Reddit User's ₹5,000 Mistake Costs High-Paying Job, Triggers Financial Downward Spiral
A candid confession on Reddit by a user named Tasty_Measurement929 has resonated widely online, detailing how a seemingly minor error of ₹5,000 resulted in the loss of a lucrative career and plunged them into a severe financial crisis.
The Costly Error and Immediate Fallout
In a post shared on the r/Indianworkforce subreddit, the individual revealed they are an MBA graduate from a reputable institute. They had secured their dream role at a prominent FMCG company, where they worked for two years with a monthly salary of ₹1.5 lakh. However, their career took a dramatic turn when they were terminated for faking reimbursement claims amounting to just ₹5,000.
The user wrote, "I am an MBA grad from a good institute. I had my dream job and role at a good FMCG for 2 years. But things went downhill because I messed up at work and was terminated. It happened because I faked reimbursements. I lost everything for a mere 5000 rs. My greed cost me everything."
Following the dismissal, the user briefly joined a startup but was laid off within 15 days due to downsizing, exacerbating their financial and emotional distress. They described grappling with intense feelings of shame, stress, and uncertainty, starkly contrasting their previous stable income.
From earning ₹1.5 lakh per month, I went to 0, the post lamented, highlighting the rapid erosion of financial security.
Long-Term Consequences and Ongoing Struggles
Nearly a year after the incident, the user accepted a new position with a monthly salary of ₹50,000, representing a staggering 65% pay cut. This reduced income barely covers their PG rent and education loan EMIs, with fears of default looming within six months if the situation does not improve.
The post delves deeper into the psychological toll, addressing reputational damage and mental health strain caused by professional misconduct. The user expressed, "It is not hard work I am running from, but the uncertainty that working in a startup brings. What if the startup fails and I am let go again? I have messed up and really need help on what I can do to reduce my stress... I have messed up badly and I own my mistake. But is there really no way out?"
This narrative underscores how quickly financial stability can unravel, even for individuals who previously saved and built financial buffers, serving as a cautionary tale about ethical lapses in the workplace.
Social Media Reactions and Advice
The Reddit thread attracted a diverse range of responses from users, blending tough love with supportive guidance.
Many emphasized accountability, stating that professional integrity is non-negotiable and that facing consequences is essential for rebuilding trust. Others encouraged the poster to focus on consistent performance in their current role, gradually rebuild credibility, and avoid making panic-driven decisions.
One user commented, "OP, you’ve owned your mistake honestly, and that already says a lot about your character. It’s actually very rare to see people truly own up to their mistakes in the corporate world... One bad call doesn’t cancel your entire career or who you are as a person. Right now, the focus should just be survival and stability... maybe look for safer, more stable roles in established organisations... This is just a bad phase, but it won’t last forever. Stay strong."
Another advised, "Start interviewing for better roles while you are working in the startup. This way you will be prepared for any eventuality. If you get a new offer take it."
A third user offered perspective, writing, "OP, people who are scamming crores and hundreds of crores are sleeping peacefully in this country. Everyone makes mistakes, how they learn from it is the difference. You are a good person. You have a job now, focus on it, forget the past. Develop new skills, build networks, treat this as a speed bump, not as a wall. With work, skills, and a bit of luck you will be back where you want to be."
A fourth suggested practical steps, "My friends have faked receipts, but I never did. I hope you find some solution OP. But OP I'll suggest that you talk to the bank and request them to increase the tenure if possible, it would reduce the EMI burden. Meanwhile I would say apply aggressively at other firms for a better job, why don't you ask for referrals from your college alumni?"
This viral discussion highlights broader themes of ethics, resilience, and the long road to recovery after professional setbacks, resonating with many in the workforce facing similar challenges.
