Next Story
Newszop

'Not all heroes wear capes…some just quit jobs': Why a 29-year-old PNB banker walked away without a plan B

Send Push
A 29-year-old woman’s video explaining why she quit her stable job at Punjab National Bank has spread rapidly online. Vani, who worked as a probationary officer, announced her decision to resign without having another offer or a clear plan. She said her daily routine had stripped her of joy and left her questioning her future.

“Not all heroes wear capes…some just quit jobs. So I closed the chapter that was no longer serving me,” she wrote while posting the video on Instagram.

In a follow-up post, she admitted, “I quit my job without a solid plan B. But would love if you guys can support me in this journey.”


From dream job to disillusionment
For many in India, a government bank job is seen as the ultimate benchmark of stability. Vani herself worked hard to secure it, clearing exams in 2022 and completing training before being posted in Meerut as a Scale-I officer handling loans.


Yet, her experience was not what she imagined. “Sab log judge karte hai without stepping into the other person’s shoes. Mujhe bhi ye job bhot mehnat se mili thi, dream job jaise thi lekin mujhe nahi pata tha ki asliyat kuch aisi hogi,” she said, reflecting on how expectations did not match the reality.


She explained further, “Even though this job made me financially independent and improved my standard of living, my mind never felt at ease. It is a mentally draining and thankless job.”

Personality shift and mental strain
Vani described how the work environment altered her nature. “I had slowly started hating the person I was becoming. I used to be such a happy-go-lucky person, but in the past three years, I have become so grumpy and easily annoyed.”

Her conclusion was blunt. “So it was time to choose mental peace over financial stability.”

While she acknowledged that leaving a secure job is not an option open to everyone, she said she felt lucky to be in a position to make that choice. “I haven’t seen anybody in the last 3 years who is completely satisfied with this job, but quitting is a privilege only some can afford. I was fortunate enough to have that privilege, and I will forever be grateful.”

Not meant to discourage
Vani stressed that her intention was not to dishearten others. “The happiness and mental peace you get after leaving a place where you don’t belong is far superior to any regret you might have.”

Her openness has resonated widely, striking a chord with both current and former employees across the banking sector.

Public reactions
The comments under her post quickly filled with a mix of encouragement and curiosity. One user wrote, “It takes a lot of courage! Not everyone can do this. Good luck for your future endeavours, mate. Stay happy.”

Another joked, “Nowadays, everyone is resigning from their jobs to become a travel vlogger.”

Some asked practical questions. A public sector bank employee said, “Hey @pestolicious, can you tell me what you are doing now and how you are managing the day-to-day expenses. Even though I am working in a PSU bank, I am not motivated enough to continue for a long time, but I have no plan B as of now.”

Vani replied, “I have some savings, plus I only spent on basic necessities while at work. I didn't take any loans, so I have no EMI. My monthly expenses were less than 5k.”

Others shared their own decisions to step away. “I joined SBI in 2009 and quit in 2021. I opened my own boutique and am running it successfully. I feel so happy and liberated. I can easily understand your perspective,” one former banker wrote.

Messages of support continued to pour in: “So happy for you. New and better things are definitely coming your way. More power to you.” Another added, “Cheers to the new beginnings.”

Vani’s story has sparked wider debate. Many see her move as brave, while others argue it reflects the growing pressures in jobs once thought of as untouchable.

One commenter summed up the sentiment, “Being in the same situation, I know it is mentally exhausting; it takes so much courage to take this step. Kudos and best of luck for future endeavours.”

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated video on Instagram. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now