'Became a terrible human being': Months before EY employee's death, another worker had revealed how the job changed them

The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to the intense work pressure at EY in Pune, has ignited a firestorm of criticism not just towards EY but also among the other major players in the Big 4 firms, all of whom have been accused of fostering toxic work environments. This incident has thrown a spotlight on the employee experiences within these high-pressure workplaces. Just five months prior, an EY employee had taken to Reddit to voice their struggles, candidly sharing how the demands of working at EY were turning them into a "terrible human being." Their story, now echoing more powerfully in light of Anna's tragic passing, raises urgent questions about mental health and the culture of overwork prevalent in the industry.

In a candid Reddit post, the EY employee had shared a personal reflection on how their demanding job is impacting their life outside of work, leading them to feel like they’re becoming a "terrible human being."

Working at EY is making me a terrible human being
byu/akabhatia inBig4

They clarified that this sentiment isn't limited to EY but can apply to other Big 4 firms as well.?

Despite acknowledging the benefits of their role—such as exposure, competitive pay, and teamwork—they expressed concern about an 'implicit cost' of working there that often goes unspoken: "My interactions with my family have become very 'transactional.' I'm less empathetic towards anyone else's problems at home, I'm always looking to 'optimise' my time in everything I do (e.g. if I spend 1 meal with 4-5 family members, I'll be getting 2 birds with 1 stone), I'm more impatient (e.g. I get annoyed if there's a situation at home that wasn't 'planned' - like doctor appointments, plumbing, vets) etc."

This only adds to the harrowing stories that have emerged from within the walls of EY.?

In the comments following the Anna incident, many remarked, "Well, now you know. It's definitely not a 'you' thing."

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