Disclaimer: The following social media story hasn’t been independently verified owing to the subject being anonymous for legal matters. The issue is highly concerning and shows that toxic workplaces and toxic bosses are the same across the seven seas. And you thought only your local Lala-NCR startup images engaged in unethical malpractices? Per the viral social media post on X/Twitter as shared by Nick Huber, a real estate agent with a sizable following, a 32-year-old brilliant lawyer who slogged at a prestigious law firm called it quits last year. The IVY League graduate spent 5 years at the company grinding 80 hours a week. He earned $900k, or about INR 7 crores.

The fairytale career at the law firm came to a crashing end when the young lad was assigned a case in another city by his toxic boss. The only catch? His eight-month pregnant wife. The manager callously remarked that either he missed the birth of his child or quit, which is what the lawyer did, but not before telling the boss to fudge off!

In a follow-up tweet, the OP claimed that the lawyer later went on to work for a non-profit.

I spoke to a guy last year who spent 5 years at a big prestigious law firm.

One of the top firms in the world working litigation.

He laid down 80 hour weeks for years and was making damn near $900k as a 32 year old.

He got assigned a case in another city when his wife was 8…
— Nick Huber (@sweatystartup) February 26, 2025

He went to work for a non profit
— Nick Huber (@sweatystartup) February 26, 2025

See Also: ‘Over Smartness Gai Nahi?’ Toxic Boss At Gurgaon Startup Fires Techie For Taking Chai Break And Logging Out On Time

See Also: ‘She Wants Robots’ Woman’s Viral Resignation Letter About Micromanaging Boss Goes Viral; ‘Itna Sach Nahi Likhna Tha’

See Also: Mumbai Firm’s CFO Sent Resignation Letter Written On Kid’s Notebook; The Internet Erupts In Hilarious Memes

Here’s how the netizens reacted, with most agreeing that the young lad made the right call.

I don’t see sadness here. I see a man who was given a choice, made the right/moral one, and now has the finances and resume to go do anything he wants in life. With a new child, and no longer handcuffed by work.

That’s freedom. He’s blessed.
— Mule (@_PatMullen) February 26, 2025

He made the right choice.

$900k is $432 an hour

If he’s as talented as you say he can hang out a shingle and charge $1500 an hour and make similar money and control his hours.

Doesn’t have the security of Big L – but he’ll be able to live with himself.
— The Real Estate Professor (Kevin Clark) (@Cribdilla) February 26, 2025

I would have just told them I can’t, rather than ask for an exception

Asking for exception, is asking for them to say no.
— Erat Perfect (@erat_perfect) February 26, 2025

A reminder that no matter how high you climb, some ladders are leaning against the wrong wall. The real question is: what’s worth more—working 80 hours a week for a paycheck or being there for life’s defining moments?

He made the right call, even if it cost him the ladder.
— Parth Patel (@BeingParthPatel) February 27, 2025

See Also: Amid EY Fresher’s Death, Techie Quits Job On First Day As Toxic Boss Called Work-Life Balance Western Concept

See Also: ‘Shark Tank India’s Namita Thapar Tears Into 24/7 Hustle Culture: Long Working Hours And No Family Time Is No Badge Of Honour

See Also: CEO Shares Text Of Candidate Leaving On The Joining Day; Ashneer Grover Takes A Jibe