A software engineer who left a lucrative job in India for a master's degree abroad shared their struggle with unemployment online. Expecting better career opportunities, they instead faced a difficult job market and numerous rejections after graduating.
A software engineer's candid account of leaving a well-paying job to pursue higher education overseas has struck a chord with thousands online. The professional revealed that they resigned from a Rs 25 lakh annual package in India to pursue a master's degree abroad, expecting it would unlock better career opportunities. Instead, the move has led to months of uncertainty and an uphill job search.
The post, shared on Reddit, detailed the emotional and financial challenges of navigating a difficult employment market after graduation. Reflecting on the decision, the user admitted, "I shot myself in the foot."
Check the viral post here:
According to the post, the engineer had believed that earning an international master's degree would significantly improve career prospects and earning potential. However, after completing the course, they found themselves struggling to secure a suitable role despite submitting numerous job applications.
The user explained that the reality of the current hiring landscape has been far more challenging than anticipated, with competition for technology jobs remaining intense. While they expected employers to value their overseas education, the experience has instead been marked by repeated rejections and uncertainty.
The post quickly gained traction on Reddit, prompting a wave of responses from people who had faced similar dilemmas or were considering studying abroad themselves.
One commenter wrote, "You made the best decision with the information you had at the time. Nobody could have predicted how bad the market would become."
Another advised, "Don't compare today's situation with the salary you left behind. Focus on what you can control now and keep applying."
A third user offered a broader perspective, saying, "A master's degree isn't a guaranteed ticket to a better job anymore. Skills, networking and timing matter just as much."
Others pointed out that global hiring has slowed considerably in recent years, especially in the technology sector, making it difficult even for experienced professionals to land new roles. Several users encouraged the engineer to continue networking, expand their job search beyond their preferred locations and remain patient while the market improves.
The discussion also reignited debate over whether pursuing higher education abroad continues to offer the same return on investment it once did. While many maintained that an international degree can still be valuable in the long term, others cautioned prospective students against assuming it automatically leads to higher salaries or quicker employment.
Although the engineer expressed regret over leaving a lucrative position, many commenters urged them not to view the decision as a failure. Instead, they argued that career paths are rarely linear and that economic conditions—not just personal choices—have played a major role in shaping today's challenging job market.
