A UK-based project manager recently took to Reddit to share his disappointment over a lack of empathy from his employer during a family crisis, shedding light on challenges faced in modern work culture.
The project manager, who works for a small service-based company, described how his dedication to his role included product development and handling HR-related tasks like finding office spaces and organizing team-building events. His efforts earned him recognition, including an opportunity to pitch at an international conference.
However, when his mother was hospitalized, his request for flexible working hours was met with an unsupportive response. Instead of accommodations, he was called in for a “performance review” where unrelated past issues were brought up. He speculated that the company was attempting to “cut costs by removing its highest-paid employee.”
The manager shared his dismay at the “Awesome” reputation he attributed to Indian managers, noting that he had already considered looking for new opportunities. In response to the company’s actions, he has now begun applying for jobs elsewhere, viewing this experience as a turning point.
The post quickly gained traction on Reddit, sparking a range of reactions. Supportive comments included encouragement to move on, with one user noting, “When one door closes, another opens.” However, some criticized the generalization about Indian managers, with one Redditor remarking, “Stereotyping is unacceptable; I’ve had great managers, both Indian and otherwise.”
The post highlights ongoing discussions around workplace empathy and management practices in today’s fast-paced corporate environment.
