'Settle for less': Employee recalls bitter experience with Indian boss abroad

Time of India

3 days ago

A Pattern of Toxic Leadership
Interviews That Left a Mark
Experiences in Healthcare
Broader Complaints and Systemic Issues
A discussion thread on Reddit titled 'Horrible experiences with Indian managers in the US' recently gained traction for highlighting workplace struggles faced by employees under such leadership. The post, shared on the popular Ask NRI community, recounted incidents that left many employees feeling disrespected, undervalued, and drained.One employee described their disappointment after asking their manager for a salary increase. Instead of considering job performance or budget constraints, the manager dismissed the request by comparing it to his own struggles years ago. He told the employee they should be satisfied with their current pay because he had once earned less at the same age. Rather than showing empathy or professional reasoning, the response reflected bitterness and insecurity. For the employee, this interaction became symbolic of the discouraging attitude some managers carry into the workplace.The thread revealed that this was not an isolated event. Many contributors recalled similar dismissive and unprofessional behavior. Instead of guiding employees or motivating them to excel, some managers reportedly resorted to belittling tactics that only discouraged their teams. The overarching feeling was that instead of fostering growth, these managers seemed intent on pulling others down, often out of resentment or personal insecurity.The original poster noted that these experiences were emotionally exhausting. Employees walked away not only feeling undervalued but also carrying the stress of navigating an unhealthy workplace culture. This sense of disillusionment resonated with many readers who had endured similar challenges.Other users chimed in with stories of interviews and work interactions that showcased the same pattern of condescension. One person shared how an interviewer dismissed their answer in the harshest way, calling it the worst response he had ever heard. The interviewer even told them to rethink the answer while he waited. Standing firm, the candidate refused to provide a false response, which led to a surprising twist—the job was offered anyway. However, the candidate declined, unwilling to work under such a disrespectful person. Despite the rejection, the manager continued to call afterward, further proving his unprofessional conduct.Another contributor recalled their time in healthcare under the supervision of an Indian manager. After working for him for six months, the manager casually mentioned that the employee was not his first choice, though he had offered the job because they seemed friendly. The story grew worse when a male colleague verbally berated the employee in front of patients, and the manager failed to intervene. Instead, he insisted the employee tell patients the two were close friends simply having a bad day, dismissing the seriousness of the situation. For the employee, this moment crystallized just how unsafe and unsupported they felt in their work environment.Commenters also mentioned a recurring trend of older employees being told to 'perform at a senior level' while being compensated at a much lower grade. The managers, instead of offering constructive feedback or career support, created a cycle of exploitation where employees were expected to take on heavy responsibilities with minimal rewards.Some users went even further, criticizing the immigration system that allowed such individuals to secure opportunities abroad. One remark pointed out that certain managers had moved to the US by claiming there were no local workers available for their roles, raising concerns about integrity in the process.