We’ve all heard the phrase “Hard work never killed anyone.” But in today’s fast-paced, hustle-obsessed work culture, that statement seems dangerously outdated. Toxic work culture has become a death trap for many young professionals, particularly in regions like Asia and the Middle East. The pressure to overwork and excel at any cost is claiming lives. In recent years, we’ve seen a shocking rise in the number of people suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and even committing suicide due to toxic work environments. From the tragic death of a 27-year-old Ernst & Young employee to the heartbreaking case of Saurabh Laddha, young people in their prime are literally working themselves to death.
It’s time to expose the very real dangers of toxic work culture.
My Close Call: When the Hustle Almost Took My Voice
In my 20s, I was living the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle — except I forgot to add “rest hard” to the equation. I was juggling a full-time job and studying, barely getting a few hours of sleep each night. The pressure to succeed consumed me, and before I knew it, my health was on a rapid decline.
It started with my voice — I lost it for three months. Then came the black spots in my vision, blurry eyesight, and the most terrifying moment of all: falling asleep at the wheel while driving. I was lucky enough to walk away from that, but the experience shook me. It was a wake-up call that no job or degree is worth sacrificing your life for.
The Rise of Toxic Work Culture in Asia and the Middle East
The pressure to work beyond your limits is especially prevalent in regions like Asia and the Middle East. In countries like India, Japan, and the UAE, work hours stretch long into the night, and the idea of “burnout” is seen almost as a badge of honor. There’s a growing trend of young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are collapsing due to overwork — some suffering from strokes and heart attacks, others ending their lives due to the unbearable stress.
One of the most heartbreaking stories that brought attention to this crisis was the tragic death of a 27-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee. After working extremely long hours and facing immense pressure, the employee died of a heart attack just four months after joining the company. Another devastating example is Saurabh Laddha, a 31-year-old tech professional who tragically took his own life in 2023. Saurabh had been battling severe depression brought on by excessive work stress and poor mental health support at his job. His death highlights the lack of compassion and wellness resources in many high-pressure work environments.
In Japan, known for its infamous "karoshi" (death by overwork), a sadly common concept, employees often work far beyond the standard 40-hour week, sometimes logging 80-100 hours. A 24-year-old woman who worked for Japan’s largest advertising firm committed suicide after working 105 hours of overtime in a single month. Her final message was haunting: "I’m physically and mentally shattered."
In the UAE and India, similar stories abound. Young professionals in their 20s and 30s are collapsing at their desks or in their homes due to the high-pressure work culture, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. The mental health crisis tied to overwork is not just a personal tragedy; it's a public health emergency. These real-life tragedies remind us that toxic work environments are not just stressful — they’re fatal.
How to Draw Boundaries Without Endangering Your Career
If you’re in a toxic work environment, drawing boundaries is crucial for survival — but it’s often easier said than done. Here are some practical tips for maintaining your well-being while protecting your career:
Communicate Your Limits Clearly: Be upfront with your employer about your capacity. Frame it as a way to protect your productivity and the quality of your work, rather than as a refusal to help.
Prioritize Your Tasks: Focus on what’s truly important. Not every email or task is urgent, and learning to delegate or delay low-priority tasks can help manage stress.
Take Your Breaks: Studies show that regular breaks improve productivity and creativity. Take time for short walks, lunch away from your desk, or simply step outside for fresh air.
Utilize “Quiet Quitting” Tactfully: If you’re in a toxic environment that refuses to acknowledge your well-being, quietly scaling back to doing only what’s in your job description might be a form of self-preservation.
Lean on HR (If Possible): If your workplace has an HR department, don’t hesitate to voice concerns about workload or workplace culture. They are there to protect employee welfare — at least in theory.
God Calls Us to Honor Our Bodies
In all of this, we must remember that God values our well-being. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” We’re called to honor and care for the bodies God gave us. It’s not selfish to protect your health — it’s an act of obedience.
When you work yourself into the ground, you risk more than just physical illness. You risk losing your mental health, your relationships, and your connection with God. Jesus Himself took time to rest, withdrawing from crowds to recharge. If the Son of God needed rest, how much more do we?
At the end of the day, no paycheck or promotion is worth your health or your life. Toxic work culture is a global crisis, and we must take a stand for ourselves and our loved ones. Take the time to rest, prioritize your mental and physical well-being, and remember that God calls us to a life of balance — not burnout.
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