Man earns Rs 66 lakh after working just 1 week per month, but is still depressed ... here's why

In the chaos of modern existence, where days blur into each other with routine urgency, countless individuals find themselves trapped in an unending cycle of obligation. From the moment the alarm sounds, life becomes a race—commutes, meetings, deadlines, and the relentless wait for the next salary. This repetitive grind is a reality for millions. And amidst it all, a tempting idea often crosses the mind: What if we could earn the same amount of money while working far less? But rarely do we ask—what if that wish came true?

A Reddit story recently caught fire online, stirring a flurry of mixed emotions. It narrated the experience of a man who, by all conventional standards, seemed to have it all. He pulls in an impressive Rs 66 lakh annually (roughly $80,000) and works only one week each month. The remaining days are his to enjoy—or so it would seem. He fills them with television, podcasts, and casual internet browsing. Yet, deep down, he admits to feeling an unsettling emptiness.

“I didn’t even have a background in this field when I began,” he explained. “But I stuck with it, picked things up quickly. I mastered typing, eliminated inefficiencies, upgraded my tools, and gained a reputation for producing clean, efficient reports.” His consistent effort made him a star within the company—respected by coworkers, admired by clients, and trusted with deadlines. By external benchmarks, he was the picture of success.


But inside, things didn’t feel right.

The freedom he once longed for has slowly turned into a prison of routine and mental stagnation. “I used to devour books. I was constantly curious, diving deep into subjects that interested me,” he wrote. “Now I just feel... numb. This isn’t slacking off. It’s like being quietly exhausted without doing much of anything.”

The post exploded in popularity. Reactions were polarized—some expressed envy, others offered sympathy. One person commented, “You’re living the life I always dreamed of.” Another chimed in, “Tell me where to apply.” But there were sobering replies too: “I’ve been there. The thrill fades fast. Enjoy it while it lasts.” One particularly blunt voice added, “I earn $85K for barely 8 hours of weekly work—and I’m completely miserable.”

This story struck a chord because it challenges a common assumption: that less work and more pay equal greater joy. In reality, it suggests something deeper—humans don’t just need comfort, they need purpose. Without it, even the dreamiest life can start to feel hollow.