The feeling of being underpaid 😵
I have 5 years of experience as a Java Springboot developer and recently switched from Cognizant to TCS. My ctc was 15 LPA there, but the project was too toxic.
I accepted a 18LPA offer just to put papers. But unfortunately at the end of the notice period, I had only this offer. I gave interviews in many companies post this offer but given how difficult my tech stack is, I was rejected in many.
So I joined tcs with 20 percent hike and moved to blr from Pune🤡🤡. Here after talking with my friends, I feel I'm underpaid even though I have more knowledge and exposure than them. 😞😞.
Not sure how to deal with this feeling. It's killing me day by day 😶.
Hi @HopefulPack4 - I hear you. And I feel that gut-punch you’re carrying. That said, let’s set the record straight on a few things. You didn’t clown yourself. You survived a toxic gig, backed yourself and moved. That takes guts. A lot of folks never even get that far.
And then, 18 LPA isn't trash. Is it what you're worth? Certainly not. But it’s a stepping stone, not your sentence. It bought you time, space, and some peace (hopefully) - that's great currency, too.
Now, the part that stings: watching folks around you earn more with less grind. Yup, it sucks. But here's the truth, you're running a long game. Don't anchor your value to those who got lucky or talked slick in one interview. Anchor it to your trajectory. Because if your tech stack’s solid and your exposure’s real, your moment’s coming. And when it does, it’s gonna make sense real fast. Until then? Stack your skills, focus on sharpening them, assess the rejections, practice better, keep shipping and don’t let comparison drain your drive. Or even be the thief of your joy. The pain you feel, that's more so just your old life wrapping off. You’re not behind. You’re just loading up for something bigger.
Please breathe. More often. More cleaner daily. The rest follows. That's how you win.
Comparison is a thief of joy, based on the hike you can decide the company and city but if you keep comparing with others then there is no end of underpaid feeling.
