Society has drawn so many demarcations in our lives, often without considering what we actually want them to be. In fact, society decides who we are and what we should become. But not everyone wishes to follow these boundaries.
There are many people who think out of the box, who look for contentment outside of society’s rigid framework. And yet, those who are truly content often find it difficult to exist within that same society.
When I decided to step out of the corporate world, I could feel the weight of the “tag” that exists only to please society. The moment I quit my company, eyebrows were raised. It was indigestible for many. They tried to make sense of it by saying, “Oh, he took an early retirement.” But in truth, there is no such thing as retirement in business or politics no age bar either.
I chose to listen to the call of my own mind. If you ask me today, I am happy. And even if I were not, quitting business would not be the reason for it. Often, circumstances outside of us affect our happiness, the habit of comparing, the constant wanting for more, the inability to feel wholeness in life, the lack of gratitude.
The world around us is tempting, filled with polluted minds, tech-driven distractions, and layers of greed.
I have noticed many of my friends who are still active in business are actually suffering, though they pretend to be happy. Deep down, they may be afraid of being alone in society if they leave the world of money. The corporate field is full of empty praise, inorganic approaches, and fake dramas. If that too disappears, they fear loneliness, like a retired police officer whose greatest sorrow is no longer being saluted.
I genuinely feel pity for my friends still struggling in business. Even if they mint millions, they must pay huge taxes and spend the rest just to keep their “shining show world” alive.
In sectors like banking, I see people sacrificing their personal lives to meet management targets. From top officials to executives, they compromise heavily to survive politics, pressure, and the chase for promotions. Many work as executives but end up doing the job of a tele-caller.
For many, recognition from a designation becomes more important than life itself. They use it as a tool to cover up their personal struggles.
Meanwhile, the global job market is on a downward wave, especially in India. Yet Gen Z is still eager to join corporates, blindly following their hidden rules. Ironically, corporates don’t even want Gen Z in their true essence, yet the youth keeps running behind them.
There are, however, smaller companies offering better growth and progressive roles. But people prefer to stay in smaller positions in big-name companies.
I know of a friend who was working in a small yet promising company with excellent growth potential. She left it just to join a “big shot” company, trading away real progress for a fancier designation.
At the same time, I know a highly qualified girl who works in a small farm. She enjoys flexible schedules and a balanced life, but even then, she sometimes feels she is missing out on the outer corporate world and its big titles.
This is the irony of human society, its roots, pros, and cons are difficult to understand. Comfort, position, designation, or even all of these together, nothing seems to give contentment. Whatever one gets, it is never enough. That is the strange mind of society.
If you decide to go with the flow, you can live by accepting the rules and regulations. But if you feel uncomfortable, it is difficult, because society will not allow you to live happily. Questions will be asked, and you will be answerable. Unless, of course, you choose to be highly courageous, like me.