A revealing Reddit post from a former middle manager at a well-known Bengaluru-based life sciences firm has sparked widespread discussion. The employee, a Ph.D. from a prestigious Indian institution, detailed a workplace plagued by exploitation, negligence, and emotional fatigue.

Joining with high hopes, he soon faced a culture of disrespect. Despite helping the company secure massive government grants, he was undercompensated and awarded less than 75% of his promised bonus—without clarification. He was frequently instructed to make official purchases with his personal credit card, despite multiple requests for a corporate alternative.

The company ignored work-life boundaries. He was expected to respond to work demands while traveling, on planes, in trains, and even during a relative’s wedding ceremony. His role expanded unofficially, burdening him with extra tasks with no additional title or pay.

The HR head, he claimed, created an atmosphere of fear by publicly belittling staff who asked routine questions. Even the CEO, he said, was dismissive—often skipping appointments and leaving employees waiting for hours for a few minutes of engagement.

Team morale hit rock bottom. Talented teammates resigned in succession, and instead of hiring replacements, workloads were simply redistributed. Eventually, he faced a false accusation. Though cleared, the incident was the final straw. There was no accountability for the accuser.

With stagnant hikes and a rising cost of living in Bengaluru, he chose self-respect over stability and resigned—without a backup job.