While many dream of securing a high-octane job in corporate banking, 24-year-old Chirag Madaan found that the reality behind the paycheck was a “toxic” grind. The IIT Delhi graduate recently sent shockwaves
through social media after revealing why he walked away from a lucrative ₹17 lakh per annum (LPA) position, igniting a fierce debate over the human cost of corporate success.
Beyond the Breaking Point
For Madaan, the exit wasn’t a sudden whim but a calculated escape from a “deteriorating work-life balance.” What was advertised as a standard 9-to-5 role quickly morphed into a grueling 9 am to 7 pm marathon. Soon, the five-day workweek vanished, replaced by six-day shifts that left him with virtually zero downtime.
In a viral clip detailing his experience, Madaan shared that “the decision to quit was not impulsive but driven by mounting work pressure.”
The most jarring details of his account involve the restriction of basic employee rights. Madaan described a workplace where even biological needs were timed. Staff were reportedly pressured to wrap up meals within 10 to 15 minutes to keep up with the relentless workload. Plus, taking time off for health reasons became a bureaucratic hurdle. According to Madaan, even sick leave required detailed explanations, making it nearly impossible to rest without scrutiny.
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The pressure wasn’t just about the hours—it was about the numbers. Madaan noted that the environment was fueled by “aggressive sales expectations,” where employees were tasked with closing deals valued at ₹10 crore. Failing to hit these massive targets often resulted in a cycle of increased pressure and relentless performance reviews.
Madaan’s story has become a lightning rod for young professionals. While the high salary is often used to justify long hours, his experience serves as a reminder that mental health has its own price tag.
Internet users have rallied behind him, with many labelling his testimony a “relatable” and necessary “reality check.” One person commented: “I totally agree i also left my Axis Bank job at 23 and now I’m working with SBI card on a backend role which also has a toxic environment but at least I don’t have to miss-sell.” People continued to share their own experiences as well. “I totally relate to it i also quit my job and few months ago and the misselling done by the employees aree too much they don’t even think about the Customers earnings that they work so hard to get it and even Customers are not fully aware about what he had purchased and what is going with his investment today the banking is going worst day by day and the most peak month is there march ending where the misselling is on the peak,” said another user.
