On June 20, 2025, a heartfelt LinkedIn post by Gaurav Chintamneedi, an Indian-origin man in the US, went viral. He shared the grueling reality of his life after college, waking up at 3 AM and working weekends. For young professionals in India, the USA, and beyond, his story hits home. It shows the emotional and physical toll of transitioning from college to corporate life. Let’s explore Gaurav’s journey, the challenges he faced, and why his story resonates globally.
A Dream That Felt Different
Firstly, Gaurav, a Chapman University graduate, moved halfway across the US after college. He expected a glamorous life, like those on TV or social media. He pictured 9-5 jobs, drinks with coworkers, and weekend brunches. Instead, reality was harsh. As an assistant store manager at an e-commerce company, he works 50-60 hours a week. Many days, he wakes at 3 AM for opening shifts.
Moreover, weekends are no break. Gaurav said, “I’ve spent 95% of my weekends working. On rare days off, I’m too tired to do anything.” This exhausting schedule left him drained, doomscrolling on Instagram, and struggling to connect with friends and family thousands of miles away.
Here’s a look at his weekly work hours compared to a standard US workweek:

This chart, viewable on mobile and desktop, shows the stark contrast between Gaurav’s grueling schedule and a typical 40-hour workweek.
The Emotional Toll
Furthermore, Gaurav’s post highlights the mental struggle. He wrote, “I even started to wonder: Did I peak in college? The truth is: I didn’t. But the transition was harder than I expected.” This resonates with many young people. Moving to a new city, building connections, and balancing work is tough. Gaurav’s honesty shows it’s okay to struggle.
Interestingly, his story isn’t just about hardship. He emphasized, “This post isn’t a complaint. It’s for everyone struggling to adjust.” His message offers hope, reminding others they’re not alone.
Why This Story Matters
Gaurav’s experience reflects a broader issue. Many young professionals, especially Indian immigrants, face long hours and high pressure in the US. A Reddit thread on r/india noted, “Indians are often overworked, with little time for personal life.” Similarly, a Quora post asked, “Why is work-life balance so hard for Indians in the US?” These platforms show Gaurav’s story is common.
For instance, a 2023 Reddit post revealed urban Indian men work an average of 50-60 hours weekly, similar to Gaurav’s schedule. Here’s the data:

Global Resonance
Additionally, Gaurav’s post sparked reactions worldwide. One LinkedIn user wrote, “Your resilience is inspiring. The 20s are tough, but you’re growing!” Another commented, “I just graduated, and this is so relatable. Thanks for sharing!” These responses show young people everywhere face similar challenges.
For readers in India and the USA, this story is a wake-up call. It highlights the gap between college dreams and real-world demands. As AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) reports, Gaurav’s journey sheds light on immigrant struggles. Visit america112.com for more stories like this.
Moreover, waking up at 3 AM isn’t just about work. Healthline notes stress or sleep disorders like insomnia can cause early wake-ups. Gaurav’s long hours and stress likely contribute. Simple fixes, like a consistent sleep schedule or avoiding caffeine late, can help. However, his schedule leaves little room for change.
Looking ahead, Gaurav’s story inspires action. He encourages young professionals to keep going. “You’re not alone,” he says. His resilience shows that struggles are temporary. For now, he’s adapting, building connections, and finding balance.
This story matters because it’s relatable. Whether you’re in India, the USA, or elsewhere, the post-college transition is hard. Gaurav’s honesty breaks the stigma. It’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to struggle. His story encourages young people to push through.
In conclusion, Gaurav Chintamneedi’s story of 3 AM wake-ups and weekend work reveals the tough reality of post-college life. His resilience inspires millions. Follow AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) at america112.com for more inspiring stories. This is a journey of struggle, growth, and hope.
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