Employee joins Indian startup after decades of working with US firms, almost dies: ‘Damaged heart, uncertain future'
A professional's harrowing experience at an Indian startup reveals the devastating impact of a toxic work environment. Enduring gaslighting, impossible demands, and constant availability led to severe stress and a heart attack. He now urges others to prioritize well-being over financial gain, emphasizing that no job is worth sacrificing one's health and life.
iStock A Story of Burnout, Breakdown, and the Fight to Rebuild A professional recently shared a harrowing experience on the "Indian Workplace" subreddit, shedding light on the deeply damaging effects of a toxic job environment. After spending nearly twenty years with multinational companies across the US and Europe, he had grown accustomed to work cultures that valued transparency, boundaries, and employee well-being. However, after being laid off unexpectedly, he found himself forced to accept an opportunity at an Indian startup—despite early signs that it was far from healthy.From the second week of joining, the red flags were unmistakable. Revenue figures were being manipulated, the leadership team operated with unchecked egos, and employees were expected to be available nearly around the clock—from late morning to the early hours of the next day. As days turned into weeks, he became immersed in a cycle of gaslighting, favoritism, and impossible client demands, all while facing zero regard for boundaries or dignity.
Despite knowing he should walk away, the fear of joblessness during a volatile hiring climate kept him chained to the role. The daily stress began to erode not just his emotional health but also his sense of identity and ethical compass. Depression quietly set in, while the pressure and psychological abuse from leadership intensified.Eventually, he could no longer withstand the atmosphere and chose to resign—even though he had no other job secured. But the toll had already been taken. Just weeks after quitting, he suffered a massive heart attack. Two emergency stents were inserted to save his life, and doctors warned that a delay of just half an hour could have been fatal.Now back home, unemployed and recovering with a weakened heart, he reflects on whether the monthly pay he earned was worth the irreversible damage. His answer: absolutely not. He admitted that while he once believed he had no alternative, lying in a hospital bed brought clarity. There's always a choice—we just often fail to recognize it until the consequences become physical."Now I'm home—jobless, with a damaged heart and an uncertain future. Was that monthly salary worth permanently destroying my health? Hell no..." he wrote.He urged others working in similarly suffocating environments not to sacrifice their well-being for financial comfort. No paycheck is worth permanent health damage. Survival should never come at the cost of one's physical or mental integrity. While he learned this truth the hard way, he hoped others would heed the warning sooner.The post struck a chord with Reddit users. Many responded with compassion, echoing similar experiences. One commenter shared how her husband—only 31 years old—suffered two heart attacks and needed three stents due to intense stress in the hotel industry. She had to leave her own job to care for him.Others reminded the original poster that while joblessness is daunting, it is still a better fate than losing one's life. Encouragement flowed in—praising him for choosing himself over a paycheck and wishing him strength for the road ahead. Some even advised moving to quieter towns for peace and healthier lifestyles.For many, this story served as a powerful reminder: work can wait, but health cannot.
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