Techie reveals the one bad habit which led him to a job that paid less than his first gig: ‘I have messed up my career’

Changing companies is widely believed to be one of the fastest ways to secure a higher paycheck. However, for one software developer, a series of early professional moves led to uncertainty rather than growth.

A Promising Start That Fell Flat

As described in a Reddit post, the engineer completed graduation in 2023 and landed a campus placement with an annual package of 14 lakh rupees, including 12 lakh as fixed pay. Within ten months, the compensation rose to 14.4 lakh per annum. On paper, the increment appeared encouraging. Yet the daily work experience told a different story.
The organisation lacked structure. The team largely consisted of fresh graduates with no experienced mentors. Projects seemed loosely defined, and employees were left to navigate tasks without proper guidance. Feeling stagnant and deprived of meaningful learning, the engineer decided to resign despite not having another opportunity lined up.

A Difficult Second Chapter

What followed was a prolonged job search marked by multiple interviews and rejections. After several months, the developer accepted a remote role offering 12 lakh per annum. Unfortunately, this move also proved disappointing.

The new workplace reportedly operated under strict supervision. Hours were closely monitored, and leadership, particularly the chief technology officer, maintained a controlling approach that felt belittling. After seven months in this environment, the engineer chose to leave once more, again without securing a confirmed offer.

A Fresh Opportunity — With Compromise

Two months and four interviews later, a new offer arrived: a 16 lakh annual package, including 13 lakh fixed pay, with the remaining component structured as variable compensation to be disbursed after a year. Although the fixed portion was lower than what the engineer had earned in the first job, the decision to accept was influenced by the company’s healthier culture.
However, feelings of doubt resurfaced upon learning that a former colleague, who had experienced a layoff and a three-month period of unemployment, had secured a position with a 20 lakh fixed salary. The comparison sparked anxiety and self-criticism, with the engineer fearing that frequent early switches may have hindered long-term progress.

Community Reactions

The post resonated widely, drawing responses from others who had faced similar career turbulence. Several commenters emphasised that a supportive work environment and work-life balance can outweigh marginal salary differences. Others noted that early-career missteps are part of professional growth and easier to take when responsibilities are fewer. Some advised caution, stressing the importance of securing a solid offer before resigning, unless financial stability allows for risk-taking.

The discussion ultimately reflected a shared truth: early career paths are rarely linear, and growth often comes through trial, error, and reflection.