Viral post reveals why ex-Microsoft worker quit new job in just 20 days

A brief stint at a new workplace has become the subject of online debate after a woman shared why her colleague, a former Microsoft employee, resigned just 20 days after joining.

A user named Manisha posted on X (formerly Twitter) that her new teammate from Singapore quit within three weeks, describing the work as “too chill” to help him grow.

In her viral post, Manisha wrote: “A guy from Singapore joined my team. Ex-Microsoft. Resigned in 20 days. When I asked why, he said: ‘The work is too chill. If I stay, I’ll stop growing. At 45, I’d enjoy this. But right now, I need the grind.’ Me: sitting here, chilling for the last 2 years.”

The post drew widespread attention, with many weighing in on the idea of balancing career ambition with workplace comfort.

One user said this attitude explains development gaps between nations, commenting: “That's why they are more developed”. Another supported the ex-Microsoft employee’s choice, writing: “He did it right. If you genuinely want to grow, you must be grinding. Sitting in a company without any real work or growth opportunities is enjoyable, but it’s also ruining your career.”

Others warned that being too comfortable could mean stagnation. A commenter observed: “If your works feels like chill, you are in the wrong company”. Another wrote, “And bhai, you aren’t chilling man. You’re contributing for sure. It’s just that the learning curve has come in and you know how to do it efficiently. Never undersell yourself”

Not everyone agreed. Some pointed out cultural differences, with one user noting: “This is interesting because in my desi family, everyone always talks about having a ‘good enough’ job that doesn’t require a lot of work,” a user said.

Others felt the employee’s mindset was flawed. A user advised: “Stay away from guys like em, they think working hard could make them irreplaceable, but they’re indeed replaceable, just like everyone else. Learn the art of balancing work & life, when your work is relaxing, take a chill pill, when it requires your 100%, give it 200%”.

Another was blunter, writing: “That Singapore guy is an idiot. What if he doesn't live till 45 to later 'enjoy the chill' but instead passes away during his 'grind'? You are better chilling now. You won't regret losing out on the chill when your time comes.”