Man quits on day 1 after manager calls work-life balance: Resignation letter goes viral!

A product designer’s experience of resigning on his first day of work has ignited a renewed debate about work-life balance in the workplace. The individual shared his story on Reddit, detailing how he felt pressured by his manager to work unpaid overtime and how his concerns about work-life balance were belittled.

The designer joined the company as an Associate Product Designer, with a salary of Rs 7 LPA, which he described as below the fair median pay. He accepted the role, hoping to support an AI startup he co-founded by taking advantage of the job's remote work flexibility. However, things took a turn for the worse on October 7th, his first day.

In his post, he recounted how his reporting manager made it clear that he expected unreasonable commitments, requiring him to work beyond normal hours without any compensation. When the designer expressed his views on work-life balance, the manager mocked him, labeling it a "fancy term" associated with "Western developed nations."

“I understand that startups sometimes require extra hours—I’ve done that myself as a co-founder,” he stated. “But there’s a difference between going the extra mile for your own project out of passion and being coerced into it in a professional setting with an established, profitable company.”

Following the encounter, the designer submitted a resignation letter outlining his concerns about the manager's behavior and the company culture. His letter included the following points:

Concerns Over Work Expectations: He expressed that the manager’s approach to work expectations and personal boundaries was alarming. The manager's comments on his personal activities outside work hours were deemed inappropriate and unprofessional.

Criticism of Work-Life Balance: The designer highlighted how ridiculing the concept of work-life balance is dismissive and toxic, particularly for someone in their early twenties.

Overtime Expectations: He criticized the manager's insistence on submitting work within 48 hours without overtime compensation, deeming it unreasonable and inhumane, especially given the lack of a formal overtime policy.

Toxic Work Culture: The designer noted the growing national discourse around toxic work culture and employee well-being, emphasizing that such behavior was disappointing in today's work environment.

Final Decision to Leave: He concluded his letter by suggesting the company seek someone more aligned with the manager’s expectations, reiterating his commitment to professionalism and respect in the workplace.

In a follow-up on Reddit, the designer explained his journey, detailing his experience co-founding an AI startup and the challenges faced along the way. He emphasized the importance of standing up against toxic work environments, stating that it’s perfectly acceptable to walk away from a bad situation, even on the first day.

The designer has since asked the community for referrals to UI/UX roles or feedback on his work, hoping for new opportunities that respect work-life balance. His story has resonated with many, highlighting the ongoing struggle for healthy work environments in various industries.