Fun Series: Parallels between Soan Papdi and Corporate Life

An iconic Indian dessert, Soan Papdi, consists of layers of flaky, crispy pastry doused in sugar syrup. It tastes sweet and somewhat nutty and has a unique texture.

Soan Papdi exhibits the following characteristics:

• Looks like honeycomb

• The texture is crisp, flaky, and airy.

• It has a sweet, somewhat nutty flavour.

In India, Soan Papdi is a common sweet served at festivities and other festive events. It comes in a variety of flavours, including pistachio, cardamom, and saffron.

If you’ve ever experienced corporate life or seen/had Soan Papdi, you may notice some intriguing and humorous parallels.

It looks tempting, but it comes with layers

Soan Papdi has a delicate, flaky texture and seems airy and welcoming at first sight. On the other hand, as you start chewing it, you’ll see that it’s multi-layered.

• Corporate Life: The corporate world’s growth, structure, and perks could make it appear appealing at first. Once you’re in, however, you’ll find that there are many subtleties, hidden challenges, and responsibilities that will keep you busy—and, at times, overwhelmed.

Once you’re in, it’s difficult to get out

During celebrations, people famously “re-gift” Soan Papdi. When you’ve eaten enough of a certain sweet, you’re hesitant to finish the box, so everyone continues passing it on!

• Corporate Life: Similarly, many individuals in the corporate sector never really leave the industry, instead becoming mired in a never-ending cycle of jobs and employers. Leaving your comfort zone for benefits may be scary no matter how exhausted you are.

It’s Dry, and You Need Something to Wash It Down

If you don’t have anything to drink with it, Soan Papdi may be dry, crumbly, and overpowering.

• Corporate Life: Just like any other kind of job, corporate employment may be exhausting if you don’t take breaks, work on intriguing projects, or simply just unwind after a long day. If you don’t schedule important pauses to “wash it down,” burnout will set in.

Presented in an elegant box, however, it is frequently let down by what’s inside

A stylish package with bright colours and sparkling wrapping is a common sight when you see Soan Papdi. But upon opening it, you’ll see that it’s the same old Soan Papdi.

• Corporate Life: Promotions, salary hikes, and opportunities for professional development are all enticing features of working in the corporate sector. The glitz and glamour may be deceiving, but once you’re in, you’ll see that the workplace politics, long hours, and stress are all the same.

Everyone feels obligated to take it, but not everyone enjoys it

People often feel compelled to bring Soan Papdi home at festivities like Diwali, regardless of their personal preference. It’s expected as part of the ceremony, and declining can be seen as impolite.

• Corporate Life: Many individuals face financial or social pressures to work for large corporations. Just like with the Soan Papdi package, they feel pressured to “take it” even though they don’t want it.

It sticks around even if you don’t want it

No matter how much you put Soan Papdi away, ignore it, or attempt to throw it away, it will find a way to return.

• Corporate Life: When you work in an office, tasks, emails, and meetings pile up regardless of how prepared you are. No matter how much you want to retreat or take a break, your duties seem to follow you around like Soan Papdi.

It’s well-received by some, yet only tolerated by others

While some people adore Soan Papdi, others only consume it when they’re in a bind.

• Corporate Life: Some people appreciate working for someone else and thriving in a corporate setting, while others only stay for the money and dread the monotony.

Corporate life, much like Soan Papdi, is not for everyone. You need tolerance, patience, and sometimes a good sense of humour to get through all the hoops!