A Mumbai-based woman has sparked a discussion online after sharing why she decided to quit her job at a music ed-tech company. The 26-year-old said she resigned after her boss allegedly shouted at her publicly
when she asked to be compensated for overtime work.
The woman, identified as Dhrupadi, shared her experience through an Instagram video and said she could accept low pay, but not disrespect. Her story has now started conversations around toxic workplaces, overtime culture and how younger professionals are setting clearer boundaries at work.
She Spoke About Overtime Pay
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dhrupadi said she worked as a vocal coach at a Mumbai-based music ed-tech company that also had branches in Bengaluru and Chennai. She explained that she taught students from beginner to advanced levels and appreciated the experience she gained during her time there.
However, after working at the company for nearly two years and seven months, she decided to ask for compensation for the extra hours she had been putting in beyond her regular work schedule.
“After working for 2 years and 7 months in a company and maintaining a strong reputation in my role, I asked for compensation for extra hours being put into work beyond my official schedule,” she said in her Instagram post.
According to Dhrupadi, the response shocked her. “The response I received was being shouted at publicly in front of hundreds of people.”
She also shared a clip in which a man, believed to be her former boss, could be heard saying, “Everybody has to align to my rules and regulations. If you do not like it, please leave tomorrow. It’s completely okay.”
She Chose To Resign Later
Dhrupadi said she eventually followed that advice and resigned from the company. However, she clarified that the decision was not made in anger or haste. Before quitting, she first tried to address the issue professionally within the organisation.
“Before resigning, I had formally raised concerns internally and genuinely hoped the situation would be handled through healthier communication and accountability,” she told Hindustan Times. “I raised concerns professionally and sought accountability and a formal apology. When that didn’t happen, I chose to resign,” she added.
The Mumbai-based woman also explained that her video was not only about her own experience but also about workplace dignity and communication, especially for young professionals and people working in creative fields.
“This generation is not perfect. But we are becoming less willing to trade dignity for approval. And maybe that change was needed,” she wrote on Instagram.
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Social Media Reacts Strongly
Her story received strong reactions online, with many users supporting her decision to quit. Several people said employees should not tolerate toxic work environments or unpaid overtime.
“Until the government brings strict laws against unpaid overtime, talent will keep leaving for opportunities overseas,” a user commented.
Another wrote, “Super proud of you taking this decision. I am happy to see that you did not let them take you for granted any further!”
“No one should tolerate a toxic work culture,” another person said. A user commented, “Millennial me can never be this brave.”
Others called her move the “Best Decision” and said she “Did right.”
