9 AM To 10 PM, Seven Days A Week: This Fresher's Reddit Post Has Everyone Talking

From 9 AM office shifts to 10 PM WFH sessions, one fresher's brutal routine has reignited a fierce debate about work culture and employee rights in India.

By : Annie Sharma | Updated at : 02 Apr 2026 12:27 PM (IST)

employee rights legal work schedule exploitation fresher 13 hour day indianworkplace 9 AM To 10 PM, Seven Days A Week: This Fresher's Reddit Post Has Everyone Talking

The fresher claims to work a 13-hour day, split between office and home, with no proper weekly off and only two days of leave per month.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

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A first-time employee has taken to Reddit to question whether the work schedule imposed by their employer is legal or simply exploitation. The post has triggered a wave of responses on the platform, with many users weighing in on the matter. The fresher claims to work a 13-hour day, split between office and home, with no proper weekly off and only two days of leave per month.

The post has reignited conversations around work culture, employee rights, and what employers can reasonably demand from new hires.

What Did The Fresher Share On Reddit?

The user laid out their daily schedule in detail, describing a 9 AM to 5 PM office shift, followed by a mandatory work-from-home session that runs until 10 PM. Weekend work is also expected, even though the office remains closed on those days.

Is this work schedule even legal or am I being exploited?
by u/alternateheaven in IndianWorkplace

"Is this work schedule even legal or am I being exploited?" the employee wrote on Reddit. "I wanted to gain some perspective on whether the expectations of my current job are reasonable or if I'm being taken advantage of.

My official working hours are: 9 AM to 5 PM: Work from the office. 5 PM to 10 PM: Work from home. So, effectively, I'm working 13 hours a day. Additionally, we are expected to work on Saturdays and Sundays as well (WFH)," he added.

The employee also noted, "The office is closed on weekends, but work is still mandatory. We only receive 2 days of leave per month. There's no proper weekly off, and it feels like I'm constantly working with barely any time to rest or recover. Is this normal? This is my first job."

What Did The Reddit Post Reveal About The Company?

Along with the post, the user shared a screenshot of what they claim is a memo from the company's HR department.

The memo stated that employees must inform the office if they plan to travel outside of Kochi on weekends, raising further questions about the level of control the employer exercises over its staff even during non-working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reported working hours of the new employee?

The employee reports working 13 hours a day, from 9 AM to 10 PM, with a split between office and work-from-home.

Does the employee get weekends off?

No, the employee is expected to work from home on Saturdays and Sundays, even though the office is closed.

How many leave days does the employee receive per month?

The employee receives only two days of leave per month, with no proper weekly off.

What additional information was shared about the employer's control?

A memo indicated employees must inform HR if they plan to travel outside Kochi on weekends, suggesting significant employer oversight.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.