Are Indian startups undervaluing experienced professionals?

I believe Indian startups are undervaluing experienced professionals. Speaking from my own experience, it's quite frustrating to see how the industry operates. I've been in the workforce for over a decade now, and I've noticed a disturbing trend where startups prefer hiring fresh graduates or less experienced individuals just to save on costs.

It's not that freshers aren't talented, they bring a lot of energy and new ideas to the table, but there's a certain level of expertise and wisdom that only comes with years of experience. Unfortunately, many startups seem to overlook this. They often think they can get away with paying less for someone who has the potential to learn, rather than investing in someone who already knows the ropes and can bring immediate value.

I've personally been in situations where I've had to compete with much younger candidates for roles that clearly required a seasoned hand. And even when I did get the job, the compensation offered was nowhere near what it should have been for someone with my background. It's almost as if they expect you to be grateful just for the opportunity, which is quite disheartening.

Moreover, there's this special kind of bias where experienced professionals are seen as less adaptable or too set in their ways. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many of us have had to adapt to numerous changes in technology and market trends over the years. We bring a wealth of knowledge that can help steer the company in the right direction, but this is often undervalued.

I understand that startups operate on tight budgets and need to be cautious with their spending, but undervaluing experienced professionals is not the way to go. It leads to high turnover rates and a lack of mentorship for younger employees, which can ultimately harm the company's growth.

So yes, in my opinion, Indian startups are definitely undervaluing experienced professionals, and it's high time this trend changes.