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Woman turns down 35% salary hike after rude interview experience, sparks debate on workplace culture: ‘I earn less, but I sleep better’

Despite the impressive package, the candidate chose not to accept the offer after the hiring manager repeatedly interrupted her during the final round.

Woman rejects job for toxic manager workplace culture

The candidate eventually joined another firm, one with a smaller brand name and lower pay, but a team that valued her input

A Mumbai-based professional recently shared a telling story on LinkedIn about how company culture can outweigh even the biggest pay raise.

In her post, Purvi Shah recounted meeting a candidate who walked away from a job offer that promised a 35 per cent salary hike, all because of how she was treated during the interview. Despite the impressive package, the candidate chose not to accept after the hiring manager repeatedly interrupted her in the final round.

“She told me, ‘If that’s how they listen before hiring me, imagine how they’ll listen after,’” Shah wrote, adding that this one line perfectly captured what’s wrong with many modern workplaces.

According to Shah, too many organisations pride themselves on having a “speaking culture” rather than a “listening culture.” They talk about empathy in presentations, she said, but fail to show it in real interactions.

The candidate eventually joined another firm, one with a smaller brand name and lower pay, but a team that valued her input. “Six months later, she’s leading a new project, building her own team, and said to me recently, ‘I earn less, but I sleep better,’” Shah revealed.

Shah wrapped up her post with a reflection that resonated widely: “Sometimes, the smallest red flags reveal the biggest truths. Because culture isn’t about fancy perks, free lunches, or glossy office walls. It’s about how people make you feel when you speak up. In the long run, money may get you to work, but respect is what keeps you there.”

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The story struck a chord online, sparking a discussion about respect, empathy, and communication in hiring. One individual shared, “The unfortunate truth. I had a very similar experience where the recruiting agency was offering lower than my current CTC and was expecting me to be ok with that fact. She was unfortunately very rude too. I often think people need voice and poise training even if they dont work in customer service. When people are looking for jobs the game of patience is tested to the T and all this other fluff can be avoided.”

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Another added, “That’s so true Purvi Shah Employees look for a culture where their contributions are acknowledged and valued.”

A third person commented, “Ultimately, it’s not just about the number on a paycheck, but about being in an environment where individuals feel valued and heard. It’s a lesson many companies need to take to heart.”