The Cost of Ambition: How Inflexibility Crushed a Friend's Spirit

I once closely witnessed an unfortunate experience that left a strong impression on me. One of my close friend was pursuing her higher studies through a distance learning program while working full-time. As part of her academic schedule, she occasionally had online exams that typically started around 6:30 or 7:00 PM.

Whenever she had exams, she would request permission from the company to leave a little early so she could focus and appear for her exam on time. Unfortunately, the company was not supportive of her situation. Despite multiple requests, she was not granted the flexibility to log off early. As a result, she had to remain at her workstation and complete her office responsibilities before she could turn her attention to the exam.

On those days, she often ended up taking the exam right there in the office, immediately after wrapping up her tasks. I remember how stressful that period was for her — juggling work deadlines while preparing to take an important academic assessment in a less-than-ideal environment.

This experience stood out to me because it highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who strive to upskill or pursue higher education alongside a full-time job — and how lack of organizational support can make that journey even more difficult. It made me more conscious of the importance of empathy and flexibility in the workplace, especially when it comes to supporting personal and professional growth.

Anushree Bhat