High-Earners Share When They Knew It Was Time to Quit Their 6-Figure Jobs: ‘It Was Literally Driving Me to the Edge’
High-paying jobs often come with high demands, and sometimes, those pressures can become overwhelming. Business Insider spoke with three individuals who made the difficult decision to leave their six-figure jobs to prioritize their mental health. These professionals started their careers eager to excel, but the high-pressure environments quickly took a toll on their well-being, forcing them to choose between their lucrative paychecks and their mental health.
Jean Kang’s Struggle with ‘Hustle Culture’
Jean Kang, a 31-year-old professional, initially reveled in the perks and six-figure salaries of her roles in Big Tech. The benefits were impressive—great pay, free food, remote work options, gym memberships, massages, and more. However, the intense pressure to overdeliver and outperform competitors began to weigh heavily on her.
“The hustle culture dominated my workplace, and I felt immense pressure to give my all to a job that ultimately only made big companies more money,” Kang shared. This relentless drive and lack of work-life balance left her feeling disillusioned. The situation worsened after a mass layoff in 2023 forced her to confront the fragility of her job security.
Seizing the opportunity, Kang decided to leave the tech industry and pursue her side hustles full-time, becoming a content creator and career coach. “My biggest fear was failing, but I knew I’d regret not betting on myself,” she said. The transition was liberating, and her anxiety dissipated. Now, Kang enjoys a flexible schedule and chooses projects that make her happy, working 30 to 40 hours a week by choice rather than necessity.
Eric Yu’s Battle with Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Eric Yu, a 28-year-old former Facebook employee, started his career with enthusiasm but quickly found himself overwhelmed. The excitement of working at a top tech company faded, replaced by anxiety and long nights worrying about unfinished tasks. Yu’s workdays were filled with intense coding sessions, and the pressure from his peers and supervisors only added to his stress.
For six months, Yu experienced debilitating panic attacks. “I was at the lowest point in my life. Every day felt like a grind,” he recalled. The breaking point came when his boss questioned his work output, prompting Yu to reconsider his career path. With his fiancée’s support, he decided to leave his $370,000 job and pursue house hacking—buying properties to rent out and generate passive income.
Despite the financial security that staying at Meta could have offered, Yu knew he had to prioritize his mental health. The move allowed him to explore his interests and regain control over his life.
An Anonymous McKinsey Employee’s Descent into Mental Health Crisis
A former McKinsey employee, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a harrowing account of his time at the consulting firm. Knowing the associate role would be demanding, he was initially prepared for the challenge, hoping to sharpen his analytical skills. However, the reality was far more grueling than he anticipated.
The job demanded 16-hour shifts, with high expectations and little mentorship. The toxic work environment, characterized by mean coworkers and a relentless pace, took a severe toll on his health. “I didn’t leave my desk, forgot to eat, and dropped tons of weight,” he said. His dog’s sad looks were often the only reminders for him to take breaks.
After a year, he reached his breaking point. “It was literally driving me to the edge. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he said, recounting how he cried frequently and needed increased doses of anxiety medication. Despite his $200,000 salary, he took a three-month mental-health disability leave, which only confirmed the severity of his condition.
During his time off, he struggled to take care of himself, leading him to the decision to quit McKinsey to focus on his recovery. A year later, his mental health had improved significantly, and he was ready to reenter the workforce, this time seeking companies that value employee well-being, inclusivity, and respect.
Conclusion
These stories highlight the importance of mental health and the impact of high-pressure work environments. For these high-earners, the decision to leave their lucrative jobs was not easy, but it was necessary for their well-being. Their experiences serve as a reminder that no job is worth sacrificing one’s mental health.
