u/Ambitious_Skirt_2774

I started with a group of batch mates, and most of them have already moved on to mid level positions or higher in other companies. Meanwhile, I’m still in the same spot doing pretty much the same type of work I started with.

I’ve done my part, stayed consistent, showed up, took on tasks when needed, and tried to improve where I could, but it never really translated into a promotion or a clear path forward.

What’s frustrating is that I didn’t expect overnight growth, but I also didn’t expect to still be at the starting line this far in. Watching people I started with move ahead while I’m still here hits differently.

Not naming the company for privacy, just needed to get this out.

I’m an entry level software engineer and my previous company paid me $85K. I recently had to relocate because my son needs regular therapy sessions in another city, so I started applying for new roles nearby.

One company offered me $70K. I told them I was hoping for at least $80K since that’s already lower than what I previously made.

Their response surprised me.

They said instead of increasing the salary, they could offer me a gas allowance because they have a partnership with an oil company.

Now I’m stuck wondering if this is actually reasonable or just a creative way to avoid paying market rate.

Would you take it?

Hundreds of applications. Repeated forms. Endless scrolling. And for many candidates, silence after all that effort.

That is why automation is becoming part of the future of hiring.

Not because effort no longer matters, but because the process has become too fast and overcrowded to manage manually alone.

The strongest candidates are no longer just qualified. They are strategic about how they manage visibility, timing, and consistency.