Man compares work-from-home with parents to survival game 'Squid Game,' divides Internet; see viral post

A recent social media post drawing a parallel between the chaotic experience of working from home (WFH) with parents and the high-stakes survival drama Squid Game has sparked heated discussions online. The post, shared by a user named Shush on X (formerly known as Twitter), quickly gained traction, triggering a wave of contrasting opinions about the realities of remote work, particularly when conducted in the same space as family. Shush humorously compared the constant interruptions and unsolicited supervision from parents during WFH to the life-or-death challenges faced by contestants in Squid Game. The exaggerated analogy resonated with many, as well as struck a nerve with others. In his now-viral post, Shush wrote, "WFH is a dream when you’ve got your own cozy little apartment in a city like Bangalore, Mumbai, or even Delhi, especially with your partner by your side. But WFH while living with your parents? That’s a whole new level of Squid Game." WFH is a dream when you’ve got your own cozy little apartment in a city like Bangalore, Mumbai, or even Delhi, especially with your partner by your side. But WFH while living with your parents? That’s a whole new level of Squid Game. — Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) September 28, 2024 Also read: Indian techie says Rs 60 lakh salary not enough to survive in Canada; video leaves Internet divided (WATCH) Viral post divides Internet The post quickly ignited a debate, with several users chiming in to share their personal experiences of juggling work with household responsibilities. While some wholeheartedly agreed with Shush’s sentiment, others criticized him for not valuing the opportunity to spend more time with family. One user echoed Shush’s frustrations, commenting, "Bhai, I am dealing with that! Ghar pe construction wala kaam chal raha hai." Bhai i am dealing with that! Ghar pe construction wala kaam chal raha hai 💀 — Samvardhan (@samvardhansingh) September 28, 2024 Another user focused on the broader implications of remote work, stating, "The obvious merit of WFH is that the above-mentioned cities (Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi) can be decluttered, and people have no excuse to stay, expend, or struggle in these cities, keeping them free of unwanted traffic." The obvious merit of WFH is that the above mentioned cities (Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi) can be declutterred and people have no excuse to stay, expend, struggle in these cities; while keeping these places sane and free of unwanted traffic. — Ayush (@Drinkheads) September 28, 2024 On the other hand, some users condemned Shush's perspective, labeling it ungrateful. "Ungrateful millennials. Being and staying with parents is a luxury not many understand," one remarked. ungrateful millennials. Being and staying with parents is a luxury not many understand. — Ashutosh (@ashutosh_agl) September 28, 2024 Others reflected on their own WFH experiences, suggesting that while remote work has its perks, it comes with its own set of complications. "WFH is fun and all, but it should be 3 days WFO (Tuesday to Thursday), and only one partner should always be working from the office. If both are WFH, then it’s mostly Netflix and F. Wasted almost three years like that; the bond grew a lot, but it’s also not healthy," one user mused. WFH is fun and all but it should be 3 days WFO (Tuesday-thursday) that too only 1 partner should always be working from office. If both are wfh, then its mostly Netflix and F. Wasted almost 3 yrs like that, bond grew a lot but it is also not healthy — urOpinionsDontMatter (@Areola_Grand_e) September 28, 2024 Another added a comedic touch to the conversation, sharing, "It's comedy hours... My parents listening to a meeting and asking questions, and I answer dryly... 'Do you want to become a founder?' Pure comedy... I don’t hate it, but it has its pros and cons." It's comedy hours... My parents listening to a meeting and asking Qs .. and I answer dryly.. do you want to become a founder.. Pure comedy... I do not hate it... but it has its pros and cons... — Ganjedi Ghandy (Parody) (@9inchWanker) September 28, 2024 Work-from-home debate The polarizing discussion underscores the unique challenges faced by those who have had to adapt to WFH during the pandemic. While the convenience of working from home has been celebrated by many, it has also exposed a variety of frustrations for those balancing professional duties with the demands of family life. As Shush’s post continues to circulate, it leaves the internet grappling with a familiar question: Is WFH with parents an opportunity for bonding or a test of endurance worthy of a Squid Game episode? Also read: 'Innovation or defiance? Ex-Amazon engineer reveals bold tricks employees used to avoid work from office