'Bengaluru is exhausted... surviving on caffeine': Startup founder reveals 'top 3 corporate concerns' shaking up the city
Bengaluru, long hailed as the caffeinated cradle of India's startup revolution, is showing signs of serious strain. In a post that has quickly gone viral on
LinkedIn
, startup founder Karan Raghani distilled the sentiment of an entire city into a few piercing words: 'Bengaluru is burnt out.' And just like that, what was once whispered between coffee breaks and pitch decks is now being shouted across timelines.
'I've been in Bengaluru for the last 10 days,' Raghani began, weaving together wit and worry. 'Met founders, marketers, techies, product folks, designers, and one guy who quit his job to become a full-time meme page admin (My ultimate professional goal),' he wrote. What followed was a love letter wrapped in satire—one that unwrapped the collective exhaustion tucked behind the city's otherwise high-functioning exterior.
The City of Hustle and Heartbreak
Raghani's viral post, picked up from
LinkedIn
, paints a city teetering on the edge—where caffeine powers more than creativity, and 'work-life balance' has become a mythical goalpost. 'Yes, the coffee's still strong, the startups are still pivoting, and the LinkedIn posts continue to thrive!' he wrote. 'But under all that hustle lies a deep, collective burnout.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You!
Private Jet I Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
What's draining the spirit of India's Silicon Valley? Raghani cited three all-too-familiar struggles faced by Bengaluru's workforce: the dreaded
Marathahalli Bridge Syndrome
where people spend more time stuck in traffic than in their own homes, the deceptive lull of the city's perpetually pleasant weather that triggers impromptu 'nap blocks' in calendars, and the psychological warfare of trying to hail an auto after 6 PM.
'Auto drivers here are unofficial life coaches—teaching you rejection, negotiation, and detachment,' he quipped. In one particularly sharp jab, he likened Rapido bike taxis—the now-banned lifesaver of the city's commuters—to 'the Roman Empire, a constant saviour, a shortcut to freedom.'
You Might Also Like:
Bengaluru man, born and raised in the city, thinks living in India's Silicon Valley has become 'irritable'
"If You Survived All 3, You Qualify for ESOPs in Emotional Damage"
With this punchline, Raghani managed to articulate the silent suffering of an overworked, overstimulated corporate class. Yet, despite the sarcasm, there was no mistaking the affection in his words: 'Love you with all my heart, Bengaluru,' he signed off.
The post quickly resonated with thousands who saw their own struggles mirrored in his satire. One commenter wrote, 'Reading your post, I was reminded of my burnout, Karan! I would say it helps not to be reminded about it. Just bury it deep down.' Another struck a nostalgic chord: 'Hoping that someday, we will be able to reconnect with our old, green, slow, fan-less Bangalore filled with pink blossoms and palash trees...'
A Petition for a Bengaluru Corporate Survivors Club
The flood of comments revealed something deeper than digital engagement. It was a collective sigh—a yearning for the Bengaluru that once was, and a quiet call for the one it could still be. As burnout becomes the new normal and daily commutes feel like endurance tests, one comment summed it up with poignant humour: 'Petition to start a
Bengaluru Corporate Survivors Club
.'
For a city that gave birth to unicorns and venture dreams, the reality is more human than heroic. Bengaluru isn't broken—but it is breathless. And if Karan Raghani's post is anything to go by, it's time to talk about it, laugh about it, and most importantly, do something about it.
