Employee reveals why he resigned from job even after a big salary hike

A frustrated software professional recently shared the reasons behind his decision to quit his job, even after receiving an unexpected pay raise. Posting on the Developers India subreddit, he described how things initially seemed to be going well. Without requesting it, he was granted a salary increase, which left him feeling appreciated and motivated. He was pleased enough to share the update online, believing it reflected recognition for his contributions.

However, the situation quickly took a difficult turn. Soon after the raise, his manager assigned him two demanding projects, both of which he had to handle independently. His responsibilities included coding, testing, and directly interacting with clients. With tight deadlines looming, he found himself working late into the night on a regular basis, often continuing until the early hours of the morning. Despite the pressure, his efforts did not go unnoticed by the client, who acknowledged and valued his work.

At the same time, he was tasked with mentoring a colleague who was struggling to meet expectations. He conducted knowledge transfer sessions to help this teammate improve. Unfortunately, an error made by that colleague triggered an unexpected and harsh reaction from the manager. Instead of addressing the issue constructively, the manager lashed out at him, using disrespectful language and abruptly ordering him to step away from the project. The incident left him shocked and deeply disappointed.


This moment became a turning point. Combined with the ongoing stress and negative work environment, it pushed him to submit his resignation. In response, his manager shortened his notice period to just 15 days, despite his contract specifying a two-month duration. The matter was eventually brought to the attention of the company’s CEO, who attempted to mediate and encouraged both sides to resolve the conflict. However, the manager expressed a lack of trust in him, claiming he could leave at any time, which he found unreasonable given the circumstances.

Although he was not concerned about future employment and already had alternative plans, what troubled him most was the absence of respect for his dedication and hard work.

The story sparked strong reactions online. Many users pointed out that such experiences are increasingly common in startup environments, where workplace culture can often be driven by ego rather than professionalism. Others suggested that the manager’s behavior may have stemmed from insecurity or resentment, encouraging the employee to stand firm rather than tolerate unfair treatment.