'Can't work here': Employee walks out of startup on first day after lunch, anecdote goes viral

A social media post about an Indian employee quitting his new job on the very first day has gone viral, sparking conversations about workplace culture. The employee had joined a Delhi-based startup, worked till lunch, and then quietly walked out of the office. He left his laptop on the desk and did not return. The startup tried reaching him through multiple calls, which he initially ignored. Later, he picked up a call from the HR department and gave a short explanation for his absence. He said he could not continue working at the company.

Story shared on X

The incident was shared on X by a user with the handle “@Poan__Sapdi.” In the post, the user wrote, “A friend told me about this guy who joined a startup here in Delhi. On his very first day, he left his laptop on his desk during lunch and just never came back. He ignored everyone’s calls initially but later picked up HR’s, and just said he cannot work there.”

Viral reactions from users

The post quickly gained traction, drawing thousands of views and a stream of responses. Many online users said the incident reflected a growing trend of employees walking away from jobs that do not suit them.

Some reacted with humor, while others shared their own experiences. “Been there done that!” wrote one person. Another added, “Many such cases.”

X user Rohit Pandey shared: “Happens a lot. Secretly, a lot of people plan it - few execute it. I had a guy join with me, quite young and jolly and after lunch he disappeared. The laptop just sat there. Didn't turn up the next day and found from HR that he left.”

A lighthearted comment also stood out: “Well real heroes wait for the salary day, and leave it once the salary is credited with proper KT folder in it.”

Workplace conversations online

The anecdote has resonated with many employees who describe themselves as “corporate slaves.” For some, the story served as a reminder of how quickly workers may decide to quit when faced with an uncomfortable work environment.

While the post did not specify the exact reason behind the decision, discussions in the comments pointed to broader themes such as toxic work culture, unpaid overtime, and the pressure of corporate life.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on X for informational purposes. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)