An IIT graduate has sparked a major discussion on Reddit after sharing their career struggles despite having nearly eight years of experience in software development. The engineer revealed they are still working in a contract job with an annual salary of less than ₹3.6 lakh and asked fellow developers a simple but emotional question: “Am I competent enough?” The post quickly went viral, with thousands of users offering career advice and encouragement.
A Career Built During Financial Hardship
The engineer shared that life did not follow the usual college-to-job path. After completing Class 12 in 2015, they prepared for the JEE exam and cleared JEE Main but could not qualify for JEE Advanced.
Due to financial problems at home, they started working at Café Coffee Day (CCD) while learning programming on their own. Later, they joined a small software company where they developed OpenCart and WordPress plugins before moving to their current contract-based software development role.
Eight Years Of Experience But Low Salary
The engineer said they have been working in the current company for more than four years as the only developer. Despite handling important responsibilities, they continue to earn less than ₹3.6 lakh per year.
The Reddit post explained that financial responsibilities, including supporting six family members, prevented them from changing jobs or taking career risks.
Handled Complex Software Projects Alone
According to the post, the engineer has worked on several advanced technologies and completed projects that are usually handled by experienced development teams.
Some of the major responsibilities include:
- Upgrading Java applications into a semi-microservices architecture using Kafka.
- Building React-based web applications.
- Developing Flutter-based Android apps.
- Integrating payment gateways like PayPal, PayU, Paytm and M-Pesa.
- Connecting Amazon, Flipkart, eBay and logistics platforms.
- Integrating WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook APIs.
- Building AI-powered customer onboarding systems.
- Setting up CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
Despite this experience, the engineer said they still doubt whether they are good enough to secure a senior role in a product-based company.
Still Completing IIT Madras Degree
The engineer also revealed that their IIT Madras BS degree is still in progress and is expected to be completed in 2027-28.
They admitted they have never worked in a large corporate team and do not have a professional portfolio because of continuous work and family responsibilities.
Reddit Users Offer Career Advice
The Reddit community responded with hundreds of comments, encouraging the engineer not to underestimate their skills.
Many users suggested preparing a strong resume, applying aggressively to product-based companies, startups and international firms. Others advised focusing on interview preparation, system design, data structures and AI technologies to improve job opportunities.
Some users also recommended mentioning the IIT degree as “ongoing” while applying for jobs and building a portfolio whenever possible.
Why The Story Connected With So Many People
The post became popular because it highlights a common problem faced by many professionals. Years of experience do not always result in better salaries, especially for those facing financial challenges or working in contract roles.
Many people appreciated the engineer’s honesty and praised their determination to continue learning despite difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
The IIT graduate’s story has started an important conversation about career growth, salary, self-confidence and the value of real-world skills. While the engineer questioned whether they were “competent enough,” many professionals on Reddit believed their technical experience speaks for itself. The viral discussion serves as a reminder that talent alone is not always enough—career growth also depends on opportunities, visibility and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the IIT graduate’s Reddit post go viral?
The post went viral because the engineer shared that they earn less than ₹3.6 LPA despite having nearly eight years of software development experience and asked whether they were competent enough.
What salary is the engineer currently earning?
According to the Reddit post, the engineer earns less than ₹3.6 lakh per annum in a contract-based software development role.
What technologies has the engineer worked on?
The engineer has experience with Java, Kafka, React, Flutter, payment gateway integration, APIs, AI automation, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
Why didn’t the engineer switch jobs earlier?
They said they were supporting six family members and could not take career risks because of financial responsibilities.
What advice did Reddit users give?
Most users suggested building a strong resume, applying to startups and product-based companies, improving interview skills and continuing their IIT Madras degree while exploring better job opportunities.