A social media debate around wages, job security and career growth has erupted amid the backdrop of worker unrest in Noida, after a startup founder’s post about an employee quitting for a higher-paying gig job went viral.
The conversation began when founder Akshat Jain shared that a 22-year-old administrative staff member, whom the company was training and mentoring, had resigned. According to Jain, the employee showed strong potential and was being guided with books, exposure to AI tools, and internal learning opportunities, with the expectation that he could grow into a leadership role within three to five years.
However, the employee had recently started working part-time in delivery services on weekends to supplement his income. Jain said the situation took a turn when the employee decided to quit altogether, opting for full-time gig work that could fetch him Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 a month, significantly higher than his existing salary. The founder expressed concern over the decision, arguing that while gig work may offer immediate earnings, it lacks long-term growth, skill development, and sustainability, especially considering the physical demands over time.
Internet gets into furious debate
The post quickly gained traction, shifting the focus to a larger issue: whether future career promises can justify lower pay in the present.
Many users pushed back against the founder’s perspective, questioning the pay structure itself. Several argued that if an employee chooses gig to work over a structured job, it reflects a gap between wages and basic living needs. One response pointed out that financial stability today outweighs uncertain growth years down the line, especially for young workers trying to support themselves.
Another user highlighted a common dilemma in small businesses as future potential cannot be “cashed in” to pay current expenses. Promises like managerial roles in a few years, they argued, hold little value if employees are struggling to meet immediate financial needs. Others were more blunt, accusing companies of underpaying talent while framing training and mentorship as compensation.
Some voices, however, acknowledged both sides. While they agreed that gig work offers limited long-term progression, they also noted that the employee could have explored better-paying formal roles instead of shifting entirely to delivery work.