An Indore-based professional has gone viral after sharing his dilemma about whether to accept a startup job offer in Delhi. The employee, who has around five years of experience across Indian Railways,
solar manufacturing and vendor negotiations in China, said his last working day at his current company is Dec. 31.
He currently earns around Rs 11 lakh and he is confused if he should begin 2026 as an unemployed person or grab the Delhi opportunity, which has many “red” flags.
“I interviewed for a technical sales role at this startup in Delhi. The industry sounds exciting, and I’m keen to switch into it. But man, the whole process has been full of red flags,” the professional stated in a Reddit post.
What Was The Actual Case?
According to his account, the Delhi-based startup has offered him a technical sales role at the same salary of Rs 11 lakh per annum. It requires him to relocate from work-from-home in Indore. He claimed the company’s founder openly stated that “people don’t sleep” at the organisation, indicating expectations of round-the-clock work.
Laid off (LWD Dec 31), got an offer from a startup where the CEO straight up says "people don't sleep here" and wants me to relocate to Delhi on my current salary. Should I take it?
byu/Own-Regret-5343 inIndiaCareers
“Then, even though I’ve got solid field experience (locomotives, negotiating in China), he kept treating me like a complete fresher and that too for a sales role in machinery, come on. The contract stuff is shady too: Targets “not fixed yet”, probation “not fixed yet”. He wants me to join first and figure that out later,” he said.
What Did He Further State?
With Delhi’s higher cost of living, he felt that the offer was an effective pay cut and requested a minimum of Rs 13 lakh fixed pay, which the company has not confirmed.
He further stated his two options left: “Option 1: Take it, move to Delhi, probably burn out in a few months (or get piped because targets aren’t clear), but at least have income coming in. Option 2: Say no, start 2026 unemployed and keep applying from home.”
How Did The Internet React?
Reacting to the viral post, many people urged the professional to wait out a few months as he is likely to end up with a good offer.
“If you have the savings for at least for the next three months, please take your time and look for another job,” a user said.
Another user advised the professional: “Don’t join startups if you aren’t ready to break your integrity and indulge in politics and corrupt behaviour.”
One of the users explained that they were once in the same boat and now regret the decision to join the new “toxic” company.
“So, if your instinct is telling you not to join this company and you have savings to survive at least 3 months. Keep looking for better opportunities. All the best,” the user commented.