You Might Also Like:
Layoffs in the IT sector hit Bengaluru PGs amid new regulations and a sharp drop in the number of guests
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
"I don't see a wedding ring": Aaron Rodgers' solo beach walk in Malibu reignites mystery amid 'fake marriage' speculation
Aaron Rodgers enjoys solo Malibu beach day amid 'fake marriage' speculation (Getty Images) Aaron Rodgers has always been one of the NFL's most enigmatic figures, but his latest chapter off the field has fans and insiders equally puzzled. The 41-year-old quarterback, who recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was spotted taking a barefoot walk along the Malibu shoreline on Wednesday—wedding band on, but wife nowhere in sight. Aaron Rodgers goes solo in Malibu, sparking fresh rumors about his hush-hush relationship The sighting comes just weeks after Aaron Rodgers stunned the football world by casually announcing during a Steelers practice that he had gotten married "a couple months ago." The revelation raised eyebrows not just because of its suddenness but also due to the absence of any public record or official confirmation of the ceremony. Rodgers, known for his fiercely guarded personal life, had previously shared on The Pat McAfee Show in December that he was in a relationship with a woman named Brittani, who reportedly does not have any social media. Since then, however, little has been publicly seen or heard about her. And now, insiders are questioning whether a formal wedding ever even took place. Multiple sources told Daily Mail that friends and even close family members were blindsided by Rodgers' marriage announcement. 'They know nothing' about the woman he married, one insider revealed. Public records in both Pennsylvania—where Rodgers was rumored to have moved—and Las Vegas—another likely wedding hotspot—reportedly show no legal documentation of a marriage involving the quarterback. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Fueling speculation further, Rodgers' estranged brother Jordan and his wife JoJo were notably absent from the supposed wedding. The tension between the siblings is well documented, with Aaron having skipped Jordan's wedding back in 2022. Now, it's being suggested that Rodgers might have had a symbolic "commitment ceremony" rather than a legally binding wedding. Now, netizens also have some questions in their mind regarding the veteran QB's wedding. While the mystery surrounding his marital status deepens, Rodgers seems unbothered. Dressed in a white tank top, blue shorts, and wired headphones, the four-time MVP enjoyed the ocean breeze alone, giving the impression of a man at peace—or perhaps one deep in thought. Professionally, Rodgers is preparing to lead a new era in Pittsburgh after his brief stint with the Jets ended earlier this year. Despite the Jets' disappointing 5-12 record last season, his performance—28 touchdowns and nearly 3,900 yards—was strong enough for some analysts to call the Steelers' acquisition of him a 'steal.' He'll have a chance to prove that in dramatic fashion, as Pittsburgh is set to face the Jets in Week 1 in New York. As for Rodgers' mysterious wife? Whether she's simply choosing to stay out of the spotlight or the story is more complex than it appears, one thing's for sure—this offseason drama might rival anything that happens on the field come September. Also Read: Josh Allen calls himself 'a Hollywood actor' as the reigning NFL MVP leans into stardom with his latest sleep-aid commercial Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
7 mid-level careers where soft skills matter more than degrees
In today's dynamic job market, soft skills are no longer just 'nice to have'—they're a core currency of career success. While degrees still play a role in certain fields, many mid-level jobs now prioritize people skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership ability over academic qualifications. This shift opens up exciting career pathways for individuals who've gained experience outside traditional education routes or are looking to pivot into new roles using their interpersonal strengths. Here are seven such careers where your ability to connect, lead, adapt, and solve problems matters more than what's on your resume. Project Manager One such role is that of a Project Manager, where leadership, time management, and communication skills are essential. These professionals are responsible for coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring that projects are completed on budget and on schedule. While certifications like PMP or Agile training can be helpful, what truly sets a project manager apart is their ability to motivate diverse stakeholders, resolve conflicts under pressure, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Many successful project managers rise through internal promotions, having proven their capability in related roles, rather than starting with a degree in project management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book 3 & 4 BHK apartments from 4.65 Cr* in Sec 22, Gurugram Ambience Creacions, Gurugram Learn More Undo Sales Manager Another example is a Sales Manager, a role rooted in trust-building, negotiation, and strategic persuasion. Here, performance speaks louder than paper qualifications. Sales managers are often former top-performing sales representatives who understand customer psychology and have a knack for coaching others. Their success hinges on motivating