A young software engineer in Bengaluru broke down in tears during a regular team video call — a moment later shared anonymously on LinkedIn that sparked a wave of responses across the country. The viral post described how constant pressure, lack of support, and public humiliation led the employee to resign.
No onboarding, no support, only pressure
According to the LinkedIn post, the engineer joined the company with high hopes but faced immediate challenges. There was no proper onboarding process, no guidance, and no explanation of the project. The employee was expected to “figure everything out” without help.
Bengaluru engineer breakdown during work call:
When he asked a basic question during a team meeting to understand the project better, he was publicly shut down. The post quoted the engineer saying, “I cried on a G-Meet because I asked for clarity on a project. That’s how bad it got.”
Workplace culture discouraged questions
The post described a culture where asking questions was seen as a weakness. The engineer said he eventually stopped seeking help and instead tried to stay unnoticed.
“We’ve stopped hoping for appreciation. Now, we just hope we aren’t shamed in front of everyone,” the employee said, according to the post.
The engineer also dealt with late-night calls, unclear expectations, and being dismissed whenever he raised concerns. Even when problems were not his fault, the blame was shifted to the team.
Exit met with cold remarks
After deciding to resign, the employee reportedly faced more hostility. “Good luck finding another job. Let’s see how long you last there,” the manager allegedly told him during the exit meeting.
The post described this reaction as part of the same pattern of control and emotional neglect that had marked the employee’s time at the company.
A broader problem, not just one story
The post included a line that many readers said captured the wider issue: “People don’t leave companies. They leave environments where their dignity is no longer safe.”
It concluded with a reminder: “A bad manager can make a dream job hell. A good one can make even a messy job feel meaningful. So be grateful to great managers, they’re rarer than you think.”
Public response: many shared similar stories
The post drew strong reactions on LinkedIn, with many users sharing similar experiences.
One commenter wrote, “This post hits hard. It’s heartbreaking to see how leadership, or the lack thereof, can deeply impact someone’s confidence and mental health. A strong reminder that as leaders, our greatest responsibility is to uplift, listen, and create an environment where people feel valued and safe.”
Another added, “These days, dream jobs are more myth than reality.”
The post has now become part of a growing conversation about workplace behaviour and how leadership affects employee well-being.