Why young professionals are burning out

People entering the early phase of their careers are facing several challenges. The job market is stagnant, highly competitive and rising inflation has pushed salaries below real living wages. Many graduates also face strong social pressure to join traditional corporate jobs, even when they have the potential to pursue something on their own. In our society, a low-paying corporate job is often seen as more respectable than becoming an entrepreneur.

Most corporate workplaces in our country demand long office hours. While a few companies offer two-day weekends, the majority do not. As a result, young professionals are experiencing weight gain, hypertension, sleep deprivation and early onset of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite working long hours, salaries often fall short of what is needed to survive in an expensive city like Dhaka. People are forced to borrow and can become trapped in a debt cycle for a long time.

This lifestyle also limits the time people can give to their families and personal well-being. Over time, this cycle leads to demotivation and burnout. Although the government makes policies for public-sector employees, it intervenes very little in the private sector. For the sake of society, this needs to change so that people can maintain a healthier and more balanced work-life environment.

Rafid Alam

Dhaka