US expat working at Mumbai think tank says she’s treated like an intern: ‘I am in my 40s’
A US-based academic currently on a year-long fellowship in Mumbai has caught the internet’s attention after claiming she is being “treated like an intern” despite her senior role and experience.The woman claimed that two previous fellows had faced similar challenges. (Representational image/Unsplash)In a Reddit post titled ‘Urgent advice needed! Expat in Indian workplace, just moved to Mumbai’, the visiting fellow said her position is fully funded a US organisation, with a formal agreement outlining limited responsibilities at the Indian think tank hosting her. “The MOU with the Indian organization clearly states that I only have to be onsite three days a week and the role of the Indian organization is to offer me support, to provide me with office space and to help with any connections I need to do my research,” she wrote.However, she alleged that the head of the Indian organisation has imposed rules typically meant for junior staff. “The head of the Indian organization is treating me like I am an intern, requiring I report to HR if I am late because I am sick, that I keep the hours that the interns keep (I am in my 40s, they are like 20, I could be their mother),” she said.The OP also pointed out that other employees of similar age at the organisation are allowed hybrid work schedules, raising concerns about inconsent treatment. “Other older employees, around my age, have a hybrid work schedule. For numerous reasons, mainly some chronic health issues that are exacerbated stress/pollution, I cannot keep up with a 40+ hour workweek here, including commute.. This is a MAJOR problem for me,” she wrote.The woman also claimed that two previous fellows had faced similar challenges, though their shorter stays made the situation more manageable. “Not only the infantilization component, but the expectation that I will abide the schedule of the young interns/junior employees (also in their 20s),” she shared.I was told not to bring this up with the Indian executive director as she won’t like it. But I am at a point where I don’t care,” she added, stressing the need to “set boundaries” to protect her well-being.(Also Read:
