For many young Indians, securing a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) job is considered a significant milestone, offering a good salary, job security, and social prestige. However, recent discussions about workplace stress and job satisfaction have become more prevalent among younger professionals. Amid these conversations, the story of Sourabh Mittal, a 25-year-old engineer from NIT Kurukshetra, has gained widespread attention online. Despite landing a position at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) with an annual salary package of approximately Rs 19 lakh, Mittal decided to resign, citing harsh working conditions and relentless pressure.
A Dream Job Turns Sour
Mittal joined BPCL at the age of 22, viewing the PSU role as a major career achievement, much like many engineering graduates in India. However, his experience on the ground was starkly different from his expectations. He claimed he was assigned to a warehouse where basic facilities were reportedly absent. According to Mittal, there was no proper toilet, no drinking water, and several amenities at the workplace were damaged or non-functional. He further alleged that complaints about these issues were consistently ignored. The conditions became so dire that he had to use his own home for basic needs during office hours.
Workplace Culture and Pressure
Beyond infrastructure problems, Mittal highlighted a toxic work environment. He described the workplace culture as outdated and highly stressful. Seniors would often shout at employees, he said, and he was assigned personal errands for senior officials, such as airport pickups and hotel bookings. The pressure extended beyond office hours, with work calls continuing late into the night and on weekends. Leave approvals were difficult to obtain, while promotions and salary increments were slow. Explaining his decision to quit, Mittal stated, “I couldn’t imagine spending my whole life like this.” He also noted that most colleagues were significantly older, limiting opportunities for growth and learning.
Family Reactions
Leaving a PSU job was not an easy choice for Mittal, given the high value placed on such positions in Indian households. He shared that his father was upset with his decision due to the respect and security associated with government sector jobs. However, his mother supported him after witnessing the stress he endured.
Social Media Support
As his story gained traction online, many users expressed support and shared similar experiences. One person wrote, “Indeed, a good and thoughtful choice which many of us have done and proven our ways for the better. Best wishes to you too.” Another user commented, “Could relate to this, having went through this transition 16 years before. Good luck with your endeavours!” A supportive message simply read, “Good job, brother,” while another added, “All the best to you.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements reportedly shared by Sourabh Mittal and publicly available social media reactions. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims regarding workplace conditions, experiences, or events described in the account. Thumb image: Instagram.
