Singapore-Based Techie Says Asking For Leave In India Meant ‘Inventing Tragedies’— Here’s How His Life Changed

An Indian tech professional working in Singapore shared how his outlook on work–life balance changed after moving abroad. He explained that in India, taking leave often felt stressful, as employees were expected to give lengthy explanations or even fabricate reasons just to take time off. In contrast, the work culture in Singapore felt far more respectful of personal boundaries. Now, he simply informs his team when he is logging off, and that is considered enough.

He also highlighted how firmly defined work boundaries are in Singapore. Once the workday ends, his time is respected, and there is no expectation to respond to calls or messages after hours. This contrast made him reflect on how staying late at the office in India is often seen as a sign

of dedication, when it can actually reflect unhealthy work practices. His message was simple: in a healthy workplace, people shouldn’t feel the need to justify taking a break, they should be able to inform their team and step away without guilt.

Techie Explains How work–Work-Life Balance Feels Easier In Singapore

Taking to Instagram, the techie said, “In India, we had to act like beggars just to ask for leave, ‘Sir, I’m unwell,’ ‘Sir, it’s an emergency.’ We even had to invent sad stories just to get a Friday off. Here in Singapore, I don’t ask, I inform, ‘Logging off, see you Monday.’ Full stop. After 6 PM, my phone belongs to me, not my boss. No guilt, no calls, just life. If you’re still sitting in the office after 8 PM and feeling proud of being a hard worker, you’re not hard working, you’re just being exploited bro.”

In the caption, he added, “The biggest mindset shift I had moving to Singapore. Stop justifying your time off. In toxic cultures, you feel the need to explain why you aren’t working. You over-share details, hoping for sympathy approvals. In a growth culture, you simply notify. Be a professional who manages time, not a child asking for recess.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aman♠️ (@amandailylogs)

‘It’s AI Video For All Indians,’ Internet Jokes

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “This is what good government must do for private company employees.”

Another shared, “Wherever you work, it totally depends on your project’s initial plan. I worked in India for almost 11 years. I don’t need to beg for my leaves, I planned in advance and informed. Same way in Singapore as well.”

“Hope Genz’s change this in India,” a comment read.

An individual stated, “It’s AI video for Indians.”

Another mentioned, “I beg to differ. I’m aware of bosses in Singapore who specially employ Malaysians or Indians who will not complain and keep on working nonstop. The current Singaporean government policies are very, very anti Indians.”

One more added, “Very true, but just because senior management believes in 70 hour work culture. People are more conscious about animal welfare and animals enjoy more rights than human beings.”

Right To Disconnect Bill Introduced In Lok Sabha

To curb employee exploitation, NCP MP Supriya Sule introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation aims to give employees a clear legal right to ignore work calls, messages, and emails once their official working hours are over or while they are on leave. The bill states that no worker should feel pressured to respond after duty hours and ensures that employees can decline such communications without fear of punishment or disciplinary action.