Not a Resignation, a Rescue: Bengaluru Engineer Leaves High-Paying Tech Job to Protect Mental Health
Not a Resignation, a Rescue: Bengaluru Engineer Leaves High-Paying Tech Job to Protect Mental Health
Bengaluru, June 3, 2025 — A young software engineer’s emotional resignation has gone viral, igniting a larger conversation around mental health, toxic management, and the human cost of poor leadership in the tech industry.
The incident came to light through a heartfelt LinkedIn post by Shravan Tickoo, founder of an AI startup in Bengaluru. Tickoo shared the story of an employee who, despite having no issues with performance, decided to leave his role due to the emotional distress caused by a toxic workplace environment.
“I cried on a G-Meet because I asked for clarity on a project. That’s how bad it got,” the engineer confided in Tickoo. This wasn’t an isolated moment but part of a recurring pattern where questions were met with humiliation instead of guidance.
According to Tickoo, the techie was offered no onboarding, no mentorship, and no direction—just pressure to “figure things out.” Mistakes were publicly criticized rather than corrected constructively, leading to a culture where employees feared being shamed more than failing.
The toxic behavior extended up the chain of command. The employee’s manager was described as someone who made unreasonably timed calls, dismissed genuine concerns, and consistently deflected blame. When the engineer finally resigned, he hoped for a professional farewell but was met instead with a cold parting shot:
“Good luck finding another job. Let’s see how long you last there.”
Tickoo’s post struck a nerve. Within hours, it garnered widespread attention and comments from professionals across industries who resonated with the experience.
“People don’t leave companies. They leave environments where their dignity is no longer safe,” Tickoo wrote—a line that has now become symbolic of a deeper problem plaguing modern workplaces.
Many commenters echoed similar experiences. Some called it a wake-up call for leaders to prioritize empathy and structure, while others mourned the fading reality of the so-called “dream job.”
“Toxic managers don’t just affect output—they destroy confidence,” wrote one user. Another added, “We must keep searching until we find a place that respects us.”
The story reflects a broader issue in today’s corporate landscape—where the absence of proper mentorship and the presence of hostile leadership can erode even the most passionate professionals. While the startup world often glamorizes self-reliance and fast-paced growth, stories like this serve as reminders that mental well-being should never be sacrificed for ambition.
As conversations around workplace wellness and leadership accountability continue to grow, this Bengaluru engineer’s tearful exit stands as a powerful reminder: respectful environments don’t just retain talent—they protect it.
