‘I got scolded for working too much’: Indian professional shares moment of culture shock in Norway. The Internet is responding | Today’s news
A social media post comparing workplace expectations in India and Norway has reached thousands online and reignited discussions about burnout, rush culture and the elusive dream of work-life balance.
The post shared by Vinod on X recounts the experience of moving to Norway 15 years ago with what he described as a deep-rooted Indian work ethic – one that celebrated long hours, skipping breaks and constant availability.
“I moved to Norway 15 years ago 🇳🇴… carrying my Indian work ethic – weekend work, skipped lunches, late nights and pushing myself even when I wasn’t feeling well,” he wrote.
A meeting he thought was a compliment
According to Vinod, he believed that his hard work would be appreciated by his employer. Instead, he was criticized.
“Then one day, during my early days in Norway, my boss called me. I thought I would be praised,” he wrote.
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What followed stunned him.
“You answered my email on Saturday. And you canceled your vacation to deliver a project without telling me. I know you meant well, but that’s not right.”
His manager went on to explain why such behavior was discouraged.
“Vacation is mandatory. You never miss it. Your juniors are watching you. When they see this, they’ll think this means devotion.”
Vinod admitted that he had difficulty processing the feedback at the time.
“I got scolded… for working too much.
Another definition of dedication
This experience, he says, forced him to reevaluate the assumptions he took away from his professional life in India.
“I sat there confused. In India it could have earned me a ‘very insider’ note. Here it was a problem.”
Ultimately, the incident led to a deeper understanding of the personal costs of the constant pursuit of productivity.
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“That day broke something in me.
“It made me see the hustle and the anxiety and the need to constantly toil – and for the first time I cried because of all that it cost me in silence.”
He ended the post by asking users about their own work experience.
“Your thoughts – how the bosses and company culture are for you today.”
The internet is sharing workplace horror stories
The post quickly attracted comments from users comparing the story to their own experiences in India.
One user recalled being asked to continue working despite being seriously ill.
“One day I had a high fever, and when I said I needed to leave, my boss asked me to complete two tasks before I left. I was hospitalized the same day, so half a day’s pay was deducted. It wasn’t about money for me, it was about humanity.”
“No dignity. Most employees have left their jobs because of the lack of dignity and respect in the workplace.”
Another user suggested that little had changed.
“It’s still the same in India Vinod. Reading your posts makes me feel like we’re missing him in our lives. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t turned down the offer on the spot a few years ago.”
A third commenter compared experiences with working overseas.
“This is common abroad. Since I only worked in the US for 5 years, my first and last real job. But in India I heard a lot of things, it’s a total mess.”
Others echoed concerns about workplace expectations in India.
“Work-life balance is a dream in India,” wrote one user.
Another added: “This hit hard. In India, overworking is still seen as dedication, while healthy boundaries are seen as weakness. Your Norwegian boss taught a powerful lesson that true leadership protects well-being, not burnout. We desperately need this culture change. Thanks for sharing.”
