Sarkari Naukri (Government Job)

I started my career in the private sector. Even though my boss was nice and relaxed about hitting targets, there was an unspoken competition among my colleagues. If I didn’t perform well, I would be left behind. I worked hard to excel, and when my seniors appreciated and acknowledged my efforts, I felt on top of the world. The healthy competition made me feel alive. Stress was always there, but I kind of enjoyed it—it made life exciting.

A few years later, I casually took some government job exams. Surprisingly, I cleared them. My parents and friends were thrilled. They told me not to miss this golden opportunity—an excellent salary, job security, housing benefits, and a comfortable retirement.

My first week at my sarkari job was exciting. Mr. Chadda welcomed me warmly, and the staff seemed friendly. I threw a big party to celebrate, and everyone enjoyed it. They all wanted to be friends with me.

I continued working hard, just as I had before. My boss praised me highly. But soon, I noticed a change in my colleagues. The appreciation I expected turned into cold stares and whispered conversations. At first, I thought they were just jealous. But I soon realized they had a different way of working—delays, shortcuts, and avoiding responsibilities. They wanted me to blend in.

Slowly, I found myself being pushed away. They stopped including me in discussions, ignored me during breaks, and no longer invited me to get-togethers. The office felt colder every day. I had my lunch alone, staring at my food, wondering if I had made a mistake.

I thought about quitting, but what would I tell my family? They would call me a fool for giving up such a “secure future.” No one would understand how suffocating it felt to be in an environment where efficiency was punished instead of rewarded.

One evening, as I sat in my empty apartment, I realized I had two choices: either adapt to this system or find my own way to survive in it. Quitting wasn’t an option—not yet.

So, I made a decision. If I couldn’t change the system, I wouldn’t let it change me either. I would do my work with sincerity, but without expectations of appreciation. I would find purpose outside of my job—through hobbies, learning, or even side projects.

Early retirement? Maybe. But until then, I would live life on my terms.