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Time is Money—But What About Life?


The age-old proverb, “Time is money,” suggests that time, like cash, is a resource to be wisely spent. But here’s the twist—lose money, and you might earn it back; lose time, and it’s permanently overdrafted from your life account. Every ticking second is a fragment of life slipping by, making time the most precious investment—not just for career milestones, but for personal well-being and meaningful relationships too.


Post-COVID, we learned that while work pays the bills, it’s time with family, self-care, and mental health that keep us sane enough to spend that paycheck. Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Japan got the memo and are testing four-day work weeks to combat burnout and boost productivity. Meanwhile, India seems to be stuck in a remix of “Work Harder, Not Smarter,” still championing the ‘clock-in, clock-out’ grind as a badge of honour.


Global Shift Towards Balance


Countries have realised that less can be more when it comes to work hours:

  • Germany is trialling a 4-day work week starting February 2024 to test its impact on employee happiness and productivity.

  • In Belgium, employees can opt for a four-day workweek while keeping the same weekly hours.

  • Japan, known for its gruelling work culture, now encourages shorter work weeks to combat karoshi or “death by overwork.”

Even trials in Portugal showed a 20% reduction in anxiety and sleeping problems, proving that less stress at work leads to better performance.


India’s Corporate Evolution: A Rethink on Work Culture


While the rest of the world is promoting fewer workdays, Indian corporate culture seems to have taken inspiration from action movies: “No breaks, only mission!” Ironically, industry titans seem to believe there’s no limit to staring at spreadsheets— but staring at one’s spouse is. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy stirred up controversy on this topic- a few months ago by advocating for 70-hour work weeks, claiming it was essential for India’s progress. His statement left many employees asking, “Sir, are you hiring humans or robots?


And now, recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan added his two cents with the infamous remark, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays… How long can you stare at your wife?” This comment sparked widespread backlash, with employees quipping on social media, “Sir, staring at my wife isn’t my job—but staring at emails from you on Sundays apparently is.

Firstly, no matter how mindless Subrahmanyan’s statement may sound, turning employees into human versions of factory robots is hardly the innovation we need. What’s even more troubling is the glaring pay disparity between these corporate leaders and their employees. These men, sitting in plush offices, earning far more than what they pay their workforce, demand equally long hours from both sides. It’s deeply unjustifiable to expect the same level of commitment when the pay scales are so disproportionate.


Secondly, India, unlike many Western countries, does not have an hourly work culture; it typically operates on a per-day work culture, where employees are expected to work a set number of hours each day. If Indian corporations wish to implement a system based on hourly work, whether it’s 70 or 90 hours a week, they better be prepared to compensate their employees in a similar fashion to countries that already follow this system.


Take, for example, countries with hourly wage systems:

  • In Germany, the average hourly wage is approximately €20 ($21.50), translating to about ₹1,800 per hour.

  • In Belgium, workers earn around €19 per hour, or ₹1,700.

  • In the United States, the average hourly wage is $23, which equals roughly ₹1,900 per hour.

  • In the United Kingdom, workers earn about £12 per hour, or ₹1,200.


Now, imagine expecting employees to work 70 or 90 hours a week without offering compensation at these rates. If Indian corporate culture wants to adopt an hourly pay model, it needs to reflect the global standards in terms of wages. Without proper compensation, demanding such long hours from employees is not just unethical but unjustifiable.


It’s time for Indian companies to re-evaluate their priorities, shifting away from the “hustle harder” mindset toward a more balanced approach—one that recognises the value of personal well-being, mental health, and family time, all while ensuring fair wages. Because, as the global conversation shifts towards well-being, the question remains: who is truly benefiting from this relentless grind—and at what cost?


Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This ethos is about more than just employees’ dedication; it also calls on employers to support overall well-being by moving beyond the strict ‘clock-in, clock-out’ mindset. If countries with smaller populations like Denmark, Australia, and the Netherlands can rethink work models for their citizens, why can’t India—with its massive workforce and potential for innovation—do the same?


After all, at the end of the day, all we need to remember is that- life is not just about earning a paycheck; it’s about finding balance, purpose, and happiness—and maybe even having time to stare at your loved ones every now and then!


What’s your take on the ideal work culture for India?

  • 4-day work week with flexible hours

  • 5-day work week but reduced hours

  • Hourly wage system like global models

  • Current system is fine


Also, what are your thoughts on work culture and long working hours? Do you think India is ready for a change? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!

The first day of a new year always brings with it a fresh set of resolutions. For some, it’s about chasing grand dreams and conquering the world; for others, it’s simply about surviving and holding on. And then there are those who revisit the same resolutions year after year, armed with a renewed sense of determination—like Sunny Paji’s iconic dialogue,


“Tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek milti rahi hai, my lord, magar insaaf nahi.” 

Only here, it’s not about justice delayed but about resolutions deferred, waiting for the right time, the right push, or perhaps, the right mindset to finally make them happen.



