“The work is too chill. If I stay, I’ll stop growing,” Says an Ex-Microsoft Techie Who Quit His New Job in Just 20 Days

In an unusual career move, a former Microsoft engineer based in Singapore resigned from a new role after only 20 days, arguing that the position lacked the level of challenge needed to fuel professional growth.

The exchange came to light when software engineer Manisha Goyal shared the conversation on X (formerly Twitter). 

She revealed that her teammate from Singapore, a former Microsoft employee, told her:

“The work is too chill. If I stay, I’ll stop growing. At 45, I’d enjoy this. But right now, I need the grind.” 

Meanwhile, Goyal quipped that she had been “chilling for the last 2 years.”

Growth vs. Comfort 

A guy from Singapore joined my team. Ex-Microsoft. Resigned in 20 days.
When I asked why, he said: ‘The work is too chill. If I stay, I’ll stop growing. At 45, I’d enjoy this. But right now, I need the grind.’
Me: sitting here, chilling for the last 2 years 👀

— Maahi 🌸 (@debuggingLifee) August 26, 2025

The tweet has reopened the debate around career choices. 

Some argue that constant challenges are essential in fields like technology, where competition is intense and easy roles may lead to complacency.

Others counter that a lighter workload does not automatically limit growth. They note that employees can use the extra time to build skills, pursue side projects, or focus on personal development. 

The situation reflects a common dilemma: choosing between fast-paced career growth and steady work-life balance.

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Netizens React

The engineer’s decision sparked a wave of comments online, with users divided over whether leaving a “too easy” job was wise.

One user wrote that staying in a job without challenges “feels good in the short term but kills your career in the long run,”. 

Others disagreed, noting that not every role needs to be a grind. 

One user commented, “Balance matters more than constant pressure.” 

Many suggested a middle ground, emphasizing that relaxed roles can still be valuable if the extra time is used wisely. 

As one post put it: “When your job is relaxed, use the time to learn something new. Don’t waste it, but don’t burn out either.”

The divided opinions highlight how deeply personal career priorities can be. For some, professional growth is synonymous with high-pressure challenges; for others, stability and peace of mind matter just as much.

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