A new post going viral online shows how a senior software developer is being forced to work 20 extra hours a week, without getting paid for it. In the post, the employee says their company has made it “non-negotiable” to spend personal time on self-learning courses if they want to move up to a higher role. This added pressure is not only eating into their personal life but also starting to affect their health. The worst part? There’s no space for discussion or flexibility.
“Unpaid, non-negotiable”: Employee says upskilling is mandatory for growthAccording to the Reddit post titled “I’m being forced to work 20 extra unpaid hours a week,” the company has made it clear that self-learning outside of working hours is essential to qualify for a promotion to a tech lead position.
“That’s 3 hours every weekday after work and my weekends completely gone,” the employee wrote. “It’s unpaid, non-negotiable, and they’ve made it clear that if I want to grow here, I have to do this.”
The user claimed that the company expects this level of time commitment without providing any compensation for the additional hours.
Health issues mounting, but fear of speaking up remainsThe developer further said that the workload is now impacting their health. They shared that they have started experiencing symptoms linked to heart-related issues, and their doctor has advised them to avoid stressful environments.
However, the employee said they haven’t informed their company, fearing that their concerns will be dismissed.“I know they won’t believe me or care,” the post reads. “They already said there’s no other option. Now I’m stuck. I’m anxious, exhausted, and my health is starting to get worse.”
Caught between burnout and job insecurityDespite the growing pressure, the employee said they are hesitant to quit the job without a new offer in hand.
The post ends with a line that reflects their emotional state: “It is getting worse, surviving in this company.”
Online responses divided
The post has triggered a range of reactions from Reddit users. Some supported the employee’s concerns and encouraged them to push back against unfair expectations. One user suggested, “Just don’t do it. Ask your manager to allocate self-learning time during work hours.” Another replied, “It’s mandatory for us too… can’t skip.”
Several commenters pointed out the seriousness of the health symptoms mentioned. “Never ignore chest pain or difficulty in breathing. Walk away from any toxic environment,” one person wrote. Another added, “Quitting works. Sacrificing health isn’t worth it.”
Others urged the employee to take more proactive steps. “I hope you’ve talked to your manager or started looking for jobs. It’s a waste posting here if you’ve done none of the above,” one comment read.