A young product intern’s emotional Reddit post about working 12-16 hour days without receiving a full-time offer has struck a chord with thousands of students, new grads, and professionals. The post has reignited conversations about startup culture, unpaid emotional labor, and whether hanging on to the hope of a permanent job is always worth it.For many engineering graduates, an internship at an up-and-coming startup feels like the first step to building a successful career. The expectation is simple: work hard, learn quickly, and eventually land a full-time position.But for a 25-year-old graduate, that promise has fallen out of reach.In a now-viral Reddit post, the young professional revealed how a six-month internship turned into a 10-month wait for a permanent position, despite long hours, repeated assurances and constant pressure to “work harder.”The story has resonated widely on social media, with many calling it an example of how young professionals can sometimes get caught up in unhealthy work environments.
A six-month internship turned into a 10-month wait
The intern, who graduated in 2024, joined a startup’s product team on a six-month internship expected to conclude in April 2026.However, when the internship ended, the company suffered layoffs.Instead of offering a permanent position, the internship was extended by three months. According to the publication, the intern was assured that a full-time conversion would occur during that period.But three months later, there was still no confirmation.Instead, practices expanded once more.Whenever the intern asked about becoming a full-time employee, the answer was the same: “Work harder,” “take more ownership,” and “get results.”Uncertainty gradually turned into frustration.
Working until midnight…and sometimes until 6am
What caught the most attention was the description of the working hours.According to the Reddit post, work usually starts around 10 or 11 am. On office days, it often continued until 9 pm.However, work-from-home days did not have a fixed end.“There have been days I’ve worked until 6am,” the intern wrote.In addition, the publication stated that employees were expected to continue working after dinner, while weekends were rarely free because senior leaders often sent messages asking for updates.The intern also shared that regular gym sessions had disappeared from daily life, sleep had become irregular and physical and mental exhaustion had begun to take its toll.
The fear of leaving
More than the long working days, it was one of the questions that seemed to worry the young professional the most.“I’ve already spent 10 months here. If I leave without becoming full-time, were those 10 months a waste?”For many recent graduates, this fear is familiar.After investing months in an organization, leaving without securing a permanent role can feel like starting over. The concern becomes even greater when peers seem to have already settled into a stable career.The intern admitted that this anxiety had created “very dark moments” and left them feeling caught between carrying on and moving on.
Reddit users offer practical advice
The post quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with many professionals sharing similar experiences.A common suggestion was to start applying for permanent positions elsewhere immediately, while continuing the internship until another offer was made.Several users believed the company might be using interns as cheap labor rather than seriously considering permanent hiring.Others advised completing a year at the company before leaving, as a longer internship can look stronger on a resume.Some also recommended asking the employer for a written timeline on the conversion and formal performance feedback, forcing the organization to make a clear decision rather than repeatedly stretching practices.
What students and recent graduates can learn
While every job is different, career experts often suggest that internships should focus primarily on learning, mentoring, and skill development.If responsibilities continue to increase, but clarity about career progression does not, it may be time to evaluate whether the experience is helping long-term career growth.Equally important is recognizing that burnout is not a measure of productivity. Working long hours does not automatically translate into better career outcomes, especially if there is no transparent path to full-time employment.For students entering the workforce, the story serves as a reminder to ask important questions before accepting internship extensions:• Is there a clear timetable for the conversion?• What performance expectations must be met?• Is there written communication about the company’s hiring plans?• Are the working hours sustainable?As India’s startup ecosystem continues to create exciting opportunities for young professionals, the discussion this Reddit post has sparked highlights another important lesson: ambition is valuable, but so is transparency, work-life balance, and knowing when it’s time to move on.Disclaimer: This article is based on a Reddit post shared by an anonymous user and reflects the individual’s personal account. Claims have not been independently verified by The Times of India. The article aims to present an online discussion and the wider career-related issues it has generated.