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Not AI. A Bengaluru techie, working from home, fears losing his job due to power cuts in the city

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Living in Bengaluru, it’s hard to ignore the glaring shortcomings in the city’s infrastructure. From erratic electricity supply and traffic congestion to poor road conditions and waterlogging, residents constantly battle systemic inefficiencies. These recurring issues recently came into the spotlight when a remote employee working for a Sweden-based IT firm shared his personal ordeal on Reddit. His frustrations over Bengaluru’s frequent power cuts have struck a chord online and stirred a broader conversation.

In his Reddit post, the employee described the daily challenges he faces due to unreliable electricity. "How do I explain constant power failures to my Scandinavian boss?" he asked, highlighting the cultural gap in understanding such disruptions. Hired for a fully remote position, the employee is expected to attend meetings between 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM IST. However, prolonged and unannounced power outages have made it nearly impossible for him to stay connected during critical work calls.

He explained, “I’m employed by a small IT firm and report directly to the CEO and CTO, both based in Sweden. I reside in Indiranagar — considered a prime locality in Bengaluru — yet we deal with long power failures almost 2–3 times every week. These blackouts often coincide with scheduled meetings, some of which are very important.”

The recurring interruptions have not only disrupted his work but also begun to affect his professional credibility. “I live in a modest one-bedroom flat and can’t afford an inverter. It’s embarrassing because Indiranagar is supposed to be a developed area. After missing a few calls, my CEO sounds doubtful — like he suspects I’m making excuses. Now, each time the lights go out, I’m filled with anxiety,” he wrote.

Feeling powerless, he added, “I want to work — I really do. But I’m stuck with infrastructure that’s beyond my control. It’s 2025, and I live in India’s so-called tech hub, yet power cuts might cost me my job.”

The post quickly gained traction, with Reddit users offering a mix of sympathy and advice. Many encouraged the employee to be proactive and invest in backup solutions. One user commented, “You don’t need a full inverter. A basic UPS for your router and laptop can last 3–4 hours and isn’t too expensive.”

Another advised, “You’ve got to take initiative. If not an inverter, use mobile data or work from a co-working space. Don’t leave your boss in the dark — literally or figuratively.”

While some empathized, others bluntly said, “If you can afford Indiranagar rent, you can afford a backup system. Take ownership.”

Now, the employee has resorted to tracking outages, unsure of how to present the situation to his foreign employers without risking his job.
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