Chasing money or skills? What paid off at the end?

Saw the new FIRE community here on Grapevine, thought of sharing my story here. Let's talk about money, startups, and the misleading "get rich quick" mentality that's captivating our generation. I'm 32, and I've been with TCS for 11 years. Yes, TCS. Not a trendy startup, not a unicorn, just good old Tata Consultancy Services. And I've just reached a 1Cr net worth. Before you assume I'm a senior executive or had family wealth, let me clarify. I started as a fresh graduate earning 3.5 LPA. My parents are middle-class government employees. I had no special advantages or lucky breaks. What I did have was discipline. Pure, unglamorous discipline. While my college friends hopped between startups, chasing ESOPs and IPO dreams, I stayed put. I lived modestly, invested consistently, and focused on steady growth. Here's the unvarnished truth: 1. Most startups fail. Your ESOPs are worthless if the company doesn't succeed. 2. Even if your startup thrives, the chances of making life-changing money are slim. You're more likely to end up overworked and burnt out. 3. FIRE is unrealistic for most people, especially through startup gambles. 4. Slow and steady really does win the race. My journey wasn't exciting. It looked like this: - Lived with roommates until 28 - Drove a second-hand Alto while peers financed luxury cars - Invested 50% of my salary monthly, without exception - Educated myself about index funds, debt funds, and asset allocation - Declined expensive trips and unnecessary luxuries - Focused on upskilling and steady promotions at TCS Was it always enjoyable? No. Did I sometimes feel left behind when friends posted about startup funding or fancy perks? Absolutely. But you know what's truly satisfying? Reaching 1Cr net worth at 32 through consistent, unexciting progress. I'm not saying everyone should work at TCS or that startups are bad. If you genuinely love the startup world, pursue it. But do it because you love the work, not because you think it's your ticket to early retirement. The startup world has sold us a fantasy. They've glorified overwork, made "hustle" a personality trait, and convinced a generation that success only comes through a miraculous exit. That's simply not true. Success often looks like showing up daily, living below your means, and making smart, consistent choices with your money. To the 20-somethings chasing startup dreams and thinking ESOPs will enable early retirement - reconsider. The odds aren't in your favor. Instead, think about this: - Find a stable, fulfilling job - Live well below your means - Invest aggressively and consistently - Focus on steady career growth - Ignore flashy social media lifestyles It's not exciting. It won't get you media attention. But it works. Here's the best part: this path has allowed me to have a balanced life. I'm married with a young child, and I get to spend quality time with them every day. I play with my kid after work, I'm present for family dinners, and I even have time for my hobbies on weekends. I'm not constantly stressed about the next funding round or pulling all-nighters to meet impossible deadlines. I have the mental space to be fully present with my family, and that's priceless. I'm not planning to retire soon. I actually enjoy my job and the stability it provides. But reaching this milestone has given me options and peace of mind that no startup gamble could offer. So, is anyone else out there quietly building wealth without the drama? Let's hear your stories. And to those still pursuing the startup dream - I wish you the best. But consider that the less exciting path might be the one that actually leads to both financial success and a fulfilling personal life.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Slow is smooth, smooth is fast :)

Since the job switch hike can never be matched by a promotion within the same org at least in India, Is frequent job-hopping the key to maximizing earnings? What are the potential downsides of job-hopping every two years? For those who have stayed longer at one company, how has your compensation growth compared? Do you think switching jobs frequently is sustainable in the long term?

Hi Folks, Have you guys ever rejected an offer just because you thought maybe after 1 year I will get something better? I'm currently working as a consultant. I got an offer in a core product based company that too for a senior position. I got a decent hike approx 40 percent and stocks as well I have switched 3 companies in my career of 4 years (currently working in 4th). This is seen as a red flag by interviewers. And I also strongly believe I have some growth in my current company (skill wise not money and promotion). But in terms of Promotion or Money I have to wait a lot. The hikes are expected to be around 10 percent max in the month of November and for Promotion I have to wait till next June 2025 probably. What should I do now please advise 🥺

I see jobs being there, but even the entry level jobs are requiring experience. I saw a associate level job posting on linkedin for a startup asking for 4-6 years experience. This is in line with the recent article at The KEN. Are people really ready to work for low salary for high skills? What does this mean for the freshers, job switchers/career switchers? Are we all doomed for now? What's your take on the market?

To the People who have made / are making frequent job switches ( say each year or so ), What’s your salary progression and any issues you might think you run into in the future

Which is a better option to increase salary/package ? switching roles in between different sectors like banking,audit,financial markets. Or To build a career in a specific area/sector.

What advice would you give to 20 yr old ppl? Your mistakes, regrets, necessary steps, things to avoid How to climb the success ladder fastest?

Hello folks, I am working with a startup (now acquired by a big fintech) as FTE for 1.5 years now (Full stack dev) , my TC is 18 LPA (14.4 Fixed + Variable) in a permanent wfh model. The reason I want to switch is that my tech team is very small (4 people) and there is no senior person in my team from whom I can learn something, thus my learning has become stagnant technical wise. Should I try and switch company or stay in the same for more time, considering the current market scenario? PS: I am a 2022 graduate.

I don't understand people who have been with one organisation for 10, 15, 20 years. I can't even think beyond 3 years and that's a stretch too.

Which is a better option to increase salary/package ? switching roles in between different sectors like banking,audit,financial markets. Or To build a career in a specific area/sector.