What do I do about this situation?
I have always worked towards goals set by my mother since childhood starting from class tests, first rank in school finals, 10/10 GPA in 10th standard, cracking a top university for under graduation in engineering (Indian Institute of Technology), working for a couple of years post that on the premise to join a top b school (Indian Institute of Management) and I’ve done it all.
Post my MBA, I’ve recently become a consultant only to realize I’m stuck in this last stretch forever as there’s no next step but growing in the firm or switching to a different firm and working for a corporate till retirement (I’m from a middle class family as they say in India who finished his education via education loan).
The problem is not just this realization but the realization that I don’t wish to work at all. I feel I’ve been going at it till now hoping I can relax after achieving all the goals set for me but that’s not the case. I see folks 10-15 years elder to me who are as talented or better than me, working their asses off day in and day out which is making me super anxious.
I feel me not wanting to work is a core belief in me and I don’t have any desire for money but I do care for peer validation which is making me hate myself over this belief as well. I have a really supportive partner and good friends and my mother’s super chill as well - but I don’t have the guts to be honest with them about the fact that I don’t wish to work as it’s looked down upon in our society and I myself have this negative feeling about it as well.
If someone has felt this way or understands what I’m going through, please help me figure out what I should do to overcome this situation.
Posted May 28, 2026, 5:18 PM UTC