Landing a high-paying job at top tech companies of the world is often considered as the pinnacle of success but the story of Eric Yu stands out as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health. At the age of 28, Yu made a courageous decision to quit his high-paying job at Meta, the parent company of Facebook, after experiencing severe panic attacks, shedding light on the immense pressure faced by professionals in the tech industry.
As reported by Business Insider, Yu said that his journey with Meta started with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Having turned down an offer from Google, he embraced the challenges of working at Meta. However, the reality of his job proved to be far more daunting than he had anticipated. The constant pressure to meet high coding standards, coupled with harsh feedback lacking nuance and empathy, created a toxic work environment for Yu, the report added.
The breaking point came when Yu had his first panic attack while working from home. The physical and emotional toll of his job became too much to bear, leading him to re-evaluate his priorities.
“I was zoning out and felt intense thoughts. It felt like a water dam — like if too much water was pushed against it, it might break, and all the water would pour out. The more I tried to block my feelings away, the more it felt like bursting out all at once,” Yu told the business news website.
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Supported by his girlfriend, Wanda, Yu made the brave decision to quit his Rs 3 crore per annum job at Meta. This decision was not just about leaving a high-paying job; it was a conscious choice to prioritise his mental and emotional well-being over financial security. “Staying at Meta for the rest of my life would have ensured financial security, but I knew it wasn't right for me,” he added.
After quitting his job Yu tried his luck in the real estate sector and it paid off. The decision helped Yu to get enough time and resources to reflect on his true passions and aspirations. The relief he felt after leaving Meta highlighted the toll that corporate pressure had taken on his mental health.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Oct 10, 2023 7:04 PM IST
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