The Crazy New Quit Trend Every Startup Founder Is Dreading
Imagine this: You pay your hardworking team on the 1st of the month — only to find some of them ghosting right after their salary hits the bank.
Sounds unreal? It’s happening. And Kiran Shah, founder of Shark Tank India’s popular ice cream brand Go Zero, just blew the lid off this disturbing trend.
Here’s What Really Happened
Until late 2023, Shah paid salaries on the 10th of each month — like many startups do.
But seeing his team struggle to manage early-month bills, he did something radical:
He moved salary payments to the 1st of every month.
He thought this would ease financial stress for employees.
But Instead of Thanks — He Got Quitters!
Since making the switch, some employees have taken advantage: They get their paycheck on the 1st — then quit abruptly, leaving Shah and his team in chaos.
He shared on LinkedIn:
“Some employees have misused this change by quitting immediately after payday and not returning to work.”
Why This Is a Huge Red Flag for Startups
Sudden exits after payday mean:
- Projects left hanging
- Other team members picking up the slack
- Extra costs in rehiring and training
- Broken trust that can ruin workplace culture
Shah’s warning couldn’t be clearer: This “pay and vanish” game is hurting startups big time.
What Kiran Shah Wants Every Employee to Know
Getting paid isn’t a free pass to ghost your job.
Employees owe it to their team to:
- Give proper notice
- Stay committed until replacements are found
- Respect the employer’s trust
Because quitting right after payday is more than unprofessional — it’s unfair.
How Startups Can Fight Back
Shah’s story is a call to action for startup founders to:
- Strengthen employee engagement
- Create incentives for loyalty
- Build open communication channels
Because keeping your team motivated is just as important as paying them on time.
The Bottom Line: Trust Matters More Than Timing
Kiran Shah’s bold move to pay early exposed a harsh truth: Good intentions don’t always guarantee loyalty.
But the right culture can.
