A workplace dilemma shared on Reddit has ignited debate around employee privacy and job hunting etiquette. An Indian employee alleged that their manager began targeting them after they updated their LinkedIn profile to reflect they were “Open to Work.”
Posting anonymously on Reddit’s r/IndianWorkplace forum, the employee explained that their company had recently downsized drastically—shrinking from 50 employees to just 7 within 13 months. Having survived two rounds of layoffs, they discreetly activated LinkedIn’s job-seeking feature to explore new opportunities amidst growing job insecurity.
However, the employee claims that soon after making the update, their manager—described as a foreign national—began exhibiting noticeable changes in behavior. The employee reported increased micromanagement, scrutiny of work hours, and even delayed salary payments—by two days—compared to the rest of the team. Where they were once trusted with key updates and internal matters, they now feel closely monitored and under pressure, with signs of hostility creeping into their interactions.
The Reddit post quickly gained traction, with many users offering practical advice. Several commenters recommended adjusting LinkedIn privacy settings to hide the ‘Open to Work’ badge from current employers, while others urged the employee to continue the job search quietly and avoid public signals in sensitive work environments. Some also pointed out the potential risks of job hunting too openly, especially in small companies facing financial stress or layoffs.
This incident highlights a broader issue: while job-seeking is a personal choice, the reality is that some workplaces may interpret it as a sign of disloyalty—particularly during tough business cycles. Employees in small teams or financially unstable companies often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between career growth and workplace perceptions.
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