“I couldn’t breathe, but we had deadlines”: Reddit post on workplace toxicity reingites debate on corporate pressure

A Reddit user’s candid post describing a distressing experience at work has reignited conversations around workplace toxicity, unrealistic deadlines, and the human cost of hustle culture. The user recounted an incident where they struggled to breathe just minutes before the end of the workday, only to be reminded repeatedly about deadlines rather than being encouraged to seek medical help.

“I honestly couldn’t breathe. It was literally five minutes from winding up work,” the post read. When the user told a colleague they needed to see a doctor, they were asked to inform their manager. The response from the boss, however, left them shaken. “But we have deadlines. Take rest and do it early morning tomorrow,” the manager reportedly said.

The user added that the deadline itself was assigned only after they had communicated their inability to continue working, leaving them feeling unheard and dehumanised.

‘Employees are humans, not machines’

The post struck an emotional note as the user reflected on a broader issue many professionals quietly face. “Sometimes I feel my boss does not understand that employees are humans. That they can genuinely be sick, because they aren’t machines,” the user wrote, adding that they were simply venting out of exhaustion and frustration. The post ended with a sentiment many related to: “Lucky are those who have understanding bosses who genuinely care for their employees first.”

Social media reacts: ‘Health over hustle’

The story quickly drew responses from fellow professionals, many of whom shared similar experiences or offered perspective. One commenter pointed out the paradox of toxic urgency: “If everything is so tight, they would most likely not want the employee replaced. A new hire would take onboarding time. So work at your own pace and let them scream.”

Another blamed the culture trickling down from the top: “Boss doesn’t understand because boss’s boss doesn’t understand because boss’s boss’s boss wants a 70-hour work week.” Several users urged the poster to prioritise their well-being. “Health over hustle. No point earning more if you’re not fit to enjoy it,” one wrote, while another added, “Everything is urgent in corporate. Work at your pace and only when you feel healthy.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on a user-generated post shared on Reddit. The platform and the publication do not independently verify the authenticity of the claims or the identities of individuals involved and do not endorse the views expressed.)