Bengaluru-based engineer Arpit Bhayani has revealed that he was forced to resign from Google due to a legal conflict over his YouTube channel and online courses. Despite enjoying his role, Bhayani said he had “no choice left” once Google’s legal team intervened, sparking debate on corporate policies and creative freedom.
A Bengaluru software engineer’s candid post has ignited conversations about side hustles and corporate restrictions. According to reports from Mathrubhumi, News18, Moneycontrol, NDTV, and Hindustan Times, Arpit Bhayani, who worked at Google in two separate stints, announced his resignation on January 9, 2026, calling it a “purely bitter moment.”
Bhayani explained that his educational YouTube channel (195,000 subscribers) and online courses clashed with Google’s policies. When the company’s legal team became involved, he felt compelled to leave despite having no plans to quit. He emphasized his passion for in-memory databases and the collaborative environment at Google, making the exit especially difficult.
Notable Updates and Major Takeaways
Reason for exit: Conflict between Google’s policies and Bhayani’s YouTube/content creation work.
Scale of side project: 195,000 subscribers on his educational channel.
Timeline: Last working day at Google was January 9, 2026.
Sentiment: Bhayani described the departure as “purely bitter,” not bittersweet.
Industry debate: Raises questions about balancing corporate roles with personal creative ventures.
Career impact: Despite leaving, Bhayani remains committed to teaching and system design education.
Conclusion
Bhayani’s resignation highlights the tension between corporate compliance and individual creativity. As more professionals pursue side projects, his story underscores the need for clearer policies that respect both company interests and personal innovation.
Sources: Mathrubhumi, News18, Moneycontrol, NDTV, Hindustan Times