Arya Krishnan
In the relentless pursuit of success, an entire generation is quietly surrendering its passions at the altar of practicality. The modern workplace has become a battleground where dreams go to die, replaced by the cold calculus of salaries and promotions. As society glorifies the grind, we’re witnessing an epidemic of disengagement that threatens both individual fulfillment and collective creativity.
The numbers paint a grim picture. A recent Gallup survey reveals that only 15% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work, while Deloitte reports nearly two-thirds of millennials admit to choosing careers for financial security rather than personal interest. These statistics point to a fundamental misalignment between what we do and who we are.
The roots of this crisis run deep. Our education system funnels students into “safe” career paths long before they’ve discovered their true interests. Corporate culture then completes the transformation, rewarding conformity over creativity. The result? A workforce of talented individuals who’ve forgotten what makes them come alive.
Social media amplifies the problem, creating unrealistic benchmarks for success. Platforms that began as spaces for connection have become highlight reels of material achievement, fueling a perpetual sense of inadequacy. The constant comparison game leaves little room for authentic self-expression or the messy, beautiful process of mastering a craft.
Yet there are glimmers of hope. The quiet quitting movement, the rise of passion projects, and growing workplace flexibility suggest a brewing rebellion against the status quo. Forward-thinking companies are beginning to recognize that employee fulfillment isn’t just nice to have—it’s a business imperative that drives innovation and retention.
The path forward requires courage—the courage to question conventional definitions of success, to make space for passion amid practicality, and to value fulfillment as much as financial security. As automation reshapes the job market, the uniquely human capacity for creativity and passion may become our most valuable assets.
This isn’t just about personal happiness. When a society loses touch with its passions, it loses its soul. The choice before us is clear: continue the mindless sprint in the rat race, or rediscover what makes work worth doing. The future belongs to those who dare to choose the latter.
(The writer is a Master’s Degree Mass Communication student at Central University of Jammu)
