Techie's brave decision to resign despite getting a promotion goes viral

Usually, getting a promotion, especially after years of dedicating yourself to the job, is a joyous occasion. But for a techie, the much-belated appraisal was not a cause for celebration but a wake-up call. Taking to the subreddit Developers India, he revealed how he braved through years of lack of acknowledgment despite going above and beyond expectations.

Early Warning Signs in a Toxic Setup

The journey began in 2022 when he joined the company as a fresh graduate, earning a package of ₹8.5 lakh per annum. However, from the very first day, the workplace atmosphere felt deeply unsettling. A rigid and toxic hierarchy loomed large, where merit and innovation took a backseat. Employees were more concerned with earning the favor of one powerful senior rather than focusing on meaningful development. Despite these warning signs, the techie focused on delivering value, hoping his results would speak for themselves.

Efforts Overlooked, Recognition Withheld

Two years into his role, during the 2024 appraisal season, he compiled a thorough report of his contributions and product impact. While most of the leadership acknowledged his effort, the one person whose opinion mattered most remained unimpressed. The reason was clear—he hadn’t spent his time trying to curry favor. Instead, he had prioritized building a better product. As a result, he was passed over for a promotion once again.

A Conditional Promise and Broken Trust

Disappointed, he submitted his resignation in April 2024. That’s when someone from senior management—excluding the difficult individual—urged him to reconsider. The company proposed a 55% salary hike, to be rolled out in April 2025, contingent on him staying another year. Though nothing was documented, he agreed, trusting the verbal assurance. He calculated that the significant raise would position him better for his next job switch. However, when the 2025 appraisal finally happened—delayed until May 30—he received only a 37% increase. The promised 55% never materialized.

Personal Loss and Professional Insensitivity

The turning point wasn’t just the broken promise. In a span of a few months, his personal life saw major transitions. He got engaged in December 2024, married in February 2025, and then tragically lost his father in April. Amid this emotional turmoil, the insensitivity of his team lead was the final blow. In a one-on-one discussion, the manager suggested that his marriage and family responsibilities had disrupted work schedules, blaming him for project delays. The sheer callousness of those remarks made it clear that the environment had become intolerable.

A Brave Exit with Uncertain Roads Ahead

Without another offer in hand, he resigned on June 3, 2025, choosing to protect his dignity rather than endure further disrespect. Currently serving his notice period, he is unsure of what lies ahead. The job market is competitive, and he is still preparing for interviews. With experience in JavaScript (Node.js and React) and SQL Server, he’s also open to expanding into Java.

Support From the Online Community

Redditors responded with overwhelming support. Many applauded his courage to stand up for himself, especially under such emotionally difficult circumstances. They reassured him that better opportunities awaited him and admired his choice to prioritize self-respect over an ungrateful workplace.

One comment read, “Good on you for standing up for yourself. Great job."

Another comment read, “I know how it is to be under a toxic person. You stood up for yourself, and we are proud of that. And one day you will be glad that you did. You will surely get into some good company."