Tech Worker Claims Late-Night Work Call Triggered Anxiety Attack

Tech Industry Burnout and Mental Health Concerns

A recent account shared on Reddit highlights the pressure faced by AI engineers working in the tech industry. A fresh graduate at a major tech company experienced an anxiety attack after an urgent call from his team lead, which led to an emotional breakdown.

Project Timeline and Workload The engineer was working on a project with extremely tight deadlines, often putting in long hours beyond his assigned scope. Despite completing the day's work by 8 pm, he was called back in at 9:30 pm to investigate a backend failure.

Impact on Mental Health The engineer's anxiety was exacerbated by the team lead's response, which implied that his departure would leave the team without a solution. He was advised to "do yoga" and go for morning walks, which further added to his distress.

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Industry Response and Support The Reddit post drew hundreds of responses from tech professionals who shared similar experiences. Many reassured the engineer that breaking down on a call would not lead to disciplinary action and advised him to prioritize mental health.

Key Statistics and Insights

• The engineer has 4 months remaining on his 12-month service bond.
• He plans to prepare for an MBA after completing his service bond.
• The post highlights the need for compassion and support in the tech industry to prevent burnout and prioritize mental health.

Recommendations

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• Prioritize mental health and seek support from seniors or mentors.
• Avoid internalising blame for system failures outside one's control.
• Consider speaking to a psychologist as a preventive step against burnout.
• Encourage a culture of compassion and understanding in the tech industry.