Paid at 10, Quit at 10:05 – HR Post on Employee Resigning Minutes After First Salary Goes Viral, Trigger Debate on Workplace Ethics
Paid at 10, Quit at 10:05 – HR Post on Employee Resigning Minutes After First Salary Goes Viral, Trigger Debate on Workplace Ethics
A LinkedIn post by HR professional Priyavarshini M has gone viral after she shared an unusual workplace incident: an employee resigned just five minutes after receiving their first salary.
According to her, the employee’s salary was credited at 10:00 am, and by 10:05 am, their resignation email had landed in her inbox. The resignation came only a month after the person joined, prompting her to question the ethics behind such a move. She wrote, “If you never intended to stay, why take the job? Why go through the process? Why stay silent during onboarding or training?”
Priyavarshini called the act a sign of “lack of intent, maturity, and accountability” and said it sends the wrong message to employers and colleagues.
The post has received over 2,000 reactions and more than 600 comments, turning into a debate on workplace ethics. While some supported her view, others criticised her for discussing the matter publicly, calling it unprofessional for an HR representative.
Several users defended the employee, citing reasons such as unmet expectations, poor workplace culture, or a mismatch in job roles, often realised only after joining. Many pointed out that just as employees can leave without notice, companies also carry out sudden layoffs, making trust and transparency essential on both sides.
From loyalty to job market realities, the discussion highlighted the fine balance between employer expectations and employee well-being.
