A Reddit post by a user identified as Tasty_Measurement929 has hit the internet after the individual described how a mistake of “just 5000 rs” led to the loss of a high-paying job and started a downward financial spiral.
In a post shared on ar/Indianworkforce, the user wrote, “I am an MBA graduate from a good institute. I had my dream job and a role in a good FMCG for 2 years. But things went downhill because I messed up at work and got fired. It happened because I faked compensation. I lost everything for just 5000, it cost me everything.”
The individual stated that he was previously earning ₹1.5 million per month before release. After a short stint at the startup — where they were reportedly fired within 15 days due to downsizing — they described struggling with shame, stress and uncertainty.
“I went from earning 1.5 LPM to 0,” the post read.
Almost a year later, the user said he accepted a new role at the company ₹50,000 per month – a reported 65% pay cut – just to stabilize finances. According to the post, the current salary barely covers PG loan EMIs, rent and education, with fears of default in six months if the situation does not improve.
“I’m not running away from the hard work, but the uncertainty that comes with working at a startup. What if the startup fails and I get fired again?” written by the user.
The allowance goes beyond job loss. They speak of reputational damage, psychological strain and the long shadow of professional misconduct. “I messed up and I really need help with what I can do to reduce my stress… I screwed up badly and it’s my own fault. But is there really no way out?” added by the user.
The post also highlights how quickly financial stability can erode, even for those who previously saved and built buffers.
Social networks are responding
A Reddit thread produced mixed responses.
A user wrote: “OP, you honestly own your mistake and that says a lot about your character. It’s actually very rare to see people actually own up to their mistakes in the corporate world…. One bad call won’t undo your entire career or who you are as a person. Right now the focus should just be on survival and stability…maybe look for safer, more stable roles in established organizations. strong.”
Another user wrote: “Start interviewing for better roles when you work at a startup. That way you’ll be prepared for every possibility. If you get a new offer, take it.”
“OP, people who scam millions and hundreds of millions are sleeping peacefully in this country. Everyone makes mistakes, the difference is how they learn from it. You are a good person. You have a job now, focus on it, forget the past. Develop new skills, network, take it as an acceleration, not a wall. With work, skills and a little luck, you will be back where you want to be third.”
A fourth wrote: “My friends have fake receipts but I’ve never done it. I hope you find some solution OP. But OP I suggest you talk to the bank and ask them to increase the tenure if possible, it would reduce the EMI burden. In the meantime, I’d say you’re aggressively applying to other companies for a better job, why don’t you ask your college graduates for referrals?”
(This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)