Why does IITian dislike leaving office early? It's not due to workaholism or toxic workplace

A young professional from Gurugram, who graduated from IIT Gandhinagar, recently sparked an engaging discussion on LinkedIn after he confessed that he disliked leaving his office early. Surprisingly, his reasoning wasn’t tied to an unhealthy work culture or an obsession with overworking. Instead, he revealed a practical insight that resonated with thousands online — his decision was about avoiding the chaos of city traffic.

The engineer explained that by arriving at work later than usual and leaving after peak hours, he effectively sidestepped Gurugram’s notorious evening rush. This adjustment, he shared, gave him the most precious thing he could reclaim — his mornings. Free from the stress of commuting, he found time to focus on personal growth before diving into work. His mornings became a space for activities like reading, exercising, and playing sports — moments of self-investment that set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

He further elaborated that this approach had a profound impact on his mental energy and productivity. Referencing psychological studies by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, he pointed out how minor drains on cognitive stamina, such as sitting for hours in traffic, can significantly diminish the quality of one’s decisions and focus. By avoiding these daily energy drains, he managed to begin his workday feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.

Through his post, he urged others to consider modifying their work schedules if possible. He suggested that even a simple shift in office timings could drastically improve mental well-being and work performance. Skipping the city’s gridlock, he argued, might be one of the most underrated productivity hacks in today’s fast-paced professional world.

The IITian’s reflection struck a chord with countless professionals who face similar struggles in India’s urban offices. His simple yet effective routine demonstrated that true efficiency doesn’t always come from longer work hours — sometimes, it’s about reclaiming time, preserving energy, and beginning the day on one’s own terms.