As hiring slows and competition intensifies, many experienced professionals are discovering that strong academic credentials and years of industry experience are no longer enough to secure high-paying roles. A recent post by an Indian software engineer has highlighted the growing challenges faced by tech workers in today's market.
From a Comfortable ₹25 LPA Job to an Uncertain Future
Sharing their experience online, the software engineer revealed that they voluntarily left a well-paying job in India in 2023 to pursue a master's degree abroad, expecting it would lead to better career opportunities and a substantial salary increase.
"I was in a comfortable job earning close to ₹25 LPA in 2023. I left and completed a two-year master's abroad but couldn't find a job there despite good grades and an internship," the tech professional wrote.
The individual, who has around three years of experience as a full-stack developer, admitted that the decision may have backfired.
Hundreds of Applications, Barely Any Interviews
After returning to India, the engineer began applying for jobs with high expectations, believing that companies which had offered generous compensation packages during the hiring boom of 2022 and 2023 would continue to do so.
However, the reality proved to be very different.
According to the post, hundreds of job applications resulted in only two or three interview calls, most of which came through strong professional referrals rather than direct applications.
The engineer explained that they had expected salary offers in the range of ₹40–50 LPA but instead received offers around ₹25 LPA—the same salary they had been earning before pursuing higher education.
"Out of hundreds of applications, I got calls for only two or three companies through referrals. I thought these companies were paying well during 2022-23, so I expected around ₹40-50 LPA. But they're offering ₹25 LPA," the post said.
Expressing frustration, the techie questioned the current state of the industry.
"What the hell happened to the market? This is supposedly before the AI bubble has even burst. I am unable to make sense of anything at present. I can't even imagine what freshers have to endure."
Social Media Responds with a Reality Check
The post sparked widespread discussion on Reddit, where many users acknowledged the difficult state of the technology job market.
Unlike many similar posts that receive encouragement and career advice, several commenters suggested that professionals should accept reasonable offers rather than hold out for significantly higher salaries.
One user commented, "You are getting a job at ₹25 LPA? Take it. Why are you complaining?"
Another highlighted how AI has changed daily work in software development, writing, "Take any reasonable offer that comes your way. Don't be too picky. The job role has also changed a lot. I just use Claude Code the whole day and don't even code a single line myself. The entire scene is so messed up."
A third commenter argued that the exceptionally high salaries seen during the pandemic-era hiring boom are unlikely to return.
"The unusually high salaries of 2021-23 are never coming back. That's a reality everyone needs to accept. AI has changed the scene forever," the user wrote.
A Changing Tech Landscape
The discussion reflects a broader shift in the global technology sector. Following years of aggressive hiring, many companies have become more cautious, focusing on operational efficiency, AI-driven automation, and selective recruitment. As a result, professionals who once expected rapid salary growth are finding that the market has become considerably more competitive.
While opportunities continue to exist for skilled engineers, the experiences shared online suggest that today's hiring environment demands greater flexibility, realistic salary expectations, and adaptability to rapidly evolving AI-powered workflows.
