Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Employee Quits via WhatsApp After Leave Denial, Sparks Work-Life Debate
Imagine you just started a new job in a company far away, and you've only been there for a month.
You're not feeling well because of the stress from your new job.
You ask your boss if you can take some time off to feel better.
Your boss says no, because you are new and they think they've already been nice by letting you have some days off for a holiday before.
You feel this isn't fair because those holiday days were special, and you need time for your health.
You get upset and send a message saying you quit!
Your boss then tries to say it was a misunderstanding and wants you to stay, and you both talk about how to communicate better.
You wanted to show your boss that you can't be treated badly and can leave if needed.
Other people online shared similar stories about tough bosses.
An Indian employee working for a US-based startup resigned via WhatsApp after their manager denied a leave request.
The employee stated they had only received two days off previously, which were national holidays, not 'accommodating' leave.
The manager cited the employee's recent hiring (one month) and prior 'accommodating' time off for Diwali as reasons for denial.
Following the resignation, the manager attempted to resolve the situation amicably, attributing the issue to miscommunication.
The employee shared the conversation on Reddit, sparking debate on work-life balance and toxic work environments, with many users sharing advice and experiences.
- Who
- An Indian employee working remotely for a US-based startup and their manager.
- What
- The employee resigned via WhatsApp after their leave request was denied by their manager. The situation sparked a debate on work-life balance and workplace toxicity, with the employee and manager later attempting to resolve the issue.
- When
- Recently, after the employee had been with the company for one month.
- Where
- The employee is in India, working for a US-based startup.
- Why
- The employee resigned due to the denial of a leave request and perceived toxic work environment, despite the manager's attempts to smooth things over and improve communication.
Employee's Perspective
Manager's Perspective
Leave Request
Employee's Perspective
Denied leave request due to recent hiring (1 month) and previously 'accommodating' time off.
Manager's Perspective
Denied leave request because the employee was recently hired (1 month) and the prior time off was for Diwali, which was communicated in advance.
Employee's Prior Time Off
Employee's Perspective
Stated that the only time off received was two days for national holidays, which were not 'accommodating'.
Manager's Perspective
Felt the previous time off for Diwali was 'accommodating'.
Reason for Resignation
Employee's Perspective
Resigned immediately via WhatsApp due to perceived toxic management and denial of leave.
Manager's Perspective
Sought to resolve the situation amicably after the resignation, citing miscommunication and suggesting more frequent calls.
- Employee's Tenure
- 1 month
- Employee's Location
- India
- Employer's Location
- US-based startup
- Resignation Method
- Reason for Leave Denial (Manager's View)
- Employee recently hired, previous time off was accommodating.
- Employee's Stated Prior Time Off
- Two days for national holidays
- Manager's Post-Resignation Action
- Attempted to resolve amicably, cited miscommunication, suggested more frequent calls.
