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A start-up’s job listing just went viral- and not for the reasons you’d hope. Official hours start at 9:30 AM, but employees are warned to expect 10-12 hour days. Reddit users are calling it a “burnout warning.” Would you apply?
A job listing that raised eyebrows due to its unusually demanding requirements
New Delhi: A recent job posting by a start-up has ignited discussions online about toxic work environments and unrealistic expectations in the corporate world.
While browsing job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, job-seekers often notice listings that go beyond basic qualifications, specifying strict work hours, additional responsibilities, and other expectations such as weekend work, travel, or specialized skills. One Reddit user recently shared a job listing that raised eyebrows due to its unusually demanding requirements.
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The shared screenshot highlighted the company’s recruitment process, but it was the section titled ‘Important Points’ that drew attention. According to the listing, while official office hours start at 9:30 AM, employees were expected to stay until tasks were completed, effectively extending their workday.
The listing further warned, “You’re considering joining a start-up. Building anything of value takes time. The majority of exits happen in the first 2 months because new joinees aren’t able to adjust to the high-paced environment.” New hires were also informed that daily work could extend to 10-12 hours.
The Reddit user commented on the post, noting, “This wasn’t hidden… This was sent to me officially. What’s bothering me isn’t even the long hours anymore. It’s how normalized this language has become, like they’re warning you that burnout is expected and failure is your fault if you can’t survive it.”
The post sparked a mix of sarcasm and concern from internet users. One user advised, “Everything about that is a warning for you not to apply.” Another remarked that the post may have been written by a current employee who hoped to deter potential hires from joining.
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Some reactions also addressed regional concerns, pointing out the pressure on tech professionals in India to work long hours. “They’re doing this because it’s in India. Tech folks here get worked to the bone, which is one reason US companies import them they often come expecting unpaid overtime,” one comment read. Others highlighted the need for fair compensation, with one user stating, “If I’m expected to work 1.5x the hours, I’d better get 1.5x the salary.”
This incident has reignited debates about the culture of start-ups, especially in high-pressure industries where long hours are often normalized. Experts say job-seekers should carefully evaluate such listings and consider whether the expectations align with their work-life balance and personal well-being.
