Bit of a long one but I really need to get this off my chest.
I started my career with a 3.36L package at my first company. Worked hard, cracked their internal exam, and got bumped up to 7L in a few months. Felt like I was finally on the right path. Then came 8.2L, then 9L all within 4.2 years of experience. Things were looking good.
But then I took a leap.
I switched to a contract role with a package of 74L+ (with an additional 20-25L for extra work). Sounded like a dream. Everyone said I made it. Money was great. Work was okay. But now I’ve completed a few months in this role and it’s starting to hit me hard.
I feel like I made a huge mistake.
It’s not the work or the pay, it’s the realization that I’m not a full-time employee anymore. Every day, this voice in my head keeps whispering that I’ve screwed up my resume. That no good company will want to hire a guy who went contract after 4 years of full time work. That I’ll always be treated as “lesser” now.
I feel like I’ve broken something and it can’t be fixed.
Every job posting I see says “full-time”, and I keep wondering if I’ve locked myself out of all the good roles. The worst part? I don’t even know if this fear is valid, but it’s eating me up. I’m constantly anxious, checking LinkedIn, doubting every decision, wondering if I should’ve just stayed in that 9L job and taken the slower route.
Anyone else been through something similar? Do companies really hold contract roles against you? Is this a dead-end or am I just overthinking it?
Any honest thoughts would really help.
I've seen a few leads I respect take your route. If the money is fine, it is an upgrade. Many don't get that. You can invest for yourself in a way that the so called benefits are also yours. And try for a permanent role 2 or 3 years down the line ( with matching or more compensation). Nothing in haste. And it's still fine.
Being full time and do what? You work to earn, and you are earning well.
You'll reach your goals at 10x speed than had you been at 9 - 10 LPA
If you are genuinely good at what you do, interviewers/companies don't give a shit if you were full time or contract employee.
Continue as long as you get another good opportunity
I started as a fresher at a big service-based company, faced a lot of politics, and was learning nothing. I realized I needed to leave it ASAP. I left it after 8 months, then was jobless for 2 months.
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Sorry if I am posting something off topic
Just needed some suggestions on what to do with my career
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