Candidate clears interviews, then gets ghosted over one word: 'Sunday'

A recent graduate from the class of 2025, eager to begin a professional journey, was excited when a close acquaintance recommended him for a job at a startup supported by Y Combinator. Motivated by the opportunity and the backing of such a prestigious incubator, the graduate submitted his application and was soon given a task to complete. His performance impressed the recruiters, and he advanced through the initial interview with ease.

An Unexpected Demand

Following the first round, a representative from the startup reached out to schedule a second interview. During this call, it was mentioned in passing that the company followed a six-day work schedule, including weekends. The applicant, knowing that Saturday work is fairly common in the startup ecosystem, agreed without much concern. However, what followed next left him bewildered.

During the second round of interviews, things were going smoothly until the conversation reached the topic of working hours. The interviewer stated that Sunday work was also expected. Caught off guard, the candidate firmly stated he wouldn’t be able to commit to working on Sundays. This came as a shock to the interviewer, who referred to the earlier conversation in which the candidate had supposedly agreed to weekend work. The graduate clarified that he had agreed to work on Saturdays, but Sundays were off-limits for him.

No Closure, No Offer

The interviewer responded vaguely, saying they would follow up soon. But days passed with no updates or communication from the company. The opportunity, which initially looked promising, silently disappeared.

Reactions From The Online Community

This experience, once posted on the Indian Startup subreddit, quickly drew widespread attention. Several members criticized the startup for exploiting employees under the guise of being fast-paced and high-growth. One user pointed out how many new ventures take pride in their Y Combinator affiliation but fall short when it comes to respecting basic employee rights.

Others reminded the original poster that India’s ' Shops and Establishments Act' requires at least one mandatory day off per week, generally Sunday, provided the worker is officially hired full-time. Many users also highlighted how tech companies often push for extended work hours unofficially, framing it as part of a so-called startup "grind" or “hustle culture.” Due to intense job market competition, employees often hesitate to speak out against such practices, fearing professional setbacks or termination.

A Cautionary Tale for Job Seekers

This incident serves as a warning for fresh graduates and job seekers: enthusiasm must be balanced with clarity about boundaries. Respecting work-life balance is not a luxury—it is a necessity.