Reddit Erupts Over Shady HR Tactics in Notice Period Nightmares
A Delhi-based designer's resignation horror story has sparked outrage on Reddit, exposing manipulative HR practices that trap employees in extended notice periods. What should have been a liberating career move turned into a bureaucratic nightmare, highlighting critical lessons for Indian professionals navigating job transitions.
The Designer's Double Notice Period Trap
The designer initially resigned in October 2025, agreeing to serve his standard notice period until February 2026. His HR department specifically requested this extension via email, citing the needs of his small three-designer team. Acting out of goodwill and loyalty to his understaffed colleagues, despite workplace toxicity, he complied with the request.
Come February 2026, when he attempted to finally leave, a new HR representative delivered shocking news. Since the previous HR manager had departed the company, their email agreement was declared invalid. The designer was informed he must now serve an additional two-month notice period, with his contract cited as justification.
"I feel like absconding," the designer ranted on Reddit, expressing how his goodwill had completely backfired, leaving him feeling trapped and manipulated by corporate bureaucracy.
Reddit Community Reacts With Fury and Advice
The Reddit community responded with both outrage and practical guidance:
- "Walked original LWD—company can't do much" advised one user, referring to the last working date originally agreed upon.
- "Demand email proof invalidation; CC manager" suggested another, emphasizing documentation.
- "Old HR email = binding company word. Go to court if needed" argued a third, highlighting legal implications.
- "Ghost if no docs required; negotiate first otherwise" offered more extreme advice.
However, multiple users cautioned that legal action should be a last resort due to costly court proceedings and potential impacts on experience letters and future employment.
Techie's Parallel Dilemma With Verbal Promises
Echoing similar frustrations, a technology professional shared his own notice period nightmare. After receiving two job offers requiring him to join within thirty days, his current manager verbally agreed to this shortened notice period.
Upon submitting his resignation, however, the company demanded he serve the full sixty-day notice period stipulated in his contract or risk losing his final dues. Despite having completed all tasks and having no remaining dependencies, he was held primarily for billing purposes.
"They're holding me for billing," he fumed, describing the situation as a pure revenue grab rather than a legitimate business need.
Critical Lessons for Indian Professionals
These Reddit stories expose widespread notice period chaos in India's corporate landscape. Key protective measures emerge from the discussion:
- Document Everything: Screenshot emails, save chat transcripts, and maintain written records of all agreements.
- Avoid Verbal Assurances: Insist on written confirmation from HR and managers for any notice period modifications.
- Escalate Strategically: When facing unreasonable demands, involve senior management and reference previous written agreements.
- Understand Legal Recourse: While labor courts exist as an option, consider the financial and professional costs before pursuing legal action.
The designer's experience particularly underscores how employee goodwill can be exploited, with companies requesting extensions only to renege on agreements when HR personnel change. Redditors unanimously agree that in today's corporate environment, documented proof outweighs verbal promises every time.
These cautionary tales serve as wake-up calls for India's job market, where notice period manipulation has become increasingly common. Professionals must prioritize self-protection through meticulous documentation and skepticism toward informal arrangements that lack written validation.
