building a side hustle, there is no shortage of posts about choosing a different path. But one Gurgaon woman’s recent take looks at the other side of the conversation.Akriti, who has spent more than five years working in the corporate sector, shared why she does not believe having a regular job should be viewed negatively. Her comments focused on what employment has meant in her own life and why people should be careful about judging how others choose to earn.
What five years of work gave her
Akriti spoke about her experience in the corporate sector in an Instagram video, pointing to some of the things she has been able to manage during this period.“It has been more than five years for me working in corporate, and in these five years, I have paid for two medical emergencies, travelled a lot, travelled with my family too, and done so many other things, right? I have built my life and my freedom on my own terms,” she added.She used these experiences to explain why she does not see her job simply as a daily work routine.
‘Quit that 9-to-5?’
Akriti also spoke about the way corporate jobs are discussed on Instagram.“Quit that 9-to-5? It sounds so fascinating, doesn’t it, to say that quit your corporate job and just enjoy your life, live on your own terms? Right? And it’s also trending so much on Instagram. People think that, wow, if we leave our jobs, life will become so happening,” she said.Her concern was with the assumption that leaving a job automatically makes someone’s life better.
‘You cannot demean others’ work’
The discussion became more personal when Akriti recalled a conversation with someone who preferred running a business and questioned her decision to remain employed.She said people can choose entrepreneurship if that works for them, but that should not become a reason to dismiss someone else’s profession.“And I was like, good for you if you are doing that, but you cannot demean others’ work. Let me tell you, whatever you do in your life, you provide some value, and in return, you receive some value. Whether it’s a job or a business,” she said.Akriti described both models as a form of value exchange. Businesses provide solutions to customers, while employees work on problems for organisations or their clients.
Her take on side hustles
Akriti also acknowledged that a corporate workplace may not always be ideal.“Fine, it can be toxic, it could be anything, but as long as it is paying your bills and managing your home, it’s fine, right?” she said.For those who want to explore something beyond their current employment, she suggested learning new skills and working on a side hustle.“On the side, learn some other skills, start your side hustle on the side, that’s good. But demeaning any kind of work is not wise at all.”
Social media users agree
The post received supportive comments from users who related to Akriti’s perspective.“This is such a refreshing perspective,” one person wrote.Another commented, “Work is work, no matter the format.”“A job deserves respect too,” said another user.“This needed to be said,” another person added.Disclaimer: This story is based on a social media post. The views expressed are the individual’s own and have not been independently verified by The Times of India.Thumb image: Instagram
