Completed 20 years in software industry

I just hit 30 and it feels... different. Not bad, just not what I expected. My 20s were a whirlwind of possibilities, but now I'm wondering if I'm supposed to have it all figured out. How are your 30s different from your 20s? What changes - good or bad - caught you off guard?

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 :)

As I'm entering a new stage of life, I'm starting to reevaluate my career priorities. In my 20s, I was all about climbing the ladder and chasing prestige. Now, I'm more focused on finding work that aligns with my values and allows for a balanced lifestyle. Have any of you gone through a similar shift? How did it change your career trajectory? And how do you define success for yourself now versus when you first started out?

27 Male ,got an offer of 20.5 lpa. Most of the people I know here at grapevine are making way more and friends in my circle are making around 35-50 lpa. Now I am confused,I have a lot of questions in my head. Did I slack off? Or did I do okay?Cause I was avg in college(7.6 cgpa) tier -3 and started my job at non-dev role. I thought market was down hence I was happy with 20.5 lpa,but now I see folks making more money. My progression : 3 lpa to 5 lpa (Accenture for 2 years) service based S.A.P basis job. Drone tech startup: ML Engineer (2.3 yoe)[8-12 LPA] Now I will be joining an MNC : As Sr.MLE offer in hand (20.5 LPA) Overall I have 4.3 yoe. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I might be insecure,I cannot talk about this problem with my parents or friends (or anyone around me)

What’s the most important career advice you’ve ever received? It could be anything, an advice from your colleague, a lesson you learnt the hard way, or a piece of wisdom that changed your perspective! 🌟🌟

Hey community Been working in corporate for 3 years since college and reached 50L. Hope to reach 1 Cr in 5 years and 5 Cr in 10 years Fingers crossed. All the best to all of you too

I have seen a lot of questions here about how to become rich or successful. I initially thought I could make a course and shill it on LinkedIn, but then I decided against it. Context is: I work in a field where most around me are making a lot of money, and typically everyone's a crorepati by 26/27. That's what I have seen. Their secrets: 1. They work 12+ hours a day consistently for 5 days a week, and then some more on Saturday (sometimes Sunday). Even at the peak of covid, when everybody was scared and would avoid working, these fuckers would. 2. They are ultra competitive. They will compete on anything, not just work. They are addicted to poker. They will debate anything during lunch time, no matter how frivolous it is. Pure TYPE A folks. 3. They never complain about working hard. It's just second nature for them. Stems from IIT/IIM days, but continues. They don't question it. (I do, because I am not them) 4. They obsess over money. They constantly try to figure out where they can make more money. All invest actively. 5. They are incredibly well read. Can speak at length on any topic. They truly love going deep into a topic and coming out with the crux of it (or so they may think). Now I know one thing. These are very obvious things. Everybody knows if you do this, you probably would become successful. But my takeaway is to do it. It's super difficult. But at my age, I have no option but to not try, now that I have seen how its done.

Here are my rules: 1. Forget about starting a startup. It’s overrated and a waste of time. 2. Focus only on the popular tech skills that every company wants today. Avoid niche tech— stick to AWS, JS, Python, and React. You will thank me for this. Go and Rust might be the future but you will have time to pick that up later. 3. Accept a full-time remote job, even if it pays lesser than your in office job. You'll save money, and it’ll be worth it. 4. Ditch the big cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi. Move to a smaller town nearby; it's smarter and cheaper. You can still network yet save money. 5. Leave any job that requires too much work or too many meetings. Meetings are the mind-killer. You’ll quickly find another job because you specialized. 6. Take two-month vacations between jobs or contracts. You deserve it. It will help you decide what you want to do next in life. 7. Do this for 7 years while investing most of your salary in a diversified portfolio. Don’t go too crazy with degen gambling/ fantasy apps/ futures and options/ trading etc. Congratulations. You’re now rich like any other senior programmer that invested, but you’ve worked less, and for fewer years.

I am 26 years old and just reached 75 lakhs net worth and 0 loans. I have a 15 lakh car which I paid in cash for. I also recently got a job that will increase this significantly in the next 2 years with more than 80 LPA CTC. But I don't know what to do with this money. Yes I have invested a lot but I don't feel like buying a house or anything. It feels like money is increasing but what's the point. I already live a happy life living in a rented 1 BHK in a good society. Should I buy a house just for the sake of buying it?

Being anonymous gives me a safe space. But life is getting tougher than ever each day. I wish I had a better paying job. I wish I had time to have slow mornings. I wish I could provide for my family and give them the things they much deserve. I wish I had a chance to rewire rewind and restart. I wish I could do more than I wish to do. It's all wishes guys . It's all hopes. . Nothing seems fulfilling. Nothing seems to make me happy. I have forgotten what carefree days were like. Adulting is kinda hitting hard. I am not able to cope up. Can someone relate?