Image Source: NDTV
Key Highlights
An intern relocating to Gurugram spent Rs 30,000 out of personal savings to join a promising startup but was terminated just 23 days into the internship
The internship involved exhausting 10 to 12-hour workdays, including weekends, under the promise of close mentorship and a full-time job with a minimum salary of Rs 40,000 after three months
The sudden dismissal was attributed to the startup losing a major client, resulting in abrupt layoffs despite the intern’s high expectations based on the founder’s assurances
The intern expressed regret publicly for trusting the founder’s commitments, describing the experience as a "disaster" and highlighting the precariousness of internship opportunities in early-stage startups
The post sparked discussion on Reddit and social media about exploitation risks, lack of job security for interns and entry-level workers, and the challenges young professionals face in competitive startup ecosystems like Gurugram
Community responses emphasized resilience, urging affected individuals to keep applying for jobs, avoid disillusionment, and carefully evaluate startup offers before committing financially or emotionally
Background of the Incident
In mid-2025, a Reddit user known as @Regrets_only_ shared their unfortunate experience of moving to Gurugram for an internship at a nascent startup. Eager to secure professional growth, the intern invested Rs 30,000 in relocation and living expenses, motivated by the founder’s promises of mentorship and a clear career path leading to a salaried position.
However, the internship turned out to be strenuous with demanding hours and excessive workload. The promised opportunities failed to materialize within the short duration, as the startup unexpectedly lost a crucial client. This financial setback forced the company to cut costs, leading to the intern’s abrupt sacking within just 23 days of joining.
Expectations vs Reality: The Internship Disparity
The founder had assured a nurturing environment with hands-on guidance and a secured job post-internship. The intern anticipated at least three months of stable work culminating in a full-time offer with a salary floor of Rs 40,000. Instead, the intern encountered uncertain conditions, long hours, job insecurity, and no severance or prior warnings before dismissal.
This incident underscores the fragile nature of internships in startups, where business volatility often translates into workforce instability. Many young professionals take risks backed by personal financial sacrifices, only to face sudden setbacks beyond their control.
Industry and Community Reactions
The intern’s story resonated widely, igniting conversations around the challenges faced by early-career individuals in India’s startup hubs. Participants in online forums sympathized but also urged the youth to persevere:
Encouragement to apply widely and not lose hope due to isolated misfortunes
Advice to scrutinize startup offers carefully, seeking clarity on remuneration, job security, and mentorship commitments
Calls for regulatory or community-driven protections for interns and entry-level workers, citing exploitation risks in informal employment setups
Broader Lessons for Interns and Startups
This episode highlights pressing concerns in India's growing startup ecosystem:
The importance of transparent communication from startup founders regarding job stability and project risks
The necessity for interns to verify terms of engagement and assess personal financial capacity before making significant investments
Enhanced awareness that internships, especially unpaid or low-paid, carry inherent uncertainties that require contingency planning
Calls for stronger labor rights or startup policies protecting interns against sudden layoffs or unfulfilled promises
Looking Ahead: Navigating Startup Internships Safely
Young professionals entering startups in competitive tech cities like Gurugram are advised to balance optimism with caution. Key protective steps include:
Gathering references or reviews from past interns and employees
Requesting written agreements detailing internship duration, remuneration, and post-internship prospects
Building financial safety nets before relocating or investing significantly in new roles
Networking within industry groups and leveraging career counseling to identify reputable organizations
In conclusion, the Rs 30,000 spent by the intern highlights the tangible risks involved in pursuing aspirations within startups that may be vulnerable to market fluctuations. This cautionary account serves as a reminder for interns and emerging workers to adopt informed decision-making, while startup leaders are urged to uphold commitments transparently and responsibly.
Sources: NDTV.com, Reddit
Advertisement
Advertisement
