Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Tech Worker Questions MNC Switch After Toxic Workplace Experience
A software engineer changed jobs from a startup to a large bank called JPMC.
After joining, they said work became very stressful and slow.
They reported working 12 to 14 hours each day.
They also said there were many rules, emails and approvals before work could move forward.
Their manager reportedly sent late-night messages and criticized them.
The worker said they felt mentally and physically unwell.
Some people advised them to talk with their team and wait to see whether work improves.
Others said they should consider returning to their old company or finding another job.
A software engineer said they want to resign daily after leaving a startup for JPMC.
They described 12-to-14-hour workdays, bureaucracy, anxiety and repeated management changes.
The engineer said they were placed on an urgent project without sufficient guidance.
They compared the bank unfavorably with their former startup, despite its own long hours.
Social media users urged the worker to protect their health, consult colleagues and consider returning.
- Who
- A mid-level software engineer who moved from a well-known startup to JPMC.
- What
- The engineer described a toxic, bureaucratic workplace and said they were considering resigning or returning to their former company.
- When
- The account was made after 3.5 months at JPMC.
- Where
- At JPMC, described in the article as a multinational bank.
- Why
- The engineer cited long working hours, limited guidance, management changes, late-night messages, anxiety and a difficult work culture.
Workers Prioritizing Health
Those Urging Patience
Whether to resign
Workers Prioritizing Health
Some commenters said constant anxiety and 12-to-14-hour workdays were unsuitable and encouraged the engineer to consider returning or seeking another job.
Those Urging Patience
Other commenters suggested the situation could be temporary and advised discussing it with the team because work might slow down later in the year.
Startup versus multinational workplace
Workers Prioritizing Health
The engineer said the former startup felt like heaven compared with the bank, even though the startup also had long hours during major releases.
Those Urging Patience
The account also reflects the appeal of the multinational job's higher or sufficient pay, although some commenters argued that banking companies can involve strict processes and limited autonomy.
- New employer
- JPMC, described as a multinational bank
- Role
- Software engineer at the SDE2 level
- Time at new job
- 3.5 months
- Reported work hours
- 12 to 14 hours per day
- Management changes
- The engineer said their reporting changed three times during the first month
- Previous employer
- A well-known startup whose leaders reportedly invited the engineer to return
- Main dilemma
- Whether to resign, seek another opportunity or return to the former company