An Indian software professional has sparked widespread interest on the Internet after detailing how he came to earn it ₹7.4 million annually in a service-based firm to ensure a ₹60k package at FAANG. In a post on RedditThe techie shared an unfiltered account of his academic struggles, low self-confidence and the slow, often difficult journey that ultimately led to a breakthrough opportunity.
The user wrote that he scored 17 out of 360 in JEE Mains and secured 73% in Class 12, a phase he described as a sharp drop from academic strength in school. “Tier 3 college, low self-esteem, no real personality,” he wrote, adding that college at least gave him “really good friends.”
However, the pandemic has complicated the situation. He said Covid led to a long period of isolation – one that forced him to quietly and steadily rebuild.
From a service-based role to a life-changing opportunity
Despite limited expectations, he was placed in a service company with a salary of ₹7.4 million annually. Over time, he moved to a startup, where he was making money ₹13.5 million annually.
According to him, the breakthrough came unexpectedly.
“One day a recruiter at Amazon approached me and I did it. ₹60 million per year.”
But he emphasized that the salary increase is only part of the story. He described the personal changes that accompanied his career growth – developing self-confidence, improving fitness and building a sense of identity that he previously lacked.
“Now I’m someone with an athletic body, a good sense of humor and a presence that I never had before… I’ve finally found not myself, but I’ve found something of myself. And that feels good.”
Online response
Reddit users responded with encouragement and appreciation, calling the post interesting and motivating. Several emphasized the honesty of sharing both failure and self-doubt—aspects rarely seen outside of high-paying tech positions.
A user asked: “Congratulations OP. I see you’re not much of a story teller. I just skimmed the highlights. Want to see the real story? Struggles, how you handled it, what you had to learn, any realizations, etc. or is it one of those “immoral” stories?”
“Congratulations bro, your story is an inspiration to people like us,” another user wrote.
“All the less confident people out there – life changes and can turn around, believe it. All you have to do is act. Congratulations,” wrote a third user.
