Key facts
- An Indian professional working in Norway was reprimanded by his boss for working on weekends and postponing vacation.
- The professional stated his boss told him vacation is mandatory and that working excessively sets a poor example for juniors.
- He contrasted this feedback with potential reactions in India, where such dedication might be praised.
- The incident prompted a discussion on work-life balance and cultural differences in workplace expectations.
An Indian professional working in Norway, identified as Vinod, has shared an experience that highlights significant cultural differences in work-life balance between India and Norway. Vinod recounted an incident where his boss reprimanded him not for poor performance, but for working on a Saturday and cancelling his vacation to complete a project.
According to Vinod's post on X, he had carried his "Indian work ethic" to Norway, which involved working weekends, skipping breaks, and staying late. He initially expected praise when his boss called him in, but was instead told that vacation is mandatory and that his actions set a poor precedent for his colleagues. This feedback surprised Vinod, who noted that such dedication might have been viewed positively in India.
The incident led Vinod to reflect on the "hustle culture" and constant need to "keep grinding" that he had embraced, stating it had "quietly cost" him. His post has since generated considerable online discussion, with many users sharing similar sentiments about work-life balance in India compared to other countries.