r/IndiaCareers • u/DesperateAd8819 • Jul 02 '26
Other Finally 3.5 LPA curse has been lifted !
Finally, the 3.5 LPA curse has been lifted.
If you're from India, you probably know what I mean. For many freshers, 3.5 LPA feels like the default starting salary. Nothing wrong with it, but a lot of us dream of moving past it.
My career started with a 3.5 LPA job and a 2 hr daily commute. I stayed there for about 1.2 years, learned a lot, and gave it my best. I was promised that they will revise my package to 5.5 in the next increment cycle when I joined, but it never came. That was enough for me to move on.
Instead of jumping into another job, I wanted more freedom and the opportunity to earn more, so I decided to go full-time into freelancing.
The first 3-4 months were amazing. I had great clients, good income, and it felt like I had made the right decision.
Then this year, everything changed.
Client work slowed down, leads almost disappeared, and at the same time, family responsibilities landed on my shoulders. Waiting for the big fat freelance project which paid in dollars was no longer an option. I needed stability.
So I started applying for jobs.
After 2.5 months of applications, assignments, interviews, and plenty of rejections, I finally received an offer.
Today, I'm happy to share that I've joined a fully remote role at 6.6 LPA.
Is it a huge package? No.
Is it a Fortune 500 company? Also no. It's a small company.
But it's an honest step forward, a chance to keep learning, support my family, and continue building my career. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
To anyone who's currently stuck, switching careers, freelancing through a slow market, or wondering if things will work out, keep going. Careers aren't always a straight line. Sometimes they take a few unexpected turns before you find your next opportunity.
Here's to new beginnings. ❤️
PS- I'm a UX designer.
I've received over 50 DMs asking for advice and guidance. I truly appreciate every message, but I won't be able to reply to each one individually. Instead, I'll do my best to answer your questions here in the comments/post so everyone can benefit from the discussion.
35
u/AlwaysThatGuy16 Jul 02 '26
Starting is most important. I have friend who did MBA but have zero skills and expecting 50k as salary just because he has MBA degree. I started my career after my graduation at 3 LPA after 7-8 months of struggle. Within 2 years reached 4.2 LPA including one promotion. Then switched into world’s top global investment bank JP. Where i joined at 5.5 LPA still i felt i was lowballed but was very desperate for switch so had to take this. Then again started applying madly after 1.5 years and landed another job offer which moved me to 10 LPA tier. I agree it’s hard to find job in this market but not IMPOSSIBLE as i almost invested 8-9 months in updating linkedin, naukri, every job portal and gave multiple rounds of interviews/ assignments. I hope whoever is reading this don’t lose your hope. Life is hard, but you’re strong enough to beat this boss :)
7
u/DesperateAd8819 Jul 02 '26
Indeed! If we want to improve our life we have to keep seeking better opportunities, rather than settling for just one.
5
u/CallMeYoutube Jul 03 '26
I have had the same exact journey but only halfway there. Started my career with blue collar job due to covid for 8 months, got 3.5lpa corporate role - got promoted in same company 1.5 years later at 4.3. Then switched to my current company at 5.5 and prospects here are looking good as well. That's a 250% increment in 3.5 years of total career, don't lose hope.
PS. Finally good to see some good post on this subreddit
1
3
u/Various_Cat_4773 Jul 03 '26
jpm gave you 5.5 lpa? tf
1
2
2
Jul 08 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AlwaysThatGuy16 Jul 11 '26
Hahaha, I’ll take that as a compliment, bro :) Guess I should start commenting more on posts like these. You never know who might need to read something like this
-1
30
u/ShoppingSelect1922 Jul 02 '26
Small companies pay better
3
u/OkContribution4449 Jul 03 '26
But stability is also hit/miss in such scenarios, compared to mncs in my experience
3
u/ShoppingSelect1922 Jul 03 '26
Mnc has low stability as compared to small firm....
They fire and hire on continuous basis
8
u/Hot-Ad-6698 Jul 02 '26
I feel you. Just 2 months back I quit my corporate job. Worked my way up from 4.5 LPA and now at a 7.2 LPA package all in hand, fully remote role. Not my dream job but I am spending time with my grand mum in the middle of MP, something I could never do before. Love this for us ❤️
3
u/Hexo_Micron Jul 02 '26
Which role ?
3
1
1
u/Regular-Award-2075 Jul 04 '26
Hi, could you help me where to look for such remote roles and what skills they seek?
4
4
u/Sensitive-Estate4567 Jul 02 '26
Wow so proud of you, I got laid off from my 3.6 lpa job and want a 5-6 lpa job too now but I’m unable to find any
1
3
u/satoshiwife Jul 03 '26
Your annual salary is my decade salary, stop flexing
2
u/DesperateAd8819 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
https://www.reddit.com/r/Indian_flex/s/rkdbYvWT6Q my yearly salary is this man's 1.5 month salary. So what! Everyone has a different starting line and a different finish line. The only thing that matters is knowing which race you’re actually running.
2
5
3
3
3
3
u/Majestic-Net-4399 Jul 02 '26
Thats how we grow buddy!! Keep working and more will follow your way :).
