A young software professional recently described his journey on the subreddit Developers India, reflecting on how his expectations at work quickly turned into disappointments. He entered the tech world in 2021 as a fresher at a reputed product-based company. With an initial salary package of 13 LPA, the offer appeared promising and gave him hope for steady growth. However, soon after joining, the excitement faded as he began to experience the demanding realities of his job.
Unreasonable Work Hours And Strain
Although his official shift aligned with European timings, running from 11 AM to 8 PM IST, he was repeatedly compelled to extend his hours late into the night, often working past 1 AM. This routine created mounting stress and imbalance. After almost three years of enduring this schedule, he finally confronted his manager. The late-night assignments were eventually reassigned to other employees, offering him some relief. Still, the toll of those years had already been significant.
Broken Promises of Growth
By the time he reached four years of experience, he expected recognition for his persistence and contributions. His manager verbally assured him of a promotion, raising his hopes. But instead of meaningful progress, his salary only inched upward to 15 LPA, while peers who joined alongside him were already earning around 18 LPA for similar responsibilities. The situation worsened when the appraisal cycle concluded. While others received hikes ranging between 13–15% or even stock options worth $10,000, he was offered neither an increment nor any form of equity benefits.
Excuses and Selective Rewards
When he questioned the disparity, management attributed the lack of rewards to the uncertain business environment influenced by AI developments. He was asked to remain patient and was given vague assurances that his turn might come in the next cycle. Eventually, he discovered the deeper issue—his manager had identified a select group of employees deemed critical for retention, funneling the entire budget into keeping them satisfied. Since he was excluded from that group, his contributions went largely unacknowledged, leaving him with nothing more than empty promises.
Unreasonable Work Hours And Strain
Although his official shift aligned with European timings, running from 11 AM to 8 PM IST, he was repeatedly compelled to extend his hours late into the night, often working past 1 AM. This routine created mounting stress and imbalance. After almost three years of enduring this schedule, he finally confronted his manager. The late-night assignments were eventually reassigned to other employees, offering him some relief. Still, the toll of those years had already been significant.
Broken Promises of Growth
By the time he reached four years of experience, he expected recognition for his persistence and contributions. His manager verbally assured him of a promotion, raising his hopes. But instead of meaningful progress, his salary only inched upward to 15 LPA, while peers who joined alongside him were already earning around 18 LPA for similar responsibilities. The situation worsened when the appraisal cycle concluded. While others received hikes ranging between 13–15% or even stock options worth $10,000, he was offered neither an increment nor any form of equity benefits.
Excuses and Selective Rewards
When he questioned the disparity, management attributed the lack of rewards to the uncertain business environment influenced by AI developments. He was asked to remain patient and was given vague assurances that his turn might come in the next cycle. Eventually, he discovered the deeper issue—his manager had identified a select group of employees deemed critical for retention, funneling the entire budget into keeping them satisfied. Since he was excluded from that group, his contributions went largely unacknowledged, leaving him with nothing more than empty promises.
You may also like
Man who tried assassinate Donald Trump at his golf course found guilty
MP govt taking measures to enhance health services: Dy CM Shukla
Why VAR is not being used for Lincoln City vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Nigel Farage erupts at calls for Rachel Reeves to slap pensioners with more tax
Donald Trump says NATO should shoot down Russian planes in WW3 threat
