Viral Video: ‘I Don’t Care If You Fire Me’: Gen Z Worker’s Stand Against Overwork Sparks Debate
Viral Video: ‘I Don’t Care If You Fire Me’: Gen Z Worker’s Stand Against Overwork Sparks Debate
Young employee’s refusal to work late fuels nationwide discussion on toxic workplace expectations.
A viral Instagram video by Shatakshi Pandey has reignited the online debate over toxic work culture and work-life balance. In her post, which has crossed nearly three million views, Pandey recounts refusing to stay late at the office after her reporting manager assigned her extra work at the end of the day. She stressed that she had completed her working hours and needed to leave on time, especially since she was fasting.
Her manager responded by citing his own gruelling schedule, but Pandey rejected the notion of glorifying overwork. “A person works to earn two meals a day, but if they can’t eat them in peace, what’s the point?” she said, adding, “I don’t care if you fire me from the job, but I am not okay with this.”
The video sparked polarised reactions. Supporters applauded her for speaking out, calling overwork “exploitation” and praising Gen Z’s willingness to set boundaries. Critics, however, argued that jobs are about completing responsibilities, not just clocking hours, and warned that in a competitive market, refusal to work beyond schedule could cost opportunities.
