Vicious Circle of Societal Pressure

The whole media (social, print, visual) media are discussing about one corporate, their work culture (or lack of it), and the employees challenges. Who is the real culprit? The immediate supervisor (Assistant Manager?) , or the divisional /regional head? Or the CEO of the company? Actually, none of them, Yes, None of them. Is this only in that one firm? No.

The real culprit is the system we are living today. We are in a vicious circle. A vicious cycle from which we seem unable to break free. Sadly, the recent tragic case of a young woman won't be the last. As unpleasant as it is to admit, this will keep repeating.

A vicious circle has surrounded us. The supervisor is under immense pressure to deliver the results and meet the (nearly impossible) targets, failure puts his/her job at risk. But the pressure doesn’t stop there—it trickles down from their own supervisors and continues all the way up to the CEO. It is not stopping there also. The CEO is pressured to deliver better profits, ensure market dominance, and satisfy shareholders. If the company’s market rating drops, clients may turn elsewhere, and the company’s value will plummet. Talented and ambitious job seekers will prefer to top-rated companies, if there is choice. The endless cycle perpetuate.

In this race to stay on top, we sacrifice our mental peace. Those who don’t land jobs at top firms like the Big Four are often seen as second-class, less talented, and less capable. If you aren’t earning a six-figure salary, you’re deemed incapable—even within your own home.

This pressure isn't confined to the workplace ; it has infiltrated schools as well. The ‘play time’ for the children (even primary class children) are decided by the clock hands. After 6-7 hours class, there is 2-3 hours tuition and coaching. (Thanks to Covid for popularizing the online tuition / coaching). A full page advertisement is not able to accommodate all those who have scored 99.9xx% from one particular coaching centre. If you are anything below 95% (or so) percentage, you are considered as subpar. Gone are the days students who scored “First Class” are first class students. There are no weekends for the students from class V. The IX, X students don’t have summer vacation. So, the pressure is starting from the schools. ?

Even though, we speak loud about the worthlessness of ranks and marks, we start feeling anxious when our own child’s score drops by even a single point. ?Parents also cannot be blamed. They are getting upset by thinking the future of the child, fearing his / her rejection in an institution of reputation, concerned about how this might impact their chances of landing a top-tier job, and thus their standing in society.

?We are trapped in this vicious circle, unable to escape.

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Rakesh,KN