A tech CEO has become the target of widespread online ridicule after posting a controversial job advert on LinkedIn, which many have described as “unrealistic, elitist and exploitative”. The listing, aimed at attracting highly committed creatives to join his AI-powered advertising company, quickly made its way to the popular subreddit “Linked Lunatics”, where users did not hold back their criticism.
A Role That Asks Too Much
The job advert sought “top 1% Founding Creatives” to help improve the firm’s AI ad-making platform. However, the expectations outlined in the post shocked many. Applicants were expected to commit to a seven-day workweek, with the CEO noting that while it wouldn’t “always” involve 100-hour weeks, candidates should be prepared for it when needed.
The role demanded end-to-end involvement—from strategy and editing to any other creative task required—leading many to label the expectations as extreme and unsustainable.
Strange Criteria Spark Backlash
Beyond the workload, the CEO listed unusual preferences for candidates, sparking further outrage. Ideal applicants, he said, would have over 10,000 hours of experience in content creation or curation, with a strong sense for viral trends and good taste. Surprisingly, he also suggested that those who “do not come from money” or have “lots of trauma/chip on the shoulder energy” would be a better fit.
Adding to the controversy, he noted that being “neurodivergent” was seen as a positive—something many online took offence to, accusing him of romanticising hardship or targeting vulnerable individuals for a high-stress role.