As hybrid work models become more common in a post-Covid world, many professionals have voiced their struggles with working from home (WFH). A recent viral post on X, formerly Twitter, has taken the internet by storm, with one user comparing WFH while living with parents to a “dystopian survival game.” The post, shared by X user Shubh, sparked widespread conversation about the realities of balancing work and family life under one roof.
In his now-viral post, Shubh wrote, “WFH is a dream when you’ve got your own cozy little apartment in a city like Bangalore, Mumbai, or even Delhi, especially with your partner by your side. But WFH while living with your parents? That’s a whole new level of Squid Game.” His comparison to the popular survival show struck a chord with many, accumulating over 150,000 views in a short time.
WFH is a dream when you’ve got your own cozy little apartment in a city like Bangalore, Mumbai, or even Delhi, especially with your partner by your side. But WFH while living with your parents? That’s a whole new level of Squid Game.
— Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) September 28, 2024
Many users resonated with Shubh’s perspective, sharing their own struggles with managing work-life balance while being surrounded by family. “I understand you totally. I do WFH too and my father comes in the middle of long calls to say loudly, ‘Unko bol do ghar pe kaam hai… baad mein baat karenge,'” one user commented, sympathizing with the challenges of keeping professional and personal boundaries.
While many users agreed with the sentiment, describing their WFH situations as stressful, others were quick to criticize Shubh for his view. One user even labeled their WFH experience as “torture,” recounting the difficulties of working from a parent’s home once a year.
However, the post also drew backlash from those who felt that Shubh and his supporters were being ungrateful. “Kind of a blessing, to be honest. Your parents are already in their 60s when you land a job, so it’s a bonus that you get to spend time with them as they don’t have much time left,” one user argued, emphasizing the value of family time during WFH.
Some users went as far as celebrating their WFH experience with their family, calling it a “blessing.” “WFH with parents, wife, and 2-year-old daughter, and enjoying every bit of not commuting daily,” another user proudly shared.
Another commenter added that working with their parents present alleviated stress rather than causing it. “With parents by my side, I literally don’t have to worry about anything. And I get the princess treatment from my parents. I don’t get this trend of bashing parents,” they said, calling for more gratitude towards family support.
As the debate over WFH dynamics continues online, it’s clear that experiences vary widely, with some thriving on family proximity and others longing for personal space.
