After 5 AM corporate meetings, employee asks paid to live or suffer? His rant goes viral

A techie from Gurugram recently sparked a heated discussion on Reddit after sharing a screenshot of a client meeting scheduled at 5 a.m. The employee expressed frustration, questioning whether this is what the modern corporate lifestyle has truly become. For him, the demand to wake up before dawn to accommodate U.S. clients highlighted how “flexibility” in multinational work environments often translates into sacrificing personal health and rest. He explained that while juggling multiple responsibilities throughout the day is already exhausting, being forced to get out of bed at 4:30 a.m. just to avoid being late for a virtual meeting feels unreasonable. Meanwhile, the client sits comfortably at their desk overseas, oblivious to the toll on employees in India.

Health vs. Corporate Demands

The employee further raised concerns about the widespread notion that higher pay justifies extreme working conditions. He argued that compensation should not mean employees are expected to neglect their physical and mental well-being. In his view, being treated like machines that are always available erodes the essence of a healthy work-life balance. He wondered whether corporate life now simply means living on caffeine and functioning without adequate rest, leaving employees exhausted and undervalued in the global workplace.

Community Reactions

The post struck a chord with many Reddit users, who shared their personal experiences of working with multinational corporations and Indian companies. One user mentioned leaving an international setup after more than a decade of such early calls, opting instead for a fully Indian firm. Although the new workplace was smaller, the user appreciated the stability of fixed hours—arriving at 9:30 a.m. and finishing by 6:30 p.m.—without late-night or early-morning disturbances.

Another individual compared their experience of working exclusively with Indian clients. Meetings typically started no earlier than 11 a.m., and very few extended beyond 7 p.m. This flexibility allowed for a more predictable routine and a healthier lifestyle.

Not All MNCs the Same

Other voices in the thread pointed out that irregular hours are not necessarily the norm in multinational corporations. Some argued that such situations often arise because of poor management practices rather than actual client demands. They explained that American clients are generally considerate about time zones, often scheduling calls early in their day so that Indian employees can join in the evening. The real issue, according to them, lies with Indian managers who impose unrealistic expectations and normalize unhealthy work schedules.

Larger Reflection

The discussion revealed the stark differences between working in Indian firms versus global corporations. While international exposure can bring growth and higher pay, the hidden cost often comes in the form of disrupted sleep cycles, endless fatigue, and compromised health. For many employees, the pressing question remains: is financial reward worth living as a round-the-clock resource?