'Why I quit in 20 days': Ex-Microsoft techie’s blunt reply shocks manager, sparks work culture debate

A former Microsoft engineer in Singapore quit his new job in just 20 days, leaving his manager and colleagues stunned. The story went viral after software engineer Manisha Goyal shared a conversation with him on X (formerly Twitter). When asked why he left so quickly, the engineer replied bluntly: “The work is too chill. If I stay, I’ll stop growing. At 45, I’d enjoy this. But right now, I need the grind.” Goyal added she had been “chilling for the last 2 years.” The post quickly ignited discussions online, with many debating the balance between ambition and comfort, and whether staying in an easy role early in one’s career could limit growth.

Online Reactions Highlight Work Culture Divide

The post sparked strong reactions online. Many users praised the decision, arguing that low-effort roles can harm long-term career prospects.

"He did it right. If you genuinely want to grow, you must be grinding. Sitting in a company without any real work or growth opportunities is enjoyable, but it’s also ruining your career," wrote Kumar Shubham.


"Singapore culture is such. They love the grind and honestly if you love your work (I actually do) the grind is fun. It’s the routine that becomes a pain," added Papps.

Another user, Dev, shared a personal experience: "Very reason I quit Amazon."

The Chill vs. Hustle Debate

The story sparked wider discussion on ambition, timing, and work-life balance.

Work culture matters: Some professionals thrive in fast-paced, challenging environments, while others prefer steady, predictable roles.

Timing matters: A calmer role may suit someone later in their career, but early career professionals may find it stifling.

Defining success varies: For some, success means growth and challenge; for others, it’s stability and wellbeing.

This anecdote underlines a broader point: personal ambition shapes career choices. The ex-Microsoft engineer’s decision to leave a comfortable job for growth resonates with many, highlighting that knowing when to push and when to pause is a crucial career skill.