Careers360 Logo
ask-icon
share
    IIM Alumnus Quits Rs 60 LPA Job Without Another Offer: Freedom, Burnout and Search for Purpose

    IIM Alumnus Quits Rs 60 LPA Job Without Another Offer: Freedom, Burnout and Search for Purpose

    Gursimran KaurUpdated on 06 Jun 2026, 10:34 AM IST

    A 30+ IIM alumnus, married with a 1.5 years young child, with a decade of experience left his 60 LPA job without any offer in hand and zero backup plan. He packed his bags for a solo trip to Manali, did some reading, got some sleep, and celebrated escaping the corporate "meaninglessness." Quitting the job for mental peace and freedom sounds good, right? But what happens after?

    This Story also Contains

    1. The Reality of Escaping the Corporate Rat Race: Complete Story
    2. What Netizens are Saying
    3. The Two Aspects of the Rat Race
    IIM Alumnus Quits Rs 60 LPA Job Without Another Offer: Freedom, Burnout and Search for Purpose
    IIM Alumnus Quits Rs 60 LPA Job Without Another Offer: Freedom, Burnout and Search for Purpose

    The Reality of Escaping the Corporate Rat Race: Complete Story

    Burned out by the constant cycle of targets, promotions, and office politics, he sought relief from the corporate rat race only to realise that the job was more than just a paycheck. “Somewhere along the way, I became increasingly frustrated with the meaninglessness of it all,” said the former IIM graduate on his Reddit post.

    1780722148277

    He puts his papers in March with no offer, no backup, no future plan. While the initial months bought him time, freedom, better sleep, and a sense of liberation from the stress. The freedom he craved has slowly started turning into emptiness. Living with his working wife and their 1.5-year-old son, he faces a new reality: weight gain, no routine, and the terrifying realization that the job he hated wasn't just a source of stress—it was his entire identity.

    Amity University-Noida MBA Admissions 2026

    Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.

    ITM Business School MBA Admissions 2026

    400+ Company Visits | Highest CTC Offered: 21 LPA | Average CTC Offered: 8.65 LPA | 100% Placement Assurance

    The redditor says, “he has more time than ever, but having that time sometimes makes him feel trapped inside his own thoughts”. Despite the challenges, he mentions that he doesn't regret his decision to leave the job for the much-needed break and distance.

    What Netizens are Saying

    The post has gained some insight, with several commenters praising the decision to take a break, arguing that burnout is real.

    • Many users related to his post, saying they had gone through similar phases where freedom initially felt exciting but later turned into uncertainty.

    CAT 2025 College Predictor
    Use CAT 2025 College Predictor to check your chances for IIM and top MBA calls based on CAT percentile, profile, work experience and cut-off trends.
    Use Now

    1780722148300

    • While others encouraged him to explore more hobbies, learning, or focus more on family life to build a new sense of purpose outside work.

    • Some advised patience, that four months is a short period after spending more than a decade in a demanding career. They suggested giving himself time before making major decisions.

    UPES MBA Admissions 2026

    Last Date to Apply: 15th June | Ranked #36 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement

    BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026

    AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA

    The story raises important questions about modern work culture and the mental stress that comes along with it. Is the rat race inherently harmful, or does it also fulfill psychological needs such as purpose, achievement, and belonging?

    1780722148314

    Confused between CGPA and Percentage?

    Get your results instantly with our calculator!

    💡 Conversion Formula used is: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5

    The Two Aspects of the Rat Race

    It is said that no two people are alike, and taking similar decisions may have different results. Here, we need to understand the negative and positive aspects of the corporate Rat Race.

    The Positive Side

    Structure & Identity - A job creates a structure and a daily habit; many people fall out due to a lack of it. The absence of a structured 9-5 life may feel unproductive.
    What you do becomes a major part of your identity; it becomes a purpose.

    Financial - Being in the rat race somewhat means having a regular job, which provides financial stability, wealth, and career growth. It gives the person the ability to invest in their long-term goals.

    Psychological - The sense of purpose and progress that comes with completing projects, receiving praise, earning promotions, or hitting targets, or just being a part of something, triggers dopamine in some people.

    The Negative face

    Structure & Identity - When your work becomes your only identity, your actual personality feels lost somewhere. With no rigid structure and time constraint, people can think about what they actually want in their future.

    Financial - Leaving your job with no source of income can be fatal in some cases, as many people become dependent on high salaries to sustain their lifestyle, making it difficult to take career breaks, switch careers, or pursue personal passions.

    Psychological - As goals are achieved, expectations often rise, creating a never-ending cycle where success will only provide temporary happiness before the next target appears. This births the feeling of never having enough, leading to burnout.

    Articles
    |
    Upcoming Bschool Exams
    Ongoing Dates
    GMET Application Date

    8 May'26 - 11 Jul'26 (Online)

    Ongoing Dates
    PUCAT Application Date

    8 May'26 - 10 Jun'26 (Online)

    Certifications By Top Providers
    Certificate Program in Product Management
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
    Accounting and Finance
    Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
    Strategic Management
    Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
    Corporate Tax Planning
    Via Netaji Subhash Open University, Kolkata
    Online MBA
    Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
    Executive Programme in Digital Marketing
    Via Indian Institute of Management Jammu
    Udemy
     703 courses
    Edx
     467 courses
    Swayam
     237 courses
    Emeritus
     232 courses
    Explore Top Universities Across Globe
    University of Essex, Colchester
    Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
    Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
    Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
    Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
    Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
    Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
    Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
    University of Reading, Reading
    Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
    Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
    The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ
    Which country is best for MBBS Abroad?
    11 minMay 15, 2026 07:05 AM IST
    What are the disadvantages of MBBS abroad?
    6 minMay 15, 2026 06:05 AM IST

    Questions related to CAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CAT ?

    Hello,

    If I had to choose between these options, I would personally go with:

    1. IIIT Dharwad CSE

    2. VIT Chennai CSE (Category 2)

    3. SNU Chennai CSE (Cyber Security)

    IIIT Dharwad is a good choice if you're focused on coding, software roles, and long-term career growth. The IIITs are known for their

    Hello,

    With a NEET MDS 2026 rank of 1602 in the General category , you have a good chance of getting an MDS seat in several government and reputed private dental colleges, especially in clinical and non-clinical branches depending on the counselling round and state quota. Previous counselling trends indicate

    Hello Dear Student,

    Yes, you may still be eligible for the fee waiver scheme even if you applied under the Open category, provided you satisfy the scheme's eligibility conditions. Maharashtra offers tuition and examination fee waivers for eligible girl students in professional courses, subject to income and other criteria.

    However,

    Hello Dear Student,

    If your Class 12 marksheet shows "Passed" overall and you are currently pursuing BCA, then you should generally be eligible for CAT, CUET PG, and NIMCET.

    • CAT: Eligibility is based on your bachelor's degree. A Class 12 RT in Maths usually does not affect CAT eligibility.
    • CUET

    Hi,

    First of all, it takes a lot of courage to move forward after giving so many years to UPSC preparation. Your decision to restart with CAT 2026 is practical and positive.

    Some suggestions for your CAT preparation:

    • Stay consistent with daily practice for Quant, LRDI, and VARC.

    • Since you