teams, handling objections, reading client needs, and steering high-value deals—all of which require people-centric skills more than a formal business degree. A sales manager with a proven track record and emotional intelligence can easily outshine someone with advanced credentials but little on-the-ground experience. HR Business Partner Working as an HR Business Partner is also a highly soft skill–oriented mid-level role. While many HR professionals have degrees in management or human resources, what propels them into strategic roles is not academic background but the ability to build trust, handle sensitive situations, and mediate conflicts with discretion. HRBPs are liaisons between leadership and employees, and success in this role requires diplomacy, communication finesse, and an understanding of team dynamics. Professionals from varied HR backgrounds—recruitment, employee engagement, learning and development—can transition into this role by leveraging their people-handling skills and strategic mindset. Customer Success Manager For those with a talent for empathy and problem-solving, becoming a Customer Success Manager (CSM) can be a perfect fit. CSMs focus on ensuring clients are satisfied, supported, and successfully using a product or service post-purchase. Rather than technical expertise, what matters most is the ability to listen actively, offer clear guidance, and manage relationships. Many CSMs come from customer service, account management, or even teaching backgrounds, proving that strong communication and client advocacy can carry more weight than a degree. Operations Manager The role of an Operations Manager also stands out as one where execution matters more than credentials. Tasked with overseeing day-to-day business functions—from logistics to team efficiency—operations managers must be quick problem-solvers, excellent communicators, and highly organized individuals. Their success is determined by how well they can manage workflows, motivate teams, and respond to crises. While some may have degrees in business or management, many operations professionals work their way up from team lead or supervisory roles, earning trust through reliability and a clear understanding of how things work on the ground. Marketing Manager If you have a creative mind and can read people well, becoming a Marketing Manager or strategist might be a strong fit. These roles are deeply reliant on understanding consumer behavior, telling stories, and coordinating campaigns. A successful marketing manager blends analytical thinking with emotional appeal—crafting narratives that resonate and managing diverse teams to execute them. Portfolios and results (campaign ROI, reach, engagement) matter more than your alma mater. Many marketers rise through content creation, social media, or brand roles, with little to no formal education in marketing. Product Manager (Non-technical) Lastly, the role of a Product Manager (Non-technical) is increasingly accessible to those with diverse professional backgrounds and strong interpersonal abilities. These product managers act as the bridge between users, designers, and developers. Their key assets? Clear communication, user empathy, and the ability to align competing priorities across teams. Many product managers come from backgrounds like business analysis, customer support, marketing, or even education. What matters is not a computer science degree but the ability to understand user needs, prioritize features, and collaborate effectively across departments. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
India Today
19 minutes ago
- India Today
Delhi man's post on India's middle class life in 1970 vs 2025 sparks discussion
A LinkedIn post drawing a stark contrast between middle-class life of Indians in 1970 and 2025 has triggered a discussion on social Kalra, founder of a Delhi-based company, shared the post contrasting the stable path of the past with the chaotic, high-pressure reality of today.'In 1970,' Kalra said in his post, 'you go to college, get a degree, learn one skill, get a job, earn a good salary, buy a nice house, get married, have three kids, and you're set for life.'advertisement However, he described 2025 as an era where 'you compete with millions to go to college, start with debt, get outdated in two years, keep upskilling, face low appraisals and high inflation, and both partners work just to afford to raise a single child.'Kalra concluded his post with a sharp note of irony: 'But sure, the economy's 'booming.''Take a look at the post here: In the comments section, meanwhile, several users acknowledged the growing pressures of modern life, especially for younger generations.'You are absolutely right,' a user said, linking the rising pressure to India's rising population since the 1970s. 'Now there's an entrance exam for everything, whether it's college or jobs.'advertisementAnother user added, 'The never-ending cycle of upskilling, inflation, and mental health struggles? That's the reality for many today.'Some users offered a more optimistic take: 'If you learn how to invest well from your first salary, you can live easy in any era. Life's not a competition. Just relax and enjoy your time on the planet.'The most balanced response, however, came from a user who said, 'Yes, there's more opportunity today, but also more overwhelm. In the 1970s, success was linear. In 2025, it's iterative. We're not building one life - we're rebuilding it, skill by skill, every 2-3 years.'Must Watch
