'Laid off from job because...'; Techie’s layoff claim rekindles debate on after-hours work expectations

What happens when you don’t reply to a work message during your holiday? For one software developer, it allegedly ended in a sudden layoff. A Reddit post by a 29-year-old techie claiming he was fired for missing his manager’s message during the Christmas–New Year break has sparked a heated online debate on workplace boundaries and employee rights.

In his post titled “Laid off from Software Job just bcz I didn’t responded to manager’s message during holiday,” the techie said the termination came without prior warning or a performance improvement plan. He alleged that his manager took offence after he failed to respond to a message while travelling in a remote, high-altitude area with poor network connectivity during the holidays.

The developer wrote that his phone had no signal for several days, but the management assumed he had intentionally switched it off. Calling it a case of “fragile ego,” he said the layoff was not linked to performance and that he fears his documents may not even be released.

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Struggling in a Tough Job Market

The techie, who works as a frontend developer, said he currently has no backup source of income. He added that he has updated his job portals and is actively applying for roles, though the market feels “brutal,” with employers demanding broader skill sets amid rising AI competition. He appealed to Reddit users for practical advice rather than motivational messages.

Strong Reactions from Users

The post prompted strong responses, with some users advising him to approach the labour commissioner. Others shared similar experiences, blaming workplace culture and managerial ego. Several commenters suggested the termination may have been premeditated, with the missed message serving as a convenient excuse.

A Larger Workplace Conversation

While the claims remain unverified, the incident has reignited debate over after-hours expectations and employee rights in India’s tech sector.

Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. OTV has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.