Young techie resigns but company surprises him with what he did not ask for

In the fast-paced world of startups, young professionals often face unique challenges when seeking growth, mentorship, and fair treatment. Career transitions can be especially tricky in small, fast-growing companies where formal processes may be unclear, and employee retention is a priority. A recent case shared on Reddit highlights how a fresher’s resignation from a small drone startup became unexpectedly complicated.

A young Embedded Hardware Engineer, with just one year of experience, recently found himself in an unusual situation after submitting his resignation at a fledgling drone startup. The 1.5-year-old company, where he joined as the second engineer last August, reportedly failed to acknowledge his resignation, leaving him unsure about the next steps.

The engineer shared that his decision to resign stemmed from limited guidance and the lack of experienced seniors to mentor him. He had also repeatedly requested the expansion of the embedded team, which went unaddressed for months. Feeling professionally stuck and isolated, he decided to seek opportunities that would offer better growth and learning.

Unexpected company response
Despite submitting his resignation, the management did not discuss it with him. On his salary day, the company surprised him with a 10% raise. However, the gesture did not influence his decision to leave, as he felt the underlying issues—insufficient mentorship and team support—remained unresolved. The management reportedly avoided direct conversations regarding his departure, leaving him in a state of uncertainty.

Advice from the online community

Several users on Reddit offered guidance to the young engineer. Many suggested that the resignation is officially valid from the moment it is sent via email, even if management delays acknowledgment. They recommended following up with emails regarding knowledge transfer and the exit process, while keeping all communication through official channels. One user noted that persisting calmly and professionally is essential, emphasizing that the notice period and final settlement are rights of the employee regardless of immediate acknowledgment.

Other suggestions ranged from verbally clarifying the last working day with management to seeking HR intervention in case of prolonged inaction. Some highlighted the importance of maintaining professional decorum while ensuring one’s rights are respected, advising against unnecessary follow-ups that might strain relationships.

The engineer is continuing interviews while serving his notice period, which officially ends on December 24, 2025.