'Don't go after money, stay with us you'll get it anyway': Manager tells employee; Netizens react...

A workplace remark urging an employee not to “chase money” has sparked sharp debate online, after a post describing the exchange went viral on Reddit’s r/IndianWorkplace forum.

In the post, the employee said their manager discouraged salary discussions, arguing that the startup was bootstrapped and that financial rewards would come later as the company grew.

"Whenever I ask for money, he's like "why are you chasing money, our startup is bootstrapped, when we get bigger you'll also get benefits." Is this how things work in real life? Not everyone's financial situation is the same, why don't they get that?" the post read.

The employee questioned whether such assurances reflect real-world outcomes, noting that not all workers share the same financial circumstances.

My manager says dont go after money, stay with us you'll get it anyway
byu/Logical_Loan2815 inIndianWorkplace

Netizens reaction

The post drew hundreds of responses, with many users pushing back against the advice. Several users said early-career professionals should prioritise compensation growth and skill-building over loyalty promises.

"Ha ha.. let me tell u guys something after 8 year exp. Change companies at the start of your career. Change once every 2 year or less. Because there is no post on Naukri that requires 20 or 25 year experience. The max u will find for a normal employee like us is 7-9 year exp call for. Then it keeps on getting difficult to change. And the reason for change will be to increase that CTC and nothing else. Don't go for post, loyalty etc. That all can come later. U can put the same butter to newbie about loyalty later on in life," a user wrote.

"Lol, just lost my job due to a layoff after spending 5 years here. The same company that always said “we are family” didn’t hesitate to let me go just days after my marriage. Take that for what it’s worth. I’d strongly advise you to leave this place as soon as you can.," another suggested.

"I think he’s a genuine guy. And I agree with him. You switch jobs and when the company grows bigger… get in touch with them for the money. He said, “you will get it anyway” right?" a third expressed.