Harsh Goenka faces backlash for remarks on 9-to-5 jobs

Industrialist Harsh Goenka drew sharp criticism on social media after posting a video that appeared to portray traditional 9-to-5 employment as a restrictive and ultimately unfulfilling life path. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Goenka shared an animated video titled “How 9-to-5 jobs take over your life,” accompanied by the caption: “Wake up… before it’s too late!” The clip illustrated a person’s life within progressively larger boxes, symbolising the confines of employment, culminating in a failed attempt at post-retirement freedom. 

Wake up….before it’s too late! pic.twitter.com/mlQxDWXFcw

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka)

Wake up….before it’s too late! pic.twitter.com/mlQxDWXFcw

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) July 18, 2025

">July 18, 2025

While Goenka’s message seemed intended to provoke reflection on work-life balance, many users saw irony in the statement coming from someone who leads a business empire employing thousands in conventional job structures. Critics questioned whether his own organisations offered alternatives to the very system he appeared to critique.

Reactions online ranged from sarcasm to concern. Some users pointed out that most people cannot escape structured employment due to economic necessity, while others called out the inconsistency between Goenka’s message and his business practices. Comments suggested that if his employees adopted the same mindset, it could disrupt his companies.

Goenka, known for posting motivational content, has previously stirred debate with similar reflections. While some appreciated the underlying message, this particular post reignited discussions around privilege, labour realities, and corporate accountability.