Are tech salaries driving unrealistic expectations?

When I first started out, the salaries were decent but not extravagant. However, in recent years, there's been a significant surge in pay packages, especially for those with a few years of experience or specialized skills.

This sudden spike in salaries has created a kind of bubble. Fresh graduates now expect to land jobs with 10L+ salaries right out of college, which is not always realistic. I've seen new hires demanding pay that is way out of line with their actual skill levels and experience. This is partly because of the high-profile success stories that get a lot of media attention, making it seem like everyone in tech is raking in the big bucks.

Moreover, the competition among companies to attract top talent has led to inflated salaries. While this is great for those of us already in the industry, it sets a special kind of pressure on new entrants. They come in with sky-high expectations, and when reality hits, it can be quite demoralizing.

On the flip side, these high salaries are also driving up the cost of living in tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad. Rent, food, and other essentials are becoming more expensive, making it harder for people to save money despite their high incomes. It's a vicious cycle that keeps feeding into itself.

In my opinion, while it's great that tech professionals are finally getting the recognition and pay they deserve, we need to be cautious. Unrealistic salary expectations can lead to disappointment and job dissatisfaction. It's important for new entrants to have a balanced view and understand that not everyone will land a dream job with a dream salary right away. Patience and continuous skill development are key.

So, yes, in my experience, the current trend in tech salaries is creating unrealistic expectations, and it's something we need to address as a community.