A London-based professional's fight against the outdated corporate system
Taruna Vinaykiya, a 25-year-old Indian professional working in London, is making waves with her bold stance against the traditional office culture. In a viral LinkedIn post, she declared her refusal to return to the office full-time, citing the financial burden and outdated practices of the corporate system.
Vinaykiya, a Global Influencer Strategy Manager at the Lego Group, highlighted the stark reality of Gen Z professionals struggling to make ends meet despite holding well-paying jobs. The high cost of living in London, coupled with stagnant wages, leaves little room for financial advancement. "I'm 25, in a so-called ‘good’ career, living in London, and still clawing my way out of my bills every month," she wrote. "Climbing the corporate ladder? Not exactly a dream when the jobs at the top are held by people who won’t budge until they retire."
She further contrasted the generational divide in workplace benefits. While older generations enjoyed perks like reimbursed travel, business trips, and real networking opportunities, today's workers are left with minimal benefits. "So, remind me again why I should happily spend a chunk of my already-taxed-to-death salary on the world’s most expensive transport system just to sit in an office and dial into online calls?" she questioned.
Instead of waiting for change, Vinaykiya took control of her career by transitioning to freelancing. "Luckily, I pivoted into freelancing, and while it’s still early days, it’s the first time I’ve felt like I have real control over my work," she shared. "Maybe that’s the future, not chasing promotions in a system that doesn’t work for us, but building careers on our own terms."
Her post resonated with many professionals, sparking a conversation about the need for change in the corporate landscape. Many agreed with her assessment of the broken system, highlighting the lack of flexibility and outdated practices. "What an amazing way to put this," one commenter wrote. "Gen Z isn’t throwing tantrums—they’re simply reacting to broken systems."
While some acknowledged the value of in-person interactions, they agreed with Vinaykiya's core point. "There are days when you're in back-to-back calls, and commuting to the office just for the sake of it doesn’t make sense," one user commented.
Vinaykiya's story serves as a powerful reminder of the changing needs and expectations of the modern workforce. Her call for a more flexible and financially sustainable work environment is a reflection of the growing desire for autonomy and control over one's career path.