Worklife

Geoffrey Hinton, who helped shape today’s AI revolution, now warns that artificial intelligence could one day endanger humanity. Expressing regret over his role, he suggests that physical, skill-based professions—like plumbing—are safest from AI disruption, unlike knowledge-based jobs. His predictions signal a future where manual trades may thrive while white-collar roles face obsolescence.

A Gurgaon-based manager shared his unconventional journey, revealing that he failed in Class 11 maths, couldn't crack IIT or IIM, and even failed subjects during engineering. Despite these setbacks, he secured admission to a Tier II B-school and landed a Rs 9 lakh day-zero placement. His story, shared on social media, has sparked a conversation around redefining success beyond elite institutions and embracing failure as part of growth.

A job seeker expressed dismay on Reddit after a startup recruiter misled them about a technical test, only to reveal later that the company wasn't actively hiring. This sparked a discussion about unprofessional hiring practices in Indian startups, with users sharing similar experiences of wasted effort and ghosting. Many criticized the exploitative use of assignments without genuine intent to hire.

A Reddit post about a man receiving ₹12 lakh as severance after being fired sparked widespread curiosity, with users more interested in uncovering the identity of the 'generous' employer than giving investment advice. The viral thread turned into a hunt for the mystery company, while some eventually offered suggestions on how to wisely invest the windfall.

Data scientist Monish Gosar’s viral post blames India’s middle class for its rising EMI burden, not the economy. He argues people trade long-term financial health for status symbols, confusing wants for needs. With India’s credit card debt soaring, Gosar urges a cultural reset—from emotional purchases to mindful money management, warning, “We tied the knots ourselves.”

A software professional's warning about HR departments has ignited debate in India's tech community. The post claims HR prioritizes company interests over employee well-being, urging caution and professional boundaries. Developers shared unsettling experiences, highlighting HR's alleged tendency to favor management and breach confidentiality, advising colleagues to document everything and avoid oversharing.

A technology firm, struggling to fill an entry-level developer position despite a ₹20 lakh salary and 450 interviews, turned to Reddit for insights. The company found candidates could generate code with AI assistance, but lacked fundamental understanding. This sparked debate about recruitment practices and over-reliance on AI tools hindering genuine programming competence, leading to questions about the company's hiring strategy.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global job market, experts are urging young people to focus on careers that are less likely to be automated. According to PwC's latest report, roles in manual trades, creative fields, and AI-related sectors are expected to remain in demand. While AI is boosting productivity and offering higher salaries in tech-savvy industries, it's also reducing reliance on traditional degrees. Instead, employers are placing more value on practical skills and continuous learning.

A Reddit user shared a disheartening experience at a family-owned business, highlighting arbitrary decisions and exploitation. Despite enduring hardships for a year, their annual increment was a mere ₹1,200. To add insult to injury, the company retroactively deducted ₹1,800 for past Provident Fund discrepancies, resulting in a net pay decrease.

After a Chinese worker requested an hour of sick leave due to fever, she was insulted by her HR supervisor with sexist and demeaning comments. Despite staying at work, her account was disabled, and pay withheld. Her viral post prompted a government investigation, resulting in the supervisor’s dismissal and sparking wider discussion on workplace empathy and labour rights.

A software developer was rejected for a Software Development Engineer position at a tech startup, not for lacking skills, but for appearing too calm during the interview process. The company's HR department suggested the candidate's composure indicated they might not thrive in their intense environment.

An RTI query has revealed that 59 students from IIM Trichy's 2024 batch were left unplaced, accounting for nearly 15% of the cohort. Educator Ravi Handa shared the data on X, calling the situation “not normal” for an IIM, especially given the high fees and tough entrance process. Only 27% of the batch received offers with a CTC above ₹20 lakh. The post has sparked debate on social media, with users raising concerns about market saturation, dilution of the IIM brand, and lack of transparency in placement reports.