Shared on Reddit, the post details a 12-year journey that began with a modest monthly salary of ₹5,000 and has now reached an annual package of ₹45 lakh, along with an estimated net worth of around ₹70 lakh. Beyond the numbers, what has resonated with readers is the transparency about career struggles, job changes, and personal doubts along the way.
Early career: Starting without a degree
The professional began their journey in 2013 after completing Class 12 in commerce and a three-year diploma in computer science. Without a bachelor’s degree at the time, they joined the IT industry as a junior web developer, earning just ₹5,000 per month.
Despite the modest pay, this marked the beginning of their career in technology and set the foundation for future growth.
Steady rise through roles and salaries
In 2015, they moved into a full-stack developer role with a monthly salary of ₹15,000. Two years later, in 2017, they advanced to a senior developer position, earning ₹50,000 per month.
By 2018, their career progressed further as they became a senior software engineer with a monthly salary of approximately ₹87,000. These years were defined by incremental growth, role changes, and increasing responsibilities across different companies.
Major leap into leadership in 2021
A significant turning point came in 2021 when the professional transitioned into a technical lead role, receiving an annual package of ₹28 lakh, which later increased to around ₹32 lakh per annum.
During this phase, they also began actively investing in mutual funds and the stock market, while contributions to Provident Fund savings helped strengthen their financial foundation.
Layoff and career break in 2025
In April 2025, the professional was laid off from their job. According to the Reddit post, they received approximately ₹11 lakh before tax, which included severance pay, notice pay, and leave encashment.
Rather than immediately returning to work, they chose to take a short break and relied on personal savings during this period.
Return with higher pay package
By November 2025, they re-entered the workforce as a senior technical lead, securing a new annual package of ₹45 lakh. Alongside their income growth, they reported building a net worth of about ₹70 lakh through mutual funds, Provident Fund savings, fixed deposits, and other investments.
Reflections on career choices and regrets
The professional also shared candid reflections on their journey, expressing both pride and regret.
They acknowledged feeling that earlier career moves could have been more ambitious, while also noting that the lack of a bachelor’s degree initially limited their confidence and opportunities.
“I’m currently content with my salary, but I feel like I should have worked hard and gotten into good-salary jobs earlier in my career rather than sticking to small-scale web dev companies,” they wrote on Reddit.
They further added that they have now enrolled in IGNOU’s BCA program, stating that it is primarily to formalize their educational qualifications.
On comparisons with peers, they noted a common emotional struggle in the tech industry: feeling both accomplished and slightly behind others earning more for similar experience.
Online reaction
The post has sparked discussion about non-linear career paths, the impact of educational qualifications in tech, and the emotional pressures of constant comparison in high-growth industries. Many users have engaged with the story for its realistic depiction of gradual success rather than an overnight rise.
