A Delhi-based startup CEO’s remarks about excessive working hours have triggered a wider on-line debate after a potential worker, who’s dealing with an imminent layoff, shared detailed issues round work tradition, compensation, and contractual readability.

In a publish on Reddit’s r/IndiaCareers discussion board, the worker mentioned the startup founder bluntly instructed him that “individuals don’t sleep right here” and that staff are anticipated to be obtainable “24/7” to shut orders.

In keeping with the publish, the CEO framed this as a mirrored image of “excessive Indian work requirements,” including that there was “no luxurious time” on the firm and that folks “work very exhausting.”

“He messaged me on WhatsApp: “In India customary is excessive, individuals working 24h/24h…individuals not sleeping ready to shut order. Right here no luxurious time, we work very exhausting.” Formally it is Mon-Sat 10-6, however yeah, he principally expects round the clock availability,” the post read.

The possible worker, who mentioned his final working day is December 31, defined that he has round 5 years of expertise throughout sectors together with Indian Railways, photo voltaic manufacturing, and vendor negotiations in China. On the time of the layoff, he was incomes round Rs 11 lakh every year whereas working remotely from Indore.

The brand new job, nonetheless, required him to relocate to Delhi on the identical wage, regardless of the considerably larger value of dwelling.

Past work hours, the Reddit publish additionally highlighted issues across the nature of the function and the way the candidate was handled throughout discussions. Regardless of having hands-on subject expertise with heavy equipment and worldwide vendor negotiations, the worker mentioned he was repeatedly spoken to “like a more energizing” and instructed he was “too smooth” for the machinery-focused setting, elevating questions on respect and function match.

The employment contract itself appeared obscure, in line with the publish. Key particulars reminiscent of efficiency targets and probation phrases have been described as “not fastened but,” with the CEO allegedly asking the candidate to hitch first and “determine it out later.”

The shortage of readability round expectations and analysis metrics added to the candidate’s unease, particularly given the corporate’s emphasis on aggressive efficiency.

Whereas the wage matched his earlier bundle, the worker mentioned relocating from a work-from-home setup in Indore to Delhi would successfully end in a pay minimize as a result of lease, commuting, and day by day bills.

“I instructed them I would like no less than 13LPA fastened to make it workable, however they’re dragging their toes,” he added.

The publish additionally underscored the emotional strain of the scenario, with the worker noting that he had “solely days left on the job” and was weighing whether or not to just accept a irritating function out of desperation or danger beginning 2026 unemployed whereas persevering with his job search from house.

Netizens response

The publish sparked sturdy reactions from different customers, a lot of whom warned in opposition to becoming a member of an organization that brazenly glorifies burnout.

“In case you have financial savings for no less than the subsequent three months, take your time and search for one other job,” a consumer suggested, calling the supply “a nasty resolution ready to occur.”

“Completely agreed.. Even 13 will not be good for Delhi.. given all different parameters (AQI n all) Preserve attempting until your final day.. hopefully you would possibly find yourself with one other supply. If not, you would be rapid joiner after thirty first,” one other wrote.

“Take your day without work. Work out some issues. Preserve making use of & learning for interviews. God has higher plans for you! All the very best. Delhi ka AQI bhi verify karna apply karte waqt,” a 3rd consumer added.