In a LinkedIn post, Sridharan disclosed that he had just returned to what he described as “normal life” after a 16-day break during which he deliberately cut himself off from all work-related communication. According to him, the break followed a personal tradition of avoiding anything that could draw him back into a professional mindset.
“Returned to 'normal life' yesterday night, after a 16 day break. Per my usual custom, for these 16 days I did not access email, didn't pick up any calls, stayed away from WhatsApp, didn't engage in any social media chatter, didn't watch the news ... Basically avoided anything that could remotely bring me back to 'work mode'. Dedicated the time fully to family and friends and our time together,” he wrote.
The senior executive said he intentionally stayed away from emails, phone calls, WhatsApp messages, social media activity and news consumption, dedicating the entire period to spending uninterrupted time with family and friends.
Upon switching his phone back on after the vacation, Sridharan was met with a flood of pending communications. He revealed that nearly 3,000 unread WhatsApp messages, close to 2,000 emails and hundreds of missed calls had accumulated during his absence. Among the missed calls were calls from his boss as well as one of the company’s partners.
Despite the volume of communication, Sridharan discovered that business operations and major developments had continued without disruption. Reflecting on events that unfolded while he was away, he noted that the month-end business cycle for May had been completed and that his absence had made no difference to the process.
He also pointed out that the Reserve Bank of India had announced significant foreign exchange-related policy measures during the period. Referring to broader economic developments, he remarked that the rupee remained at 95, while oil prices had fallen below the $100 mark.
The CEO also revealed that a close friend experienced a major and challenging life event during his absence. On a lighter note, he missed witnessing Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure the IPL 2026 title and returned home to find that the road outside his residence had been dug up.
However, amid the thousands of messages, missed calls and numerous developments that occurred during the two-week period, Sridharan said one realisation stood out above everything else.
“Everything in the world has carried on just fine without me,” he wrote.
While acknowledging that a complete disconnection from devices and work responsibilities comes with certain sacrifices, Sridharan stressed that the benefits were far greater. He described the opportunity to be fully present with family for two uninterrupted weeks as invaluable.
“Device and interruption free time does entail some costs, some sacrifices. But the ability to be 100% present with your family for two weeks? Priceless,” he stated.
The post quickly gained traction on social media, drawing widespread appreciation from users who praised the executive’s decision to step away entirely from work during his vacation. One user remarked that in an era dominated by constant distractions, the ability to disconnect completely for such a long period and devote time to oneself and family felt like a superpower.
The viral post has reignited conversations about work-life balance, digital overload and the importance of being fully present in personal relationships, with Sridharan’s experience serving as a striking reminder that life and work continue to move forward even in one’s absence.
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