Getting a job with a ₹37 lakh annual salary is a dream for many young professionals in India. But would you leave such a high-paying job after working for just six months, even without having another offer in hand? A 28-year-old IIM graduate has done exactly that, and his decision has sparked a discussion on social media. The professional reportedly resigned from his job at a technology startup after having a disappointing experience with the work and senior management. Now, with six months of savings available, he is considering taking a four-to-five-month career break before searching for another opportunity. His decision has raised an interesting question: Is mental peace more important than a high salary?
IIM Graduate Quits ₹37 LPA Job After Just Six Months
The professional shared his experience on Reddit’s r/IndiaCareers community through a post titled “37LPA – Resigned without offer, should I take a break or start looking immediately?”
37LPA – Resigned without offer, should I take a break or start looking immediately?
by
u/Fast-Text-6809 in
IndiaCareers
According to his post, the 28-year-old had joined a Series C technology startup around six months earlier. He was working in an internal strategy and business operations role after moving out of the consulting industry.
However, things reportedly did not go as expected. The employee described his experience at the startup as extremely disappointing and said he was unhappy with both the nature of his work and the company’s senior management.
Despite receiving a package of ₹37 lakh per annum, he decided that continuing in the organisation was not the right choice for him.
He has already resigned, and his last working day was approaching when he shared the post.
Why Did He Leave Such A High-Paying Job?
For many Indian professionals, leaving a ₹37 LPA job without another offer might sound like a risky decision.
However, the IIM graduate explained that salary was not his only concern. He was unhappy with the actual work and, more importantly, the way the company’s senior management operated.
Joining a new company often comes with expectations about career growth, responsibilities and workplace culture. But sometimes, the reality can be very different from what employees expect during the interview process.
This can be particularly disappointing for professionals who leave established careers to join startups.
Startups can offer exciting opportunities, faster growth and exposure to important business decisions. At the same time, they may also involve changing responsibilities, demanding schedules and management challenges.
In this case, the professional reportedly felt that the overall experience was not worth continuing, even with the attractive salary package.
He Has Six Months Of Savings To Manage Expenses
One important reason the employee could consider leaving without another offer was his financial preparation.
The IIM graduate said he had savings that could cover his expenses for approximately six months. This included rent and other regular living costs in the city where he currently lives.
Having an emergency fund can make a major difference when someone decides to take a career break.
For example, an employee earning ₹30 lakh or ₹40 lakh annually but spending most of the salary every month may find it difficult to resign without another job.
On the other hand, someone who has consistently saved money and controlled expenses may have more freedom to make career decisions.
However, six months of savings can disappear quickly when there is no regular income. Unexpected medical expenses, family responsibilities, rent and other financial commitments can make the situation more difficult.
This is why financial planning is especially important before leaving a well-paying job.
IIM Graduate Wants A Four-To-Five-Month Career Break
Instead of immediately applying for another job, the professional is considering taking a break for four to five months.
He reportedly wants to use this time to understand what kind of role would suit his interests and career goals.
Interestingly, he also indicated that he would be comfortable accepting a lower salary if he found a position that offered better work satisfaction.
His decision reflects a growing discussion among young Indian professionals about choosing meaningful work instead of focusing only on salary packages.
For years, many students have worked hard to enter prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), secure high-paying corporate jobs and build successful careers.
But after entering the professional world, some discover that a big salary does not always guarantee job satisfaction.
A good salary is important, but the quality of work, management support, learning opportunities and work-life balance also matter.
Reddit Users Warn Him About Job Market Competition
The employee’s decision attracted mixed reactions from Reddit users.
Some people advised him to start searching for another job immediately instead of waiting four or five months.
They pointed towards layoffs and increasing competition in the job market, arguing that several experienced professionals are already looking for new opportunities.
One user warned that the competition could become intense and suggested starting applications unless the employee genuinely needed a break.
Another user shared their own experience of resigning without having another offer. The person said they eventually found a new job, but the process was not easy. It reportedly involved more than 100 applications and around 10 to 11 interviews.
A fellow IIM graduate had a different opinion. The commenter encouraged him to take a break and reconsider his long-term career interests.
Another user suggested a middle path: enjoy the break while staying connected with professional networks and keeping an eye on suitable job opportunities.
The different reactions show how people have different approaches to career decisions, financial security and professional happiness.
Why High Salary Does Not Always Mean Job Satisfaction
In India, salary packages often become an important measure of professional success.
When someone receives a ₹30 lakh, ₹40 lakh or ₹50 lakh package, friends and family may consider it a major achievement.
However, the actual workplace experience can be completely different from what others imagine.
An employee might earn a high salary but struggle with unrealistic deadlines, poor management, unclear responsibilities or limited career growth.
For example, someone working in Bengaluru or Hyderabad may receive an excellent package but spend most of their time dealing with office pressure and long working hours.
Another employee earning less might enjoy a supportive manager, flexible working conditions and opportunities to develop new skills.
This does not mean salary is unimportant. Financial stability is essential, particularly for people with loans, family responsibilities and other commitments.
But career satisfaction also deserves attention when choosing a job.
Should Employees Quit Without Another Job Offer?
The IIM graduate’s situation also raises an important question for people working in India’s corporate sector.
Is it a good idea to resign without securing another offer?
There is no single answer because every employee has different financial responsibilities and career circumstances.
Before making such a decision, professionals should consider their emergency savings, monthly expenses, existing loans, family responsibilities and the current hiring situation in their industry.
It is also important to understand how long finding another suitable job might take.
If the workplace is genuinely affecting someone’s well-being, taking a break may be worth considering. However, resigning without a financial backup can create additional pressure.
One practical approach is to build an emergency fund, maintain professional contacts and continue exploring opportunities even during a career break.
A ₹37 LPA Package Was Not Enough To Keep Him Happy
The Reddit post has started an interesting conversation about the meaning of career success in modern India.
For some professionals, a high salary and a prestigious company are the biggest priorities. Others want meaningful work, supportive management and enough time to enjoy their personal lives.
The IIM graduate’s decision highlights that even people earning impressive salaries can feel unhappy with their professional situations.
Whether taking a four-to-five-month break will help him find the right opportunity remains to be seen.
However, his experience sends an important message to young professionals: choosing a career should not be only about chasing bigger salary packages. A job should also offer a healthy working environment, learning opportunities and a sense of satisfaction.
After all, earning ₹37 lakh per year may look impressive on paper, but feeling happy and valued at work matters too.