New Hire Terminated After Three Days for Adhering to Agreed Work Schedule
Starting a new job often brings a wave of relief and excitement, especially after a prolonged job search. However, for one individual, this fresh beginning turned into a shocking dismissal within just three days at a private equity firm. The reason? He strictly followed the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work hours that were explicitly promised during the hiring process.
From Job Offer to Sudden Termination: A Timeline of Events
The Reddit user, who had been unemployed since mid-December, used the holiday season to recharge with family before receiving what seemed like a promising job offer. Despite awareness of private equity's reputation for long hours and high pressure, the attractive compensation led him to accept the role. Interviews clearly outlined a strict 8-5 schedule, and the night before his first day, he received a casual text requesting a 9 a.m. start, which he accommodated without issue.
On Day 1, he left promptly at 5 p.m., while colleagues hesitated, exchanging awkward glances. Day 2 saw him arrive early at 7:30 a.m., complete tasks efficiently, identify past errors, and ask insightful questions, earning praise from supervisors. However, at 5 p.m., a consultant informed him that month-end closing required staying until work was finished. He reminded them of the agreed hours, cited external commitments, and offered to start earlier instead.
By Day 3, he extended his stay until 6 p.m., but the next morning, he was abruptly fired with the explanation "not a good fit," despite no performance issues. In his Reddit post, he expressed frustration, stating, "I'm completely fed up with companies having this kind of control. I know what I'm capable of. I'm. Just. Tired."
A Pattern of Workplace Frustration and Broader Cultural Issues
This incident was not an isolated case for the individual. Months earlier, he was let go from a family business after three months for providing honest feedback during a performance review, despite the company's claims of valuing innovation. He noted, "They wanted fresh ideas but couldn't handle them," highlighting a recurring theme of mismatched expectations in the workplace.
The Reddit post ignited widespread discussion, with thousands of users relating to the experience. Comments criticized the expectation of unpaid overtime, deceptive hiring practices, and the demanding nature of private equity. Many pointed to U.S. "at-will" employment laws, which allow termination for any or no reason, as a factor contributing to such scenarios. One user remarked, "Salaried exempt = modern slavery," underscoring concerns about work-life balance and employee rights.
Debating Fairness and Implications for Work Culture
The incident raises critical questions about fairness in employment practices. Was it justified to fire a new employee so quickly for adhering to agreed-upon terms, or should the company have considered his perspective and offered more flexibility? This case reflects broader issues in corporate culture, where burnout is common and employees often feel pressured to exceed contractual hours without additional compensation.
As debates continue on platforms like Reddit, this story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many face in navigating modern work environments, where clear communication and mutual respect are essential for sustainable employment relationships.
