Rs 9 salary hike leaves employee frustrated after 2 years of hard work. 'I have been working like a slave'
In a time when many young professionals are hoping for steady growth and better pay after entering the workforce, stories of stagnant salaries and rising frustration are not uncommon. One such case has now come to light through a Reddit post, where a Delhi NCR-based employee shared how a minimal salary hike over two years has left him feeling stuck and exhausted.

According to the Reddit post, the employee joined a well-known MNC in May 2024 as an intern for six months and was later taken on as a full-time software engineer. The initial package offered was Rs 4.25 lakh per annum, though the in-hand salary was significantly lower than expected.
Even after completing two years at the company, the employee said his financial condition has barely improved. In the first year, the hike mentioned in his compensation letter was just Rs 9. The following year, he claimed, there was no increment at all.
“I have been working on the same salary for 2 years,” the Reddit user wrote, pointing out the lack of financial growth despite continuing in the role.
Bond, notice period and limited options
The employee also highlighted contractual obligations that have made it difficult to leave the job. As per the post, he is bound to serve for two years or pay Rs 1.5 lakh as a penalty. In addition, there is a six-month notice period, which further complicates switching jobs.
He explained that he accepted the offer because he had limited choices at the time, given the weak job market and the fact that he had just graduated.
“I had to join this company cause I had no other options left,” he wrote.
Work pressure and added expenses
The Reddit user described a demanding work routine that includes both office presence and client-side visits for compliance work. However, he claimed that none of the travel expenses are reimbursed.
He also mentioned deductions for shuttle services when visiting the main campus, which adds to his financial burden over time.
“I have been working like a slave going both office and visiting the client side for compliance,” the user said.
Feeling stuck and underpaid
The employee said he feels trapped in his current situation. He claimed his performance rating was affected after he tried to get released from his project, which he believes has impacted his career growth.
Despite dissatisfaction, he continues to work diligently, saying he cannot compromise on the quality of his work. Weekend duties are also part of his routine, although compensatory offs are provided.
Still, the overall sentiment remains one of frustration. “I feel like I am stuck in a hole everyone's taking benefit of,” the user wrote, adding that he is unable to save money and are “living life on compromise.”
The post ends with a clear expression of distress and a desire to leave. “I really wanna get out of this,” he said.
According to the Reddit post, the employee joined a well-known MNC in May 2024 as an intern for six months and was later taken on as a full-time software engineer. The initial package offered was Rs 4.25 lakh per annum, though the in-hand salary was significantly lower than expected.
Even after completing two years at the company, the employee said his financial condition has barely improved. In the first year, the hike mentioned in his compensation letter was just Rs 9. The following year, he claimed, there was no increment at all.
“I have been working on the same salary for 2 years,” the Reddit user wrote, pointing out the lack of financial growth despite continuing in the role.
Bond, notice period and limited options
The employee also highlighted contractual obligations that have made it difficult to leave the job. As per the post, he is bound to serve for two years or pay Rs 1.5 lakh as a penalty. In addition, there is a six-month notice period, which further complicates switching jobs.
He explained that he accepted the offer because he had limited choices at the time, given the weak job market and the fact that he had just graduated.
“I had to join this company cause I had no other options left,” he wrote.
Work pressure and added expenses
The Reddit user described a demanding work routine that includes both office presence and client-side visits for compliance work. However, he claimed that none of the travel expenses are reimbursed.
He also mentioned deductions for shuttle services when visiting the main campus, which adds to his financial burden over time.
“I have been working like a slave going both office and visiting the client side for compliance,” the user said.
Feeling stuck and underpaid
The employee said he feels trapped in his current situation. He claimed his performance rating was affected after he tried to get released from his project, which he believes has impacted his career growth.
Despite dissatisfaction, he continues to work diligently, saying he cannot compromise on the quality of his work. Weekend duties are also part of his routine, although compensatory offs are provided.
Still, the overall sentiment remains one of frustration. “I feel like I am stuck in a hole everyone's taking benefit of,” the user wrote, adding that he is unable to save money and are “living life on compromise.”
The post ends with a clear expression of distress and a desire to leave. “I really wanna get out of this,” he said.
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