Today, as I sit on a wooden bench in the chilly weather, sipping my coffee, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and realize what a whirlwind it’s been—a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. It started with the completion of my Ph.D. thesis in January, followed by three excruciating months of waiting for expert reviews. When the approval finally came through, it was a moment of pure relief and joy. Holding my printed thesis—five years of unwavering effort wrapped in those pages—was surreal. The chills before my final presentation, the immense pride of receiving my Ph.D. degree at the convocation, and, above all, the joy I saw on my parents' faces when I held that degree—those moments will forever be etched in my heart.


But 2024 wasn’t only about academic milestones. It was also the year I found solace and purpose in writing. During the long, anxious wait for my thesis reviews—a time that felt like one of the most challenging parts of my Ph.D. journey—I turned to writing as a way to cope. What began as a distraction evolved into a passion project: I wrote a poetry book, got it published, and even won an award for it.


Travel was another highlight of the year. After defending my thesis, I rewarded myself with a trip to Thailand (for an academic conference though). Traveling to another country on my own savings was a liberating experience in itself, but it also became a journey of connection and discovery. I met some incredible women, formed new friendships, and came back with stories that could fill another blog entirely—something I intend to write soon.


Visiting one of the seven wonders of the world—the Taj Mahal—was another remarkable moment of the year. Its timeless beauty left me in awe and reminded me of the grandeur that exists in the world when we take the time to explore it.


Finally, the year culminated in a new professional chapter as I stepped into the role of an Assistant Professor. It’s been six months into this journey, and I’ve gained invaluable insights and grown significantly, yet I continue to grapple with finding a balance between my professional commitments and personal life.


Amid all these accomplishments and experiences, one thing I let slip was my love for writing blogs. The long, demanding 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts often leave me drained, with little energy or motivation to write—or perhaps I’ve been hiding behind that excuse to cover up a lingering laziness or waning enthusiasm. I deeply miss the joy of pouring my thoughts into words, of crafting something purely for myself—a creative outlet that once felt so liberating and fulfilling.


So, as 2025 begins, I’m making a promise to myself: to get back to writing regularly. It doesn’t have to be daily, but at least once a week. For me, writing is more than just an activity—it’s my way of finding freedom, a space where my thoughts can take flight.


Here’s to a year of reconnecting with my passions, cherishing the relationships that uplift me, and carving out time for what truly matters—because life is about more than just work, and I owe it to myself to embrace every facet of it.

In the past few weeks, you must have come across one or more Instagram reels of women flaunting pretty pink Barbie outfits or advertisement videos of high-end brands selling Barbie-inspired fashion clothing, footwear, accessories, food items, and even putting on rent the Barbie-inspired bungalows. The brand marketing team of the Barbie movie deserves applause, for some of us have even started getting Barbie ads in our dreams! But is that all that Barbie is about?

A still image from the Barbie movie. Picture: Courtesy Google Images


It was back in the 1950s when the American toy market was dominated by toys meant for boys. Young boys could choose from various options like- cars, puppets, balloons and dozens of other trinkets. But young girls often felt a slight discontent with the selection of toys available to them- they had to settle for one of the trinkets from the boys' lot, or the only "feminine" choice available was different versions of kitchen sets- which reminded them that they were destined to be in the kitchen as grown-ups.


Ruth Handler often felt that there was a need for toys specifically designed for young girls whenever she observed her daughter Barbara discarding conventional toys in exchange for her paper dolls. She was amazed at seeing her daughter playing and giving her paper dolls the adult roles, making them protagonists of even the mundane scenes of everyday life. And so, to encourage girls like her daughter to aspire to anything other than motherhood and make them believe that "they could be whatever they wanted", Ruth Handler introduced Barbie, the first-ever "woman" doll, in 1959. And within a few years of its introduction, this plastic doll with a revolutionary attitude took the toy market by storm.


"You first need to imagine to create some sort of impact".


Imagine a female doll who's financially successful, independent and loaded with material wealth- back in a time when women couldn't even have their own bank accounts. She had her own house with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, couture wardrobe, and a car. It's super superficial, but it's also incredibly profound at the same time.


Born with the aim to make young girls understand that the life of an adult woman is more than just about being behind the kitchen slab or a caring mother, Barbie shattered the glass ceiling by introducing herself as a working woman. Her influence extended far beyond her initial career as a model in stylish attire and glamorous accessories to break gender stereotypes by exploring various professions. She can put on a suit, and she's a lawyer. She can put on a space helmet, and she's an astronaut. From teachers to doctors, businesswomen to athletes, Barbie became a symbol of empowerment and inspired generations of young girls to dream big and believe in their abilities.


While playing, these young girls were not just imagining being a pretty woman like Barbie when they grew up; they were also imagining having their own house, car, and careers. Thus challenging societal norms, Barbie paved the way for little girls to envision a world where they could achieve anything. She catalysed conversations about gender equality and encouraged young minds to think beyond traditional roles. Her journey reflects society's changing perspectives and aspirations, making her an enduring and cherished figure in the world of toys.


As Barbie continues to evolve, this time through a cinematic avatar, here's hoping that she keeps empowering the coming generations.

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