Rs 24 LPA salary, zero warning: Startup employee’s sudden layoff sparks debate

A recent discussion on X has drawn widespread attention after highlighting the experience of a startup professional who unexpectedly lost his position despite earning an annual salary of ₹24 lakh. The post, shared by a user named Vivo, recounted the journey of his former college classmate whose seemingly secure career in a rapidly expanding startup unraveled without warning.

According to the account, the young professional had joined an emerging company that appeared to be on a strong growth trajectory. The compensation package was impressive, the team was youthful and energetic, and the organization projected the image of swift expansion. Within the company, he was responsible for essential yet unglamorous tasks—resolving technical glitches, monitoring refunds, and addressing minor operational challenges that ensured smooth day-to-day functioning. Though his contributions were critical to maintaining stability, they often went unnoticed.

His routine involved extended workdays and frequent late nights. Like many early-career employees in high-growth ventures, he believed that being part of a scaling startup guaranteed long-term security. However, that assumption was shattered during a brief meeting one morning. With investment inflows slowing down, the company initiated cost-cutting measures. While the core product remained intact, certain roles were eliminated—and his position was among them.


There had been no prior indication of dissatisfaction with his performance, nor any formal warning. The decision was purely financial. Reflecting later, he acknowledged that he had equated organizational expansion with personal stability, a belief that proved misguided.

The setback prompted him to rethink his professional strategy. He began maintaining an emergency fund sufficient to cover at least six months of expenses. He shifted his focus toward strengthening practical skills rather than relying solely on the prestige of his employer. He started preparing for interviews even while employed and made conscious efforts to nurture professional relationships.

The post has amassed over 36,000 views, igniting conversations about financial preparedness and career resilience within the startup ecosystem. Many users expressed empathy over sudden layoffs, emphasized the importance of upgrading skills in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, and underscored the need for diversified income streams. The prevailing sentiment was clear: while company growth can vanish overnight, savings, expertise, and networks remain the most dependable forms of security.