Toxic Startup Culture in India: A Techie's Harrowing Account of 15-Hour Shifts and Abuse

Reddit has become a hub for employees to openly discuss their workplace struggles, share stories, and seek advice in anonymity. Various subreddits provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. Recently, a Reddit user took to the platform to share his troubling experience of working at a startup in India, shedding light on the toxic culture he endured.

The employee accused one of the company’s co-founders, who also served as the tech lead, of verbal abuse and humiliation, recounting how the mistreatment brought him to tears during a Google Meet session. The post, titled "I broke down crying during a Google Meet with my tech lead, and I’m struggling to process what happened," detailed the toxic dynamics at the startup, where employees worked under intense pressure and without adequate guidance or support.

According to the Redditor, the startup had three co-founders and only two employees. The tech lead, one of the founders, was accused of repeatedly mistreating employees. He shared that the team was subjected to grueling 12–15-hour shifts, with little to no training to navigate the complex demands of their roles.

The turning point for the employee came during a virtual meeting where he raised concerns about unclear project instructions. Instead of addressing the issue, the tech lead reportedly resorted to verbal abuse. "Overcome with emotion, I found myself in tears, unable to continue the conversation. I subsequently informed my tech lead that I would be taking a leave of absence following the call," the employee revealed in his post.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. The employee also shared how a lack of proper guidance, coupled with the high-pressure environment, made the experience increasingly unbearable. "With no hope left for recognition, we're now focused solely on preserving our dignity and steering clear of humiliation," he wrote. Despite his efforts to handle situations professionally, his concerns were often dismissed or met with condescension, leaving him emotionally drained.

The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 700 upvotes and drawing numerous comments from supportive Reddit users. One commenter empathized, writing, "Don't let anyone shame you for showing emotions. Tears are a sign of strength, and embracing your feelings is essential to growth. Keep moving forward, and you will flourish." Another added, "Your tears are a testament to your resilience, not weakness. It's acceptable to acknowledge your emotions and take a moment to recharge."

Others urged the techie to prioritize his well-being and leave the toxic environment. One user advised, "Your self-respect holds far more value than any paycheck. Don't let a toxic job define your worth." Another commenter shared a similar sentiment: "Indian startups often prioritize productivity over employee well-being, disguising exploitation as a 'hustle culture.' You deserve a better work-life balance; consider freelancing or joining a company that values its employees' health and happiness."

The post also prompted offers of assistance. A supportive user wrote, "I'm deeply concerned about the mistreatment of junior colleagues. Your well-being and growth are paramount. Please share your resume with me, and I'll be happy to provide guidance and support."

Meanwhile, the techie shared an update, stating that he had a follow-up call with the tech lead where he attempted to set boundaries. While continuing in his role for now, he is actively seeking better opportunities to prioritize his mental health and professional growth.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)