Software sadness
P.J.C. Sereno
SOMEONE COMMENTED that most of the cases psychiatrists handle nowadays are those of software professionals. I have no difficulty in agreeing with that comment. The expressions written on their faces are generally sad, anxious, thoughtful and sleepy. One look at them gives us the impression that they are overworked and overexploited.
Man is a social being and needs a certain amount of time for the family and friends. But we find the software professionals sandwiched between the never-ending deadlines and family needs. Getting two days leave for a family function is almost impossible. Children get detached from the parents and get their guidance from other sources, which may not be good. With a plastic card or cell phone around their necks, software professionals look like robots and behave like bonded labourers. Everyday their families wait for them until late night.
They are generally well compensated. So are the deep-sea divers. They have no time or inclination to check their accounts. Hence they very easily fall into the trap of debts. To pay these debts they work harder and ruin their health.
Proper nutrition is a totally neglected affair. The rat race, the job related stress and strain further aggravate the already failing health. Another ailment which affects the software professionals is the problem with their spines and the nagging back pain. This is mainly due to a lack of exercise and constant sitting at one place. As a result of all these by the age of 35 they are squeezed out of all their energy. Ulcer, blood pressure, and depression take control of their lives.
One attraction for software professionals is a chance to go abroad on short assignments. On their return they will be in a position to clear some of their debts. I understand in general foreigners work during the normal working hours and do not attend office on Saturdays and Sundays. People from India not only work for 12 hours a day but also work on Saturdays and Sundays. There is no life. There is only work and more work. This is an endless process.
At an early age of three we force out children into studies, telling them about the bright future they will be having. Now we have to wonder whether this is the bright future into which we have guided them. We sometimes regret the constant nagging we have done to make the children score higher marks and the continuous sermon we have given them to get through entrance examinations. All the above for the wonderful things they are having now!
It is very clear that we should not indulge in such reckless destruction of the peace and happiness of the cream of our youth. As competition drives them into self-destruction and madness, some type of governmental intervention is inevitable. I understand that at least in two countries in Europe there are laws restricting the working hours of such people to 40 a week. I feel similar laws should be enacted in our country also.
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