“I couldn’t breathe, but we had deadlines”: Reddit post on workplace toxicity reingites debate on corporate pressure

A Reddit user’s heartfelt post describing a harrowing experience at work has reignited discussions about workplace toxicity, unrealistic deadlines and the human cost of the hustle culture. The user described an incident where they had difficulty breathing just minutes before the end of the workday, but instead of being encouraged to seek medical attention, they were repeatedly reminded of deadlines.

“I literally couldn’t breathe. There were literally five minutes left until the end of the job,” the post read. When the user told a colleague that he needed to see a doctor, he was asked to report this to his manager. But the boss’s answer shook them. The manager reportedly said, “But we have deadlines. Rest and do it early tomorrow morning.”

The user added that the deadline was only set after they communicated that they could not continue working, which left them feeling unheard and dehumanized.

‘Employees are people, not machines’

The post struck an emotional chord as the user addressed a broader issue that many professionals silently face. “Sometimes I feel like my boss doesn’t understand that employees are humans. They can actually get sick because they’re not machines,” the user wrote, adding that they only go out due to fatigue and frustration. The post ended with a sentiment many had on the subject: “Lucky are those who understand bosses who truly care about their employees first.”

Reaction from social media: ‘Health instead of hustle and bustle’

The story quickly garnered a response from our professional colleagues, many of whom shared similar experiences or offered perspective. One commenter noted the paradox of toxic urgency: “If everything was this tight, they probably wouldn’t want the employee to be replaced. A new hire takes onboarding time. So work at your own pace and let them scream.”

Another blamed the top-down culture: “The boss doesn’t understand because the boss’s boss doesn’t understand because the boss’s boss’s boss wants a 70-hour work week.” Many users urged the poster to prioritize their own well-being. One wrote: “Health over hustle. There’s no point in earning more if you’re not fit to enjoy it.” Another added: “Everything is urgent in corporate life. Work at your own pace and only when you feel healthy.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on a user-generated post shared on Reddit. The platform and the publication do not independently verify the veracity of the claims or the identities of the individuals involved, and do not endorse the views expressed.)