A young entrepreneur who learned about Reddit by working 12-16 days without a full-time job has struck a chord with thousands of students, fresh graduates and professionals. The article has also sparked discussions about the nature of work, unpaid work, and whether or not it’s always worth holding out for work.For many engineering graduates, having the opportunity to do an undergraduate course feels like the first step towards a successful career. The hope is simple: work hard, learn fast and eventually have a full-time position.But for a 25-year-old graduate, this promise was not fulfilled.In what is now a viral Reddit post, the young professional revealed how six months of training turned into a 10-month wait for a permanent position, despite working long hours, repeated confirmations and constant pressure to “work hard.”The story has gone viral on social media, with many citing it as an example of how young professionals are sometimes trapped in a jobless environment.
A six-month internship turned into a 10-month wait
The student, who graduated in 2024, joined the inaugural six-month course that is expected to end in April 2026.However, by the time the project was about to end, the company was reportedly out of business.Instead of offering a permanent session, the internship was extended by three months. According to the post, the student was assured that a regular conversion would take place during this time.But three months later, there was no confirmation.Instead, an internship was added.Each time the student asked about being a full-time employee, the response was the same: “Work hard,” “take more ownership,” and “get results.”The uncertainty slowly turned to frustration.
Working until midnight… and sometimes until 6 AM
What attracted the most attention was the job description.According to the Reddit post, work usually starts around 10 or 11 in the morning. During office days, it usually continued till 9 PM.The days of working from home, however, are said to have no fixed end.“There have been days I’ve worked until 6 AM,” the student wrote.The note also said that the workers had to continue working after dinner, while weekends were not free because senior leaders often sent messages requesting changes.The student also shared that exercise sessions disappeared from daily life, sleep was irregular, and physical and mental fatigue began to take its toll.
Fear of leaving
More than the long working hours, it was one question that seemed to bother the young professional.“I have been here for 10 months. If I leave without being converted every time, were those 10 months in vain?”For many graduates, these fears sound familiar.After investing in one organization for several months, leaving without a permanent position can feel like starting over. The anxiety increases when your classmates seem to have already settled into a regular job.The student admitted that this anxiety created “very dark moments” and made them feel stuck between going on and on.
Reddit users offer helpful tips
The post attracted a lot of attention, with many experts sharing the experience.The general idea was to start applying for permanent positions elsewhere, and continue the course until another opportunity presented itself.Several users believed that the company could use interns as a cheap labor instead of seriously considering hiring a permanent employee.Others advised completing a year at the company before leaving, as a long career can look powerful on a resume.Some also advocated asking employers to document when they should change and how to use it effectively, forcing the organization to make informed decisions instead of adding time to learning.
What students and graduates can learn
Although every workplace is different, career experts often say that internships should focus on learning, mentoring and skill development.If responsibilities continue to grow but clarity about job progress is not forthcoming, it may be time to evaluate whether the information is supporting temporary technological growth.Equally important is the realization that exhaustion does not mean achievement. Working long hours does not always mean good results at work, especially if there is no obvious way to find a full-time job.For students entering the workforce, this article serves as a reminder to ask important questions before agreeing to further education:• Is there a reasonable turnaround time?• What expectations must be met?• Are there written communications about the company’s plans?• Are the working hours regular?As India’s startup ecosystem continues to create exciting opportunities for young professionals, the discussion sparked by a Reddit post reveals another important lesson: ambition is key, as well as transparency, work-life balance and knowing when to move on.Disclaimer: The story is based on a Reddit post shared by an anonymous person and shows that person’s account. The claims have not been independently verified by The Times of India. This article is designed to reflect the online discussion and issues related to the work it has produced.