Bengaluru CA regrets missing a family function for work. Sparks debate on overwork culture and burnouts

When Bengaluru-based CA Meenal Goel looks back at her early career, one memory still stings. A weekend she should’ve spent with family was instead swallowed up by work. What started as a simple conversation with her boss — “You’ll have to work over the weekend” — ended with her missing a close family function. The office looked the same on Monday, but at home, the regret lingered.

That’s when Meenal realised the heavy cost of unchecked hustle culture. She says burnout doesn’t make anyone more productive, personal priorities don’t make you less professional, and respecting boundaries certainly doesn’t make you weak.

Since then, she’s been vocal about setting clear boundaries, not because she dislikes her work but because she values her life outside of it just as much. For her, professionalism isn’t about sacrificing every weekend; it’s about showing up consistently without draining yourself. Her post has sparked conversations online, with many questioning whether overwork has been glorified for far too long.

Internet reacts

Many people resonated with Meenal’s experience and weighed in on the post. Some felt that professionalism should be measured not by how many weekends are sacrificed, but by how sustainably one performs during the week. Others agreed that giving equal importance to personal and professional life is essential, as balance is the key to everything. A few pointed out that most of us are never taught to draw boundaries early on, and that weekends should be seen as fuel for recharging rather than a luxury.