Rakesh’s career started on a promising note. Beginning at tech giant Apple, he enjoyed a high salary and a luxurious workspace. He later moved through major banks and computer manufacturing firms, seemingly living the ideal corporate life. But beneath the prestige and comfort, he felt disconnected and unfulfilled.
“At first, everything seemed perfect, but gradually I realised that people were being used, and I had become a ‘people pleaser’, losing myself in the process. I had all the facilities, yet no real happiness,” he reflects.
The corporate world, with its constant manipulation and hidden expectations, left him questioning the meaning of his work. Success and money alone couldn’t fill the emptiness.
Rakesh’s struggles extended beyond the office. Experiences with his father and marital life added emotional strain. Over time, his mental health worsened, leading him to seek treatment at NIMHANS and Victoria Hospital and rely on antidepressants for a prolonged period.
“I would sit for hours, trapped in the same thoughts for six or seven hours. I had confined myself to my house,” he recalls, highlighting the depth of his isolation.
Determined to regain control, Rakesh turned to psychology, studying the “dark triad”—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—to understand the patterns of manipulation he had faced.
He also focused on his physical well-being. Intermittent fasting helped him shed 15 kg, while training in Muay Thai and Ju-Jitsu rebuilt his confidence. His efforts culminated in a silver medal at a state-level championship, marking a milestone in his self-discovery.
Rakesh embraced all kinds of work, regardless of status. From delivering food and driving a bike taxi to cleaning floors and toilets as a gym assistant, no task was beneath him. Each job helped him rebuild independence, self-respect, and resilience.
After four years of effort, Rakesh now drives his electric auto in Bengaluru. Alongside work, he pursues dance and painting, keeping his passions alive and living life on his own terms.
His journey shows that true freedom and happiness often lie beyond salary and status—in discovering purpose, reclaiming oneself, and following what brings joy.
