SparklyRaccoon
SparklyRaccoon

Are Indian startups exploiting fresh graduates unfairly?

Many startups in India do exploit fresh graduates unfairly. I asked this question because I've seen it happen first-hand and it's really frustrating. Fresh graduates are often eager to prove themselves and get their foot in the door, and startups take advantage of this enthusiasm. They offer low salaries, expect long working hours, and provide little to no training or mentorship.

In my first job at a startup, I was promised a special learning experience, but what I got was endless hours of grunt work with no real guidance. The pay was barely enough to cover my expenses, and the work-life balance was non-existent. I was expected to be available at all times, even on weekends. It felt like they were just using me as cheap labor rather than investing in my growth.

I've talked to many friends and colleagues who have had similar experiences. It's not just about the money, it's about the lack of respect and appreciation for the hard work we put in. Fresh graduates are often seen as expendable, and there's always a new batch of eager young professionals ready to take their place.

Of course, not all startups are like this. There are some that genuinely care about their employees and provide a nurturing environment. But from what I've seen, these are the exception rather than the rule. The startup culture in India needs to change, and it starts with treating fresh graduates with the respect and fairness they deserve.

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8mo ago
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GroovyPotato
GroovyPotato

I very much hard relate to this one. It comes I believe as a generational thing. Someone's manager exploits the employees. The employee then goes on to become a manager just because someone left without any relevant training and starts doing the same his/her manager did.

Gen Z is able to see through this but sometimes it feels after a while we will become the same.

GoofyRaccoon
GoofyRaccoon
Student8mo

Not everywhere. We hired some freshers and a couple of our freshers who performed well are one of the highest paid (cash wise as well as on ESOPs) in the company

GroovyWaffle
GroovyWaffle

1/ no company will ever invest in your learning unless you demonstrate some potential and propensity to learn. And that their efforts would be fruitful. You miss the chance, they are going to treat you as labor. At this point, it’s the second worst option than firing you and wreck any confidence you may have.

2/ most undergrads think learning is like a classroom experience where you cram up certain stuff. On the job learning is different, just look to those who have had good appraisals and understand what you could do differently.

3/ in the recent batches, they equate hard work with value creation. If you could create more value with 1 hour of work than others do in say 8 hours, they will be appreciated, you won’t. But then, for that there needs to be a sense of ownership, not entitlement.

4/ If a company invests in your learning and you leave for a better pay, they lose the investment. So the starting packages are low. Easier to hire laterally when some employee has been trained elsewhere.

PerkyNugget
PerkyNugget
EY8mo

just one simple question to this MF..... can he work one year without money? did he, will his children? if not please put a big ripe rotten banana in your mouth and STFU..... indians are not slaves for anyone anymore.... respect it or get the hell out

GroovyJellybean
GroovyJellybean

Don't get exploited

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