Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Founder Fires Employee on Day 2
A founder in Delhi fired a new employee on the second day of work because the employee left an important event without telling anyone and didn't seem interested in participating.
The founder believed that ownership and intent are important qualities that show up early, and technical skills can be taught later.
Some people online agreed with the founder's decision, saying it shows tough leadership, while others thought it was too harsh and that the employee should have been given more time to adjust.
A Delhi-based founder, Varun Gupta, fired a new employee on the second day of work.
The employee left a major internal event without informing anyone and showed a lack of interest in participating.
Gupta believed that ownership and intent are crucial and can be judged early.
HR advised Gupta to wait before firing, but he decided to act immediately.
Online reactions were divided, with some supporting the decision and others criticizing it as poor leadership.
- Who
- Varun Gupta, a Delhi-based founder, and a newly hired employee
- What
- The founder fired the employee on the second day of work due to lack of ownership and communication
- When
- The incident occurred on the second day of the employee's appointment
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- The employee left a major internal event without informing anyone and showed a lack of interest in participating
Supporters of the Decision
Critics of the Decision
Leadership and Responsibility
Supporters of the Decision
The founder's decision reflects a tough approach to responsibility and ownership, setting a clear expectation for new employees.
Critics of the Decision
Firing an employee on the second day without giving them a fair opportunity to learn and improve is poor leadership.
Judging Intent vs. Adaptability
Supporters of the Decision
Intent and ownership are crucial and can be judged early, as technical skills can be taught but intent reveals itself quickly.
Critics of the Decision
New hires should be given time to adapt and learn, as immediate judgment may not account for nervousness or being new.
- Founder's Name
- Varun Gupta
- Employee's Action
- Left the event without informing anyone
- HR Advice
- Advised to wait before firing
- Team's Reaction
- Thought the founder was being too harsh
- Key Issue
- Ownership and communication from day one
