IIM Lucknow alumni founder wants a personal assistant who does not have financial worries. Job post draws strong reactions online

An entrepreneur and graduate of IIM Lucknow became the subject of widespread trolling on the subreddit Indian Workplace after a LinkedIn post about hiring a personal assistant caught attention for all the wrong reasons. The founder had described the position as anything but ordinary, emphasizing that it was not a standard nine-to-five desk job but rather a dynamic role requiring constant adaptability.

Role Responsibilities

The job outline highlighted that the assistant would essentially function as the entrepreneur’s right hand, helping ensure his personal and professional life stayed on track. The role included managing calendars, organizing meetings, and handling travel arrangements. Beyond that, the assistant was also expected to coordinate social media activities such as drafting LinkedIn updates, arranging Instagram reels, and managing podcast tasks. Workflow tracking using Notion or similar tools, collaboration with multiple agencies, inbox management, drafting email responses, preparing meeting briefs, and ensuring follow-ups were also listed as part of the duties.

The job did not stop at professional tasks. The candidate would also need to support in light personal errands, including making reservations, arranging gifts, and managing event RSVPs. Perhaps the most striking expectation was that the assistant should anticipate needs even before being instructed, effectively staying one step ahead at all times.

Required Skills

The entrepreneur specified that the role required excellent organizational skills, resourcefulness, and proactive thinking. Candidates were expected to be fluent in tools like Notion, well-versed in LinkedIn and Instagram features, and capable of handling vendor or agency coordination. Strong written and verbal communication skills were considered essential, alongside the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation and Work Style

The post described the role as high-energy, hands-on, and flexible in terms of working hours, explicitly mentioning that weekends—especially Sundays—would also involve work. The entrepreneur assured that the pay would reflect the demanding nature of the position, adding that financial insecurity should never trouble the person taking up this job.

"Compensation will match the hustle. I want financial stability to be the last thing on my PA's mind," he wrote on LinkedIn.

Backlash from Reddit

Once the advertisement surfaced on Reddit, users quickly criticized it. Many found the claim about financial stability being “the last thing on the PA’s mind” patronizing. Others mocked the founder for expecting extreme dedication without acknowledging the imbalance in pay and work culture between employers and employees. Several called the posting a reflection of toxic startup leadership in India, with one user even labeling such workplace attitudes as globally embarrassing.

The post sparked a larger conversation online about exploitation, hustle culture, and the unhealthy glorification of overwork in Indian corporate spaces.