Candidate asks for Rs 65,000. HR offers Rs 50,000, promising 'learning opportunities'. She accepts. What happens two months later leaves the company with regrets

A candidate who asked for Rs 65,000, accepted Rs 50,000 after being told the role offered significant learning opportunities, and resigned two months later for Rs 75,000 elsewhere, leaving her manager saying the company could have done something had she only informed them first.

The scenario was shared by Delhi-based entrepreneur Kanika Jain on social media, where it drew over 290 reactions and sparked a wider conversation about salary negotiation, workplace recognition, and what companies actually do when they say they value their employees.

Salary Negotiation Reality


The conversation Jain shared starts with a candidate drawing Rs 48,000 at her previous job, asking for Rs 65,000 at the new company, citing her skills, certifications, and experience. HR counters with Rs 50,000, calls it a reasonable increase, and when the candidate pushes back, tells her that salary expectations need to be realistic and that the role offers significant learning opportunities.

The candidate hesitantly accepts.

What Happened Two Months Later

Within two months, she was assigned additional responsibilities on top of her original role. Her performance was consistently strong and she met all her deadlines. No recognition came. Her workload doubled.

She then received an external offer for Rs 75,000 a month and resigned.

Her manager's response: "You should have informed us, we could have done something."

Jain's commentary was direct. When it mattered, nothing was done.

Learning Opportunities and Toxic Work Culture

Jain argued that offering a lower salary with the promise of learning opportunities is, in her words, a sophisticated form of a toxic work environment. Her broader point was that talent is retained through respect, not merely time.

HR Practices and Salary Negotiation India

Jain's post ended with a direct line addressed to employers: "Do not disregard an individual's stated worth."

Jain's manager quote at the end of the first post has drawn particular attention in the comments, with many readers noting that the offer to do something came only after the resignation, not before it.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and online reactions. The Economic Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the content and does not claim or endorse it.)​​