A Reddit user, @YakStraight1780, shared his story of working at an Indian startup that wiped away his “sanity, ethics, and self-respect.” The post claimed that he suffered a massive heart attack because of the toxic environment created at the startup. He ignored the signs that were there from the start and continued working for them.
In his post, he said, “Here’s my story – two decades working with US/European companies taught me what a healthy work culture looks like. Last year, I ignored every red flag and joined an Indian startup as I had no other options after being laid off.
The signs were there from week two- fudged revenue numbers, megalomaniac founders, “always-on” expectations from 11:30 am to 2 am daily. Classic toxic Indian workplace – gaslighting, nepotism, impossible clients, zero respect.
I knew I should leave.”
This culture, where employees were expected to work under “megalomaniac founders” and be available “from 11:30 am to 2 am daily,” took a serious toll on his health.
Eventually, it all had to come to an end. The user decided to leave his job, and just a few weeks later, tragedy struck.
“Within a few weeks: massive heart attack. Two emergency stents. Doctors said 30 minutes more would’ve been fatal.
Now I’m home – jobless, damaged heart, uncertain future. Was that monthly salary worth permanently destroying my health? Hell no.”
