In an era where long working hours, high salaries and job titles are often seen as markers of success, more professionals are quietly questioning whether the corporate grind truly delivers happiness. Conversations around burnout, purpose and work-life balance have become common, especially among people who appear to have “made it.” Recently, a Reddit post has gone viral after a man claimed that some of his millionaire bosses secretly dream of quitting their high-powered jobs to sell vegetables or run small street stalls instead.
The post was shared by a Reddit user in his mid-30s, who said he recently reached a stage in his career where he regularly interacts with senior leadership. He described overhearing a lunch-table conversation among his bosses and their peers — all in their 40s and earning what he described as millions. Expecting discussions about investments, business growth or luxury lifestyles, he was instead surprised by the tone of what he heard.
According to the user, the senior executives spoke openly about wanting to leave corporate life behind. Their ideal future involved simple, everyday work such as selling vegetables, running a tea stall or operating a small fast-food setup. He said they spoke about these roles with genuine longing, associating them with peace, freedom from pressure and a slower pace of life.
He wrote that if those who had “won the game” were looking for an exit, it raised uncomfortable questions about why others were still pushing to level up. The realisation, he said, triggered doubts about his own life choices and whether the stress and sacrifices were leading anywhere meaningful.
Others discussed the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy.” Some users pointed out that wealth is about having assets or passive income that allow freedom of choice, while being rich often still means trading time and mental energy for money.
There was also pushback against romanticising hands-on jobs. Commenters noted that farming, vending and similar work can be physically exhausting and financially unstable when done out of necessity rather than choice. A few described this desire as a fantasy shaped by privilege, not a realistic alternative for most people.
The post was shared by a Reddit user in his mid-30s, who said he recently reached a stage in his career where he regularly interacts with senior leadership. He described overhearing a lunch-table conversation among his bosses and their peers — all in their 40s and earning what he described as millions. Expecting discussions about investments, business growth or luxury lifestyles, he was instead surprised by the tone of what he heard.
According to the user, the senior executives spoke openly about wanting to leave corporate life behind. Their ideal future involved simple, everyday work such as selling vegetables, running a tea stall or operating a small fast-food setup. He said they spoke about these roles with genuine longing, associating them with peace, freedom from pressure and a slower pace of life.
'Winning the game' but wanting to exit
The moment left a deep impact on the Reddit user. He explained that he had spent nearly three decades following a familiar path — studying hard, securing a respectable job and steadily climbing the ladder — believing that financial success would lead to fulfilment. Hearing people who had already achieved that goal talk about escaping it made him question the entire idea of the corporate dream.He wrote that if those who had “won the game” were looking for an exit, it raised uncomfortable questions about why others were still pushing to level up. The realisation, he said, triggered doubts about his own life choices and whether the stress and sacrifices were leading anywhere meaningful.
Online debate over money, freedom and work
The post sparked a discussion on Reddit, with many users offering their own interpretations. Several commenters argued that the executives were not truly longing for a poor lifestyle, but for low-stress work combined with financial security. One popular view was that selling vegetables only feels peaceful when one does not depend on it to pay rent or cover medical bills.Others discussed the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy.” Some users pointed out that wealth is about having assets or passive income that allow freedom of choice, while being rich often still means trading time and mental energy for money.
There was also pushback against romanticising hands-on jobs. Commenters noted that farming, vending and similar work can be physically exhausting and financially unstable when done out of necessity rather than choice. A few described this desire as a fantasy shaped by privilege, not a realistic alternative for most people.
