In my opinion, yes, there is a certain level of exploitation happening.
When I first joined the industry, I was excited and eager to learn. But soon, I realized that the long working hours and unrealistic deadlines were taking a toll on my health and personal life. Many of my colleagues, fresh out of college, were also facing the same issues. We were expected to work late nights and weekends without any extra compensation. It felt like we were being squeezed for every ounce of productivity.
The pay, especially for freshers, is often not proportional to the amount of work and stress involved. While the starting salary might seem attractive at first, when you break it down to an hourly rate considering the overtime, it doesn't look that great. Plus, the pressure to constantly upskill and stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry adds another layer of stress.
On the other hand, I have to admit that the IT sector has also provided immense opportunities for growth and learning. I've had the chance to work on some really interesting projects and with some very talented people. The exposure to global clients and cutting-edge technology is something that I wouldn't have gotten in many other fields.
But the question remains, at what cost? The high attrition rates in the industry are a clear indicator that many young professionals are burning out. The work-life balance is often skewed, and mental health issues are on the rise.
So, while the IT sector in India has its perks, I do feel that the exploitation of young talent is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Companies need to start valuing their employees' well-being as much as they value their productivity. Only then can we create a sustainable and healthy work environment.
