When I joined a startup in Hyderabad, I was excited. New tech, fast growth, “we’re a family” vibes—you know the drill. But reality hit hard, and honestly, this is something more people need to talk about.
Within a few months, salaries started getting delayed. First one month. Then two. Then 3–4 months with no salary at all. Every time we asked, the answer was the same:
“Funding is coming.”
“Next month pakka.”
“Client payment is pending.”
Rent doesn’t wait. EMIs don’t wait. Life doesn’t wait.
The most irritating part? PF.
They deducted PF from my package like everything was legit. Payslips showed PF deductions. But guess what? The money was never credited. Either the PF account wasn’t created properly, or the amount just vanished. If they create PF, they deduct it—but don’t deposit it. Straight-up cheating.
There was no proper HR system. No clarity on policies. Documents came late or not at all. Everything was verbal—until something went wrong. Then suddenly, it was “company policy” (which no one had ever seen).
Asking questions felt like a crime.
Ask about salary → indirect threats.
Ask about PF → attitude change.
Talk about leaving → “We won’t give experience letter.”
Some even hint at background verification issues. Fear is the management style.
Work hours? Don’t even ask.
Late nights, weekend calls, random deadlines. Hustle culture my foot. It’s just burnout with fancy words. One person does the work of three, and if you say no, you’re “not committed enough.”
The worst part is the mental toll. You start doubting yourself. You feel stuck because you need experience. You stay quiet because you’re scared. And management knows this—they use it.
I’m not saying all startups are bad. Some are genuinely great. But this side exists, and it’s ugly. And silence only makes it worse.
If you’re joining a startup: verify everything.
If you’re already in one like this: document everything.
No job is worth constant stress, unpaid salary, and zero respect.
Startups talk a lot about growth. Just wish they cared about employee dignity too.
Top comments (1)
Thank you for sharing this so honestly. It’s a real reminder that behind the startup hype, working conditions and basic respect still matter a lot.