Sudden layoffs in India’s startup ecosystem have become a familiar reality, often leaving young professionals struggling with uncertainty and unanswered questions. From cost-cutting measures to shifting business priorities, employees are frequently caught off guard, sometimes without clear communication or feedback. One such case from Gurugram has gained attention online after a software developer shared how he lost his job within months of joining a startup — a decision that even his direct seniors were reportedly unaware of.
In a detailed post shared on Reddit, the backend developer said he had been working at a Gurugram-based startup since August last year. During his five-month stint, he claimed he had never been called into a formal meeting by the HR team. That changed abruptly when he was summoned and informed that he was being laid off.
According to the post, HR described the decision as being purely business-related. When the employee tried to understand whether his performance had contributed to the outcome, or if there were gaps he needed to improve on, he said he received no clear explanation. He added that HR could not point out specific issues or mistakes that led to the layoff, leaving him confused about what went wrong.
Seniors unaware of the decision
The situation became more unsettling when the developer realised that his reporting manager, who also serves as the company’s CTO, and his team lead were not informed about the layoff beforehand. His team lead had been on leave for nearly 12 days and, upon returning, asked if there had been any conflict at work. The developer explained that he keeps personal opinions separate from professional responsibilities and focuses solely on his tasks.
He later contacted his manager, who told him he would first speak with the management to understand the situation before commenting further. The team lead, however, reassured him that his work ethic, technical competence, communication skills, and ability to collaborate had always been viewed positively within the team.
Visa rejection adds to personal stress
The developer also shared that he has close to two years of professional experience. He explained that he had joined the company at a time when he was planning to pursue a master’s degree in the US and needed to show employment during his visa interview. Although his visa application was eventually rejected, he said he was relieved to at least have a stable job then — a sense of security that has now disappeared.
He admitted that the sudden loss of employment has made it difficult for him to figure out how to inform his parents and sister. Despite the emotional strain, he expressed confidence that he would secure a better-paying role and maintained that things tend to fall into place over time.
Reddit users offer support and practical advice
The post received strong engagement on Reddit, with users offering encouragement, perspective, and practical guidance. Many commenters pointed out that layoffs in startups are often driven by financial constraints rather than employee performance. Others advised him to focus on interview preparation, resume updates, and active job applications instead of overthinking the situation.
Several users suggested upskilling in high-demand technologies, while others shared personal experiences of being laid off and later finding better opportunities. A few even offered referrals, hiring leads, and resume reviews, highlighting the supportive role online communities can play during professional setbacks.