u/Few-Aerie-8978

I’m currently working as a backend engineer at a startup and this is my second job.

Experience:

- First job: 9 months

- Current job: 7 months

- Total experience: ~1.4 years

Current pay:

- Around 12 LPA in-hand

Tech stack I work with:

- Python + FastAPI

- AWS

- Payment integrations (wallets, SaaS integrations, etc.)

Most of my growth till now has come from actual development work instead of interview prep. I’m comfortable building backend features, APIs, integrations, debugging production issues, and picking up new tasks on the go.

But I recently realized something:

My DSA is honestly 0.

My System Design knowledge is also pretty limited.

I somehow managed to reach this point mainly through practical work, communication, confidence during interviews, and learning while building.

Now I’m planning to:

- Complete 1 year at my current company

- Start preparing for a switch after that

- Target bigger/product-based companies

The thing I’m confused about is:

For someone around my experience level:

- Should I focus more on DSA?

- Or System Design?

- Or both equally?

And realistically, if you had 4 months in my position, how would you prepare?

Would love advice from people who’ve already made similar backend switches.

I’m currently working as a backend engineer at a startup and this is my second job.

Experience:

First job: 9 months

Current job: 7 months

Current Inhand Salary : 12LPA

Total experience: \\\~1.4 years

Current tech stack:

Python + FastAPI

AWS

Payment integrations (wallets, SaaS integrations, etc.)

Most of my experience has been practical development work. I’m comfortable picking up backend tasks/features and figuring things out while building.

The confusion I have is this:

My DSA fundamentals are weak.

My System Design knowledge is also very limited.

I got my current opportunities mainly through practical development skills, projects/work experience, and communication. I have never given a DSA round!

My current plan is:

Stay here until I complete 1 year

Prepare for a switch after that

Target slightly better companies for better pay.

For someone around \\\~1.5 YOE backend experience:

What matters more during interviews?

DSA?

System Design?

Both?

If you had 4 months to prepare for a better backend role, how would you structure it?

Would really appreciate a roadmap for my next 4months!

23M, 6’3 feet tall, based in Bangalore. Work in tech, hit the gym regularly, and keep life pretty straightforward otherwise.

Thought I’d post here since the gym crowd usually tends to be more real than dating apps anyway 😄

Just looking for someone chill to talk to, vibe with, exchange thoughts, and see where things go. Nothing too serious, just something easygoing and fun.

And who knows, maybe we can judge each other’s pump lol.

DMs open, Let's do some Pump check there!

23M from Bangalore. Looking for a woman around my age who enjoys playful conversations, good banter, and a little harmless trouble once the night gets boring.

Not looking for anything intense or serious. Just someone easygoing, fun to text, and comfortable with flirty energy if we vibe.

About me: 6'3, work in tech, gym regularly, and probably awake at unhealthy hours.

If you think we'd get along, DM me :)

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore Not really into dating apps, they feel a bit transactional to me. Trying this instead, hoping for something more normal and real.

I’m looking to meet someone around my age, nothing rushed or forced. Start with a conversation, maybe coffee, and see where it goes.

A bit about me : I work in tech, hit the gym regularly, and try to stay sane.

If you’re someone who values honesty, can hold a conversation, And If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore This is really random, but here goes.

Not into dating apps, so trying this oldschool internet way instead. Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine and meaningful. I’d much rather start with a normal conversation, maybe grab a coffee, and just see if we click. No pressure, just keeping it simple and real.

A bit about me: I’m a software engineer by profession, fairly consistent with work and routine. I hit the gym regularly and try to keep life balanced. Weekends are usually for unwinding, and I absolutely love playing basketball when I get the time. I’m 6’3”, a decent-looking guy, not claiming to be attractive out there, but I carry myself well. I get along best with people who are grounded, easygoing, and can hold a conversation beyond small talk. If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM :)

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.

23M, Bangalore

Not into dating apps, so trying this the old school internet way.

Looking to meet a woman around my age for something genuine. Not into casual stuff, just want to start with a normal conversation or coffee and see if we click.

Nothing much about me, I work, hit the gym, and try to stay sane.

If this sounds like your vibe, feel free to DM.