A recent Reddit post by a Delhi-based professional has gone viral, shedding light on the harsh realities of startup work culture in India. The story, though unusual, reflects the uncertainty and risks that many employees face when joining young companies where priorities often change overnight.

Related: Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJVC closes maiden fund at over Rs 200 cr to back pre-seed startups

The man had been employed as a Financial Analyst in Gurugram for nearly two years. In search of growth and better opportunities, he resigned from that position to join a food-based D2C startup in Saket as a Junior FP&A. However, just two days after joining, his manager informed him that the company had revised its hiring needs. Instead of a junior employee, they now required someone at a managerial level who could shoulder more responsibilities.

He was laid off immediately. What made matters worse was that he received no severance pay. Having already left his stable job, he found himself unemployed, unable to return to his old role since it had already been filled. The sudden dismissal has left him struggling to secure a new opportunity, while also affecting his mental and physical health.

The post sparked a wave of reactions online. Many users expressed sympathy, highlighting how unfair it was for the company to terminate an employee so abruptly. Some suggested that he should publicly reveal the name of the startup to warn others. A few recommended exploring legal remedies, while others pointed out that volatility is part and parcel of startup culture. In such companies, shifting business priorities often translate into sudden changes in staffing needs, leaving employees vulnerable.

The incident underscores some of the inherent risks of working in startups. Job descriptions are often fluid, and roles promised at the time of hiring may be altered once leadership decides to pivot. Many startups also lack strong employment contracts that provide protection in cases of sudden termination. Without severance clauses, employees are left exposed.

Beyond the legal and professional impact, the personal cost is significant. Quitting a stable job only to face unemployment days later brings financial strain and emotional distress. For many professionals, especially early in their careers, this kind of instability can have long-term consequences.

For startups to function as responsible employers, they must prioritize fairness and accountability. Clear role definitions, transparent communication, and basic severance policies should be standard practice. Even if business needs shift, companies owe it to their employees to provide some form of support.

At the same time, job seekers need to approach startup opportunities with caution. Speaking to current employees, asking direct questions about probation and role stability, and maintaining a financial safety net can help mitigate risks.

The Delhi man’s experience is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of startup jobs. While these companies promise innovation and growth, they also carry significant risks. To make the ecosystem healthier, startups must learn to balance agility with fairness, while employees must remain cautious and well-prepared before making career moves.