Pramod Paul, a Bengaluru-based corporate professional, has garnered significant attention after announcing his resignation without a new job offer. Paul cited immense work pressure, slow career advancement, and a severe toll on his mental health as primary motivators for his decision, stating he chose the “uncertainty of my talent” over corporate exploitation.
Escalating Workload and Stagnant Compensation
Paul revealed that his responsibilities at the financial firm had significantly expanded over nearly four years, to the point where he was performing tasks typically handled by a senior analyst, despite holding an analyst position and earning what he described as an “intern’s salary.” The final straw came with a mere 6% annual increment, translating to a monthly salary increase of just ₹2,600.
“After working day in and day out, the line between day and night was blurred. At this point, I’ve been given the work of a senior analyst, the position of an analyst, and the salary of an intern,” Paul shared in a video. He added, “So much anxiety, depression, all for what? 6% hike? 6%! Effective ₹2,600 per month.”
The High Cost of Mental Health
The relentless pressure eventually led Paul to seek professional help. He recounted paying ₹2,000 for a psychiatrist consultation, followed by stress management therapy sessions costing ₹3,000 each. The stark contrast between his meager raise and the expense of managing his mental health underscored the unsustainability of his situation. “If the therapy session cost is more than your annual hike, then you’re definitely cooked,” he remarked.
From Family Debt to Corporate Burnout
Paul's journey began in Kolar, near Bengaluru, where his family faced considerable debt. His parents, a pastor and a homemaker, took out substantial loans to fund his and his brother's education. After graduating, Paul worked as a wealth manager and took an ₹8 lakh loan himself to help alleviate his family’s financial burdens. He later joined a major financial firm, dedicating himself fully for almost four years.
However, a corporate acquisition marked a turning point. Paul observed a shift in management priorities, with an increase in “greed” and a decline in promotion opportunities. Despite his workload continuously increasing, his compensation remained stagnant. He noted the irony of local tea vendors earning ₹2 lakhs a month while he felt trapped with a “peanuts” salary.
Embracing Uncertainty Through Content Creation
Seeking an outlet, Paul turned to content creation, producing videos about corporate life and daily struggles, often featuring his mother. These videos gained traction, attracting around 100K followers, which provided both financial and mental relief. Despite this, workplace pressure persisted. When an appraisal offered him another paltry ₹2,000 hike while still performing senior analyst duties, he knew it was time to leave.
With his last working day set for August 15, Paul still has ₹3 lakhs of his loan to repay and no concrete plan for his next steps. Yet, he expresses a willingness to embrace this uncertainty, prioritizing his talent and well-being over what he views as corporate exploitation.