Trading the high-perk lifestyle of an MNC for a 25% salary hike at a traditional Indian firm initially felt like a nightmare for one professional. From receiving a laptop covered in insect debris to enduring weeks of silent lunch hours, the employee’s viral outcry about “culture shock” painted a bleak picture of life without “Fun Fridays.” However, after a wave of blunt feedback from the Reddit community, their stance shifted dramatically. The user eventually admitted to feeling “privileged and spoiled” by the luxuries of their previous work, realising that the stress of a new environment, rather than a toxic culture, was likely the true source of their frustration.
“Joined Indian Company After MNC Layoff,” an employee wrote on Reddit, adding, “I was laid off in January over email and was searching for jobs for 3 months. I was extremely stressed having been recently married and had to pay off car EMIs. So after 3-4 rejections from interviews and 200+ applications, I received an offer from an Indian company. I did not think twice and accepted it after hearing all my ex-colleagues (who also got laid off) said the job market is very dry and more layoffs will happen.”
The individual continued that the shift from an MNC to an Indian firm gave them an “extreme cultural shock”.
Recalling the days in the MNC, the person shared, “The MNC sent me a joining kit, had free health and wellness benefits, free meals, regular fun Friday sessions, even random team engagement sessions with the leadership! My calendar used to be full of events and invites and catchups. I worked from home most days and only went to office once a quarter. And when I did, I ate lunch with the entire team.”
They claimed that, in contrast, their days at the new office looked rather bleak. “It’s been almost a month here at this Indian company and for 20 days I have only been finding corners to sit alone and eat lunch by myself. Everyday I come to the office at 10 AM, wish good morning to 2 senior managers and just sit…the entire day. Alone. There are about 20 people who come and sit in the same room but nobody talks to each other. They just sit and work. And burp. And sometimes ask each other work related questions. Then I see 2-3 people walk out for lunch, nobody has ever asked me to sit with them. The rest go out in groups of 2 or 3 and most sit alone as well.”
The person further alleged receiving an “old 2016 laptop that had insect poo on it,” and added, “It pays decent. 25% more than what I was making at the MNC. But this is a typical 10-6 without any bells and whistles.”
The individual expressed that the situation left them “stressed” and “clueless.”
What did social media say?
Reddit users didn’t hold back in their responses to the post, with many giving the employee a reality check.
An individual posted, “As an antisocial person, this is like a dream job. I hate all those MNC gimmicks that you listed.” Another expressed, “Apart from that laptop, things are fine, man. You’re not being bothered by anyone or any such fake celebrations or fake formalities. They’re all there to work, earn, and pay EMIs. It’s a blessing to have such an environment.”
A third added, “I don’t know why people expect so much from a job apart from good pay and a culture that is not breathing down your neck 24/7, both of which you are getting. If you find that the people are so quiet, then be the social energy and have them indulge. If you can’t do that, then don’t blame the company; it’s you.”
A fourth wrote, “Fancy office ka former employee discovers perks aren’t the same across companies. Shocker. I don’t mean to discourage you, OP, but you sound a little privileged. For what it’s worth, it’s good you got another job with better pay, as long as no one interferes with you or your work, it’s not a big deal.”
The fellow Reddit user’s remarks prompted the OP to share an edit to their post. The employee wrote, “I realised within one hour with all your comments that I was privileged and spoiled with WFH and decent WLB. I’m just stressed about a new job I guess.”