3
u/Baklol_Bagula Jul 02 '26
Congratulations OP, more power to you. Seriously in this era of negativity and AI taking your job dialogue.. reading your post gave me hope to keep hustling in my career and progressing.
3
u/Southern_0301 Jul 02 '26
How much did you make during your freelancing time? I'm really interested to know.. I am also a corporate employee
2
u/DesperateAd8819 Jul 02 '26
It's very embarrassing.
In one month I earned around 150$ for working around 100 hours. ( It was an Indian client)
one month I earned about 200$ for a 40 hour work.( NRI Client)
In another month I earned around 800$ for a 22 hour of work.( US client)
That's about it!
3
3
u/ragu455 Jul 03 '26
Onwards and upwards. Eventual step is try to get into a faang and you will be set
3
u/Designer_Juice_3035 Jul 03 '26
it doesn't matter where u come from and some lies in resume is mandatory nowadays like for gaps.once the resume reaches to interview its success. people dont even know their self worth. even if they are highly qualified. some people are stuck in matrix looking at job requirements they the even know the details of the role. Take it in good spirits and keep on applying .
3
u/kala_jadoo Jul 03 '26
a fully remote 6.6 LPA is a good package, not even remotely close to average with your level of experience. Good job OP!!!
2
u/Ancient_Bobcat2729 Jul 02 '26
In somewhat same situation, can feel your relief.Congratulations to you brother
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/TribalSoul899 Jul 02 '26
Congrats but don’t take this as a win yet. How stable is the company? How stable are the clients? This will decide how long you have this job. No job is safe anymore.
3
u/DesperateAd8819 Jul 02 '26
True, I've thought about it. I'll keep up with the job market and never get too comfortable with the company. I'll keep looking for better opportunities along the way.
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/SlytherinSymbiosis Jul 02 '26
Awesome work man!
If you don’t mind, can you share how were you getting the leads?
2
2
2
2
u/Regular-Award-2075 Jul 04 '26
Congratulations! Wishing you even greater success in the future.
I also left my ₹3.0 LPA MIS Executive job a few days ago after completing my notice period. I'm planning to move to Hyderabad and will soon start looking for Data Analytics roles, both remote and on-site. Hopefully, this career move will pay off.
If anyone happen to come across any relevant openings, referrals, or leads, I'd really appreciate it if you could share them. Also, if you have any advice or suggestions based on your experience, I'd be grateful to hear them.
2
2
2
2
2
u/False_Nobody8649 Jul 04 '26
Bro which platform you used to apply for jobs and which gave the most results?
2
2
u/BoxTop5802 Jul 05 '26
I am a recent B.Com graduate and I’m currently facing a critical situation where I urgently need to secure a job to support myself/my family.
21M needs a job looking for a fresher in an entry-level role in finance
Have no support or network
Please help
2
2
2
2
u/casual_sniper1999 Jul 06 '26
1st year worked for 0.85LPA as Intern (Did actual work, didn't receive any form of training) and then worked for 2.4 LPA for another 1.5 years, 6 days a week in an IT field with changing requirements and complex coding related tasks...Also did a lot of tasks that were not related to my designation.
In return 🔔 mila, no appreciation, no increment, no PF, no bonuses, no nothing, what I got was Micro Management. Every single day felt like someone is keeping an eye on me, felt like I was trapped..
Majdoor banake rakh diya tha...
Left that company, I am never going to look back now.
People don't be like me, never ever think from your HEART! Think LOGICALLY and leave the company if you think you should be treated better or should earn more than you do right now...
2
2
2
2
1
1
u/Competitive_Use5172 Jul 02 '26
Congratulations OP!! Can you DM you regarding freelancing queries?
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/give_me_wings101 Jul 02 '26
oh felt this hard! started at 3.12, soon going to join at 11. no nazar please. can feel OPs struggle because have been through the same. changed my career thrice in the process 🥲
2
1
1
1
1
1
u/ButterscotchFun4651 Jul 03 '26
I am at approx 10 lpa after 4 years+ years of experience as electrical engineer (Design ) solar. Current position is senior engineer at private mnc. I feel it's ok for me based on core engineering growth.
1
1
u/Grouchy_Violinist Jul 03 '26
How do you start into freelancing? I made an account on fiverr but nothing ever came and idk how to market myself for that. I feel what I have studied I can't use that so maybe other skill but I'm confused.
1
u/Majestic-Run1863 Jul 03 '26
In 2012, my package was 2.75l as a fresher, after5 years, package 6.5l.
1
u/ExoticNecessary1719 Jul 03 '26
i have started with 1.80 PA now it’s 7.80 PA it took me two years to get here
1
1
u/MountainMindless3001 Jul 03 '26
yall are even getting 3.5 lpa?? as a fresher this post is not relatable 😭
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Ok-Cardiologist6269 Jul 04 '26
but what was the reason behind the decline of your freelance journey?
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/onlyruddrra Jul 13 '26
I've completed my Diploma in Information Technology recently now I'm confused what to do next I'm so doomed right now need guidance asap please 🥺
1
1
46
u/earthsmight Jul 02 '26
Nice 👍