The Dark Side of Startup Life in Hyderabad (My Honest Experience)

Source: Dev.to

Background

When I joined a startup in Hyderabad, I was excited about the new technology, fast growth, and the “we’re a family” vibe.

Salary Issues

Within a few months, salaries started getting delayed:

• First month: delayed
• Second month: delayed again
• Then 3–4 months with no salary at all

Each time we asked, the response was the same: Rent doesn’t wait. EMIs doesn’t wait. Life doesn’t wait.

HR and Policies

• No proper HR system
• No clarity on policies
• Documents arrived late or not at all
• Everything was verbal until something went wrong, after which it was suddenly referred to as “company policy,” which no one had ever seen

Asking questions felt like a crime.

Work Hours and Mental Health

Work hours were undefined, and the lack of structure took a mental toll. Doubt, feeling stuck, and fear of speaking up became common. Management appeared to exploit this silence.

Advice for Prospective Employees

• Verify everything before joining
• Look beyond growth promises and consider employee dignity

Not all startups are bad; some are genuinely great. However, this side exists and needs to be acknowledged.