39-Year-Old Banker Quits Job After 15 Years Of Burnout, Shares Dark Side Of Banking

Having a government job is often seen as having a secured future with no hurdles, but the reality is that it comes with challenges beyond just clearing tough exams. Recently, a 39-year-old ex-banker shared their ordeal on Reddit, explaining why they chose to quit their government job. To say that their tale went viral would be a sheer understatement.

The harsh reality of a government bank job comes to light on Reddit

A post on r/IndianWorkplace has gone viral, exposing the struggles hidden behind what is often seen as one of the most secure careers in India — a government bank job. In the post, a 39-year-old banker opened up about why they could no longer continue despite 15 years of service. The post began with an eye-opening line,

“After 15 years of working in a government bank, I don’t think I can take it anymore.”

This single sentence set the tone for what was to come, a raw and emotional account of stress, health issues, and disillusionment.

The banker described how much effort it took to even land the role,

“This job — one that I got after clearing three rounds of all-India level exams — is considered safe and prestigious, especially in North India.”

Clearing such exams is no easy task, and for many families, getting a PSU bank job is considered a matter of pride. It brings with it not just financial support, but also social respect. As the post continued,

“A PSU bank job comes with stability, a decent house, a car, a steady salary, and a certain respect in society.”

But all of this, the banker admitted, came at an unseen price,

“But what it doesn’t give me anymore… is peace.”

The viral post shared the mental and physical trauma that the ex-banker had to bear, finally expressing hope for a better future

The loss of peace wasn’t just mental, it turned into physical health concerns. The post revealed,

“This job has also given me high BP, thyroid issues, and a fatty liver. It expects me to relocate to remote parts of the country at short notice, meet endless sales targets, and be available almost every day from 10 AM to 10 PM.”

Instead of balance, the career demanded constant sacrifice, whether it was moving across the country on short notice or sacrificing personal time to chase unrealistic targets.

The emotional toll was just as heavy. The banker reflected on the ethical compromises the job demanded,

“I know many jobs are demanding. But this one also asks me to sell useless insurance products to the public, work on Sundays to meet targets, obey the unreasonable whims of bosses, and never raise my voice — not even on social platforms. It’s like signing away your dignity.”

For them, it was not only about working hard, but also about working in ways that went against their personal values.

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As the post neared its end, the exhaustion was clear. The banker confessed,

“I no longer feel like I can do justice to myself. I’m scared that one day — like many of my fellow bankers — I might also reach a breaking point. I don’t want that.”

The decision that followed was not an easy one, but it was a necessary step for survival,

“So, I’ve made a decision. I am still in service, but I can’t get myself to travel to work anymore. I’ve stopped reporting.”

Finally, they accepted the challenges this choice would bring, but expressed hope for a better future,

“Yes, this means my salary will stop. My financial struggles may begin. But I hope — with all my heart — that I’ll get my life back.”

Have a look at the viral Reddit post

At 39, I feel suffocated in my government bank job. I don’t think I can do it anymore
byu/inbox4harsh inIndianWorkplace

Here is how netizens reacted to the viral tale

Netizens quickly filled the comment section with varied reactions, many echoing the banker’s pain. Some drew parallels with the IT sector, sharing how long hours and burnout felt just as suffocating. Others, especially from banking, admitted they too had faced similar exhaustion and health struggles. Many agreed that people are increasingly quitting banking jobs because the stress outweighs the so-called stability.

Have a look at some of the worth-checking-out reaction,

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inIndianWorkplace

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Work-life balance is tough in almost every profession, but in recent times the stress faced by bankers has been highlighted time and again. Do you feel the same? Share your thoughts in the comments.