Last-minute salary drama! The developer asks for Rs 36 LPA two days before joining, the CEO reacts ‘Nonsense’

The IT hiring world can get unexpectedly tense. Just two days before joining, a backend developer who had accepted a Rs 28 lakh per annum offer reportedly asked for Rs 36 lakh, citing a better offer elsewhere.

Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, shared his frustration online, saying it felt “nonsense” that the developer would even ask after confirming the deal. The candidate had already received a 33 per cent hike from his previous Rs 21 LPA salary and had committed to the joining date. Social media quickly reacted, with experts noting that while last-minute renegotiations aren’t unheard of in the IT sector, timing and professionalism are often questioned, leaving both employers and candidates in awkward spots.

Developer seeks Rs 36 LPA just days before joining, leaving employer frustrated

The developer had negotiated a 33% hike, from Rs 21 LPA to Rs 28 LPA. He confirmed joining, and the company stopped interviewing others. Singh reportedly waited through the candidate’s notice period, expecting him to start on the agreed date. But then, two days before joining, the developer emailed asking for Rs 36 LPA. Apparently, he had received a Rs 32 LPA offer elsewhere. Some on social media noted this isn’t entirely unusual in IT.

Notice periods, competitive pay, and talent shortages sometimes encourage candidates to test their options.

Employer voices frustration over sudden salary and work boundary demands

“If you are still shopping for offers, just say it upfront,” he said online. From the company’s viewpoint, waiting through a notice period and halting recruitment for other candidates adds stress. The email from the candidate also included personal boundaries he reportedly stated he would not work on weekends.

While setting expectations is fair, combining this with a last-minute salary increase seemed unreasonable to the employer.

Singh’s post struck a chord because it reflects something deeper: employers want clarity, honesty, and reliability in new hires. Last-minute changes disrupt not just planning but morale.

Social media divided over the last-minute salary renegotiation

The post went viral. Comments ranged from sympathy for Singh to defending the candidate. Some said it’s just part of the IT hiring game, and candidates sometimes “shop offers” during notice periods. Others emphasised professionalism, saying renegotiating after confirming an offer is unfair. One comment noted that “the root cause isn’t greed. The 90-day notice period forces candidates to wait, giving them time to explore better deals.

” Another said the situation could have been avoided with clearer upfront negotiations.Some defended the candidate, saying, “his talent got him a better job. It’s the employer’s loss.”