A Delhi-based video editor has taken to social media to reveal the toxic work environment at a startup he joined in December. While he expected a relaxed culture, he actually faced unrealistic expectations and a demanding boss.
Trouble began when the editor refused to work over the weekend. His boss insisted he put his refusal in an email and meet him the next working day, that is, Monday. When he agreed, the boss reacted aggressively. Even after offering to share the project file, the response was dismissive.
The pressure wasn’t limited to weekends. On 28 February, he received a video- editing task at 5 PM and submitted it within an hour. Official working hours end at 7:30 PM, but at 8:30 PM, revision requests started coming in. When he stood firm on his boundaries, the CEO demanded a Monday meeting, likely to push him out of the company.
Screenshots of WhatsApp messages further exposed the toxic culture. A team member flagged a video revision at 8:29 PM. When the editor declined due to his weekend policy, the boss responded harshly, demanding an email confirmation and an immediate meeting. The conversation quickly turned hostile, with the boss lashing out.
The leaked messages sparked outrage online. Many condemned the unprofessional behaviour, calling it disrespectful and proof of toxic startup culture. Users criticised how work-life balance is often a mere buzzword in job descriptions. Others mocked the CEO’s reaction, highlighting how aggressive leadership creates a hostile workplace.
The incident has reignited conversations about unrealistic work expectations and the pressure to comply with unspoken rules in fast-paced work environments.
