Indian startup founder posts ₹1-lakh internship with 11am-11pm work schedule, criticised
In a recent job posting that has sparked outrage on social media, Aditya Thakur, the US-based Co-founder of Dodge AI, announced an internship opportunity in Bengaluru with a stipend of ₹1 lakh. The internship, which requires applicants to be pre-final or final-year students, comes with a demanding work schedule that has raised eyebrows among many. The selected candidate is expected to work on-site from 11am to 11pm, six days a week, which has led to widespread criticism from users on social media.
The job posting, which was shared on a popular platform, initially seemed attractive due to the generous stipend and the opportunity to work with a renowned startup. However, as users scrolled down to read the details, they were shocked to discover the grueling work schedule that was being demanded. “Perks look great until someone reads the 11am-11pm,” a user replied, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Another user sarcastically commented, “You should definitely ‘Dodge AI’ it,” implying that the company’s demands were unreasonable and exploitative.
The criticism is not unwarranted, considering the long hours and intense pressure that the intern would be subjected to. Working from 11am to 11pm, six days a week, would leave the individual with little to no personal time, leading to burnout and exhaustion. Moreover, the fact that the internship requires the candidate to work on-site, rather than remotely, adds to the physical and mental strain. It is no secret that the startup culture is often demanding, but this particular job posting takes it to a whole new level.
The issue here is not just about the work schedule, but also about the lack of regard for the intern’s well-being and work-life balance. In an era where companies are increasingly emphasizing the importance of employee mental health and self-care, it is surprising to see a startup like Dodge AI prioritizing work over the well-being of its interns. The fact that the company is willing to pay a stipend of ₹1 lakh, which is a relatively generous amount, does not justify the exploitative work schedule.
Furthermore, this incident raises questions about the broader culture of startups and the way they treat their interns. While it is true that startups often require their employees to work long hours, it is essential to strike a balance between work and personal life. The startup ecosystem in India, in particular, is known for its cutthroat competition and demanding work culture, which can take a toll on the mental and physical health of employees.
In recent years, there have been numerous reports of startup founders and employees burning out due to the intense pressure to perform. The lack of work-life balance, combined with the constant stress of meeting deadlines and delivering results, can lead to severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems. It is, therefore, essential for startups to prioritize the well-being of their employees and interns, rather than exploiting them for the sake of growth and profit.
In conclusion, the job posting by Aditya Thakur, the Co-founder of Dodge AI, has sparked a necessary conversation about the work culture in startups and the treatment of interns. While the stipend of ₹1 lakh may seem attractive, the demanding work schedule and lack of regard for the intern’s well-being are unacceptable. It is essential for startups to prioritize the well-being of their employees and interns, rather than exploiting them for the sake of growth and profit. As the startup ecosystem in India continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between work and personal life, ensuring that employees and interns are treated with dignity and respect.
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