Felt like a real-life 'breakup': Employee says after HR catches him talking to another company for a job change

A young professional recently shared an uncomfortable experience from his first day at a new job, explaining how he unintentionally landed himself in an embarrassing situation that felt almost like a personal betrayal. Taking to the subreddit Indian Workplace, he described joining a new organisation where the human resources manager greeted him warmly, guided him through every step of his induction, and ensured his transition was seamless. During salary discussions earlier, he had assured them he would not withdraw his acceptance or pursue other positions right after joining.

However, he had continued applying to several roles elsewhere, and on his first day, he received a call from another recruiter. Hoping to take the conversation discreetly, he stepped into the lobby and began discussing his background and work history. In the middle of this conversation, the HR manager from his current office walked by and saw him speaking with clear professional seriousness. Her expression, according to him, resembled the look one gives someone caught engaging in something suspicious or deceitful.

After he returned to his workspace, they summoned him into their office and asked whether he was uncomfortable with anything or if he felt uncertain about the company. He insisted that everything was fine. He was then directly questioned whether he had been speaking with a recruiter from another organisation.


When he finally admitted the truth, they reacted with an oddly disappointed and emotional expression, reminding him that he had pledged not to leave. He reassured them that it was only a conversation and nothing more, but the entire exchange felt uncomfortably similar to two people anticipating an impending breakup.

Though they eventually allowed him to return to work after reassuring conversations, her demeanour changed. He noticed her looking at him as if he had violated a personal bond, leaving him unexpectedly guilty even though he had not formally committed to leaving.

Online Reactions

Members of the online community reacted with humour and bluntness. Some teased him for being overly eager about job opportunities. Others criticised the HR manager for emotionally manipulating him. A few questioned why he admitted the truth instead of giving a harmless explanation for the call.