A young product intern’s emotional Reddit post about working 12–16-hour days without receiving a full-time offer has struck a chord with thousands of students, fresh graduates and professionals. The post has reignited conversations around startup work culture, unpaid emotional labour, and whether staying in the hope of a permanent job is always worth it.For many engineering graduates, landing an internship at a promising startup feels like the first step towards building a successful career. The expectation is simple: work hard, learn quickly and eventually secure a full-time role.But for one 25-year-old graduate, that promise has remained just out of reach.In a now-viral Reddit post, the young professional revealed how a six-month internship turned into a 10-month wait for a permanent position, despite long working hours, repeated assurances and constant pressure to “work harder.”The story has resonated widely across social media, with many calling it an example of how young professionals can sometimes be trapped in unhealthy workplace environments.
A six-month internship became a 10-month wait
The intern, who graduated in 2024, joined the product team of a startup on a six-month internship that was expected to conclude in April 2026.However, around the time the internship was ending, the company reportedly went through layoffs.Instead of offering a permanent role, the internship was extended by three months. According to the post, the intern was assured that a full-time conversion would happen during this period.But three months later, there was still no confirmation.Instead, the internship was extended once again.Whenever the intern asked about becoming a full-time employee, the response reportedly remained the same: “Work harder,” “take more ownership,” and “achieve outcomes.”The uncertainty gradually turned into frustration.
Working until midnight… and sometimes until 6 AM
What attracted the most attention was the description of the work schedule.According to the Reddit post, work typically began around 10 or 11 in the morning. On office days, it often continued until 9 PM.Work-from-home days, however, reportedly had no fixed ending.“There have been days when I’ve worked until 6 AM,” the intern wrote.The post further claimed that employees were expected to continue working after dinner, while weekends were rarely free because senior leaders frequently sent messages asking for updates.The intern also shared that regular gym sessions had disappeared from daily life, sleep had become irregular, and physical as well as mental exhaustion had started taking a toll.
The fear of walking away
More than the long working hours, it was one question that seemed to trouble the young professional the most.“I’ve already spent 10 months here. If I leave without getting converted to full-time, were those 10 months a waste?”For many fresh graduates, this fear feels familiar.After investing months in one organisation, leaving without securing a permanent role can feel like starting over. The concern becomes even greater when classmates appear to have already settled into stable careers.The intern admitted that this anxiety had created “very dark moments” and left them feeling trapped between continuing and moving on.
Reddit users offer practical advice
The post quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with many professionals sharing similar experiences.A common suggestion was to start applying for permanent roles elsewhere immediately, while continuing the internship until another offer was secured.Several users believed the company might be using interns as low-cost labour rather than seriously considering permanent hiring.Others advised completing one year at the company before leaving, as a longer internship may appear stronger on a résumé.Some also recommended asking the employer for a written timeline regarding conversion and formal performance feedback, forcing the organisation to make a clear decision instead of repeatedly extending the internship.
What students and fresh graduates can learn
While every workplace is different, career experts often suggest that internships should primarily focus on learning, mentorship and skill development.If responsibilities continue to increase but clarity around career progression does not, it may be time to evaluate whether the experience is helping long-term professional growth.Equally important is recognising that burnout is not a measure of productivity. Long working hours do not automatically translate into better career outcomes, especially if there is no transparent path to full-time employment.For students entering the job market, the story serves as a reminder to ask important questions before accepting internship extensions:• Is there a clear timeline for conversion?• What performance expectations must be met?• Is there written communication about the company’s hiring plans?• Are the work hours sustainable?As India’s startup ecosystem continues to create exciting opportunities for young professionals, the discussion sparked by this Reddit post highlights another important lesson: ambition is valuable, but so are transparency, work-life balance and knowing when it’s time to move forward.Disclaimer: This article is based on a Reddit post shared by an anonymous user and reflects the individual’s personal account. The claims have not been independently verified by The Times of India. The article is intended to present an online discussion and the broader career-related issues it has generated.
