A software professional has sparked debate online after sharing how a seemingly promising job switch turned into a stressful dilemma when a new employer revised its offer after acceptance.
The incident surfaced on the Indian Workplace subreddit, where the professional detailed being caught between two employers following an unexpected change in terms by the new company.
A surprise offer turns complicated
According to the post, the developer, with around two-and-a-half years of experience in .NET, attended a recruitment drive at another firm—referred to as Company B—through a former colleague. What was meant to be a casual interview for practice resulted in a lucrative offer of ₹15 lakh per annum along with a ₹50,000 joining bonus.
At the time, the professional was earning close to ₹10 lakh annually at Company A. While the organisation offered stable pay and standard benefits, the work environment was described as draining, citing office politics, heavy workloads and strained relationships with colleagues.
Hoping for either a better opportunity or a retention hike, the employee resigned. Company A initially enforced a 60-day notice period but later agreed to reduce it to 30 days, while clearly stating that no counteroffer would be made.
Offer revised after acceptance
However, shortly after the start of 2026, Company B informed the candidate that the offer would be revised. The updated terms reduced the salary to ₹13 lakh per annum and removed the joining bonus altogether, leaving the professional uncertain about whether to proceed.
The post added that Company B is a small Dubai-based firm with limited infrastructure, strict nine-hour workdays, mandatory office attendance four days a week, biometric tracking and salary deductions for late entry—details that raised further concerns.
Strong reactions online
The post drew widespread responses on Reddit, with many users advising caution. Several commenters warned against trusting employers who revise offers after acceptance, calling it a red flag. Others suggested continuing the job search during the notice period and using the initial offer as leverage to negotiate better roles elsewhere.
Some users also pointed out that if one company valued the candidate at ₹15 lakh, there could be better opportunities in the market.
A broader takeaway
The episode has reignited discussions on job-switching risks in India’s tech sector, with many emphasising a key lesson: never rely on a single offer and keep options open until a new role is firmly secured.