u/Own_Energy9897

I had a bit of a reality check today.

A cousin of mine graduated from a good private law school and got placed at a top corporate law firm with a package of around ₹14-16 LPA as a fresher. I genuinely had no idea that freshers in corporate law could start at that level.

It made me wonder if I've completely misunderstood the salary landscape across professions.

For context, I'm a 2025 engineering graduate (core branch) from a good Tier-2 college. I worked as a Data Analyst for a few months before getting laid off and am currently looking for another role.

The problem is that almost every Data Analyst opening I come across is around ₹5-8 LPA. Aiming for ₹10-12 LPA feels nearly impossible unless it's a handful of companies like Flipkart or a few other well-paying firms.

So now I'm genuinely curious:

- Is the salary progression in corporate law simply much higher than in analytics for freshers?

- Given my background (SQL, Python, Excel, Power BI, Tableau + a few months of analyst experience), are there adjacent roles I should target besides Data Analyst?

I considered Product Analytics and APM, but most APM roles want prior product experience. Data Engineering also seems to ask for experience in most openings. Are there other roles that someone in my position should realistically explore?

I had a bit of a reality check today.

A cousin of mine graduated from a good private law school and got placed at a top corporate law firm with a package of around ₹14-16 LPA as a fresher. I genuinely had no idea that freshers in corporate law could start at that level.

It made me wonder if I've completely misunderstood the salary landscape across professions.

For context, I'm a 2025 engineering graduate from a good Tier-2 college. I worked as a Data Analyst for a few months before getting laid off and am currently looking for another role.

The problem is that almost every Data Analyst opening I come across is around ₹5-8 LPA. Aiming for ₹10-12 LPA feel nearly impossible unless it's a handful of companies like Flipkart or a few other well-paying firms.

So now I'm genuinely curious:

- Is the salary progression in corporate law simply much higher than in analytics for freshers?

- Given my background (SQL, Python, Excel, Power BI, Tableau + a few months of analyst experience), are there adjacent roles I should target besides Data Analyst?

I considered Product Analytics and APM, but most APM roles want prior product experience. Data Engineering also seems to ask for experience in most openings. Are there other roles that someone in my position should realistically explore?

I'm currently looking for a Data Analyst role after being laid off. I have less than 1 year of experience, so I'm still in the 0-1 YOE bucket.

One thing that's really frustrating is that many recruiters seem to care a lot about my previous CTC. I don't understand why. If a company has budgeted ₹10-12 LPA for a role and the candidate clears all interview rounds, why should past salary matter so much? It feels like companies try to optimize for the lowest possible offer instead of paying based on the role and the candidate's skills.

Most fresher Data Analyst roles seem to be around ₹5-7 LPA, occasionally ₹8 LPA. Please don't suggest ZS, it only hires from the colleges that are listed in the drop-down menu of its application form. My college isn't in that list even though they come and hire from my college every year.

Today I also found out that my cousin, who just graduated from private law school, got placed at a top law firm with a package of around ₹14-16 LPA. I'm genuinely happy, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous. It's probably the first time I've felt this way. We data analysts can only dream of such good salaries as freshers, even Flipkart doesn't pay that much.

For context, I'm an engineering graduate from a good tier 2 private college (amazing placements used to happen till 2023 when market was good).

Something I've noticed online genuinely confuses me.

On one hand, there are countless men (including teenagers and married men) actively participating in NSFW communities, looking for hookups, sexting, or casual encounters. Some even talk about having their first sexual experience through Reddit.

On the other hand, many of these same people say they want a "pure" or "virgin" wife and judge women's character based on their sexual history.

How does that make sense? If it's okay for men to seek casual sex, why is a woman judged for the exact same thing?

Another thing that bothers me is how differently crime is discussed. When a crime against a man gains attention, I often see comments saying things like, "Women were better off at home," or "This is what happens when women become independent."

Why isn't the same logic ever applied when men commit violent crimes? Most violent crimes are committed by men, and many of the victims are also men. Yet nobody says men should lose their freedom because of it.

I'm genuinely trying to understand this contradiction. Why do so many people hold women to standards they don't expect from men themselves?

I'm a 2025 B.Tech grad, got placed during college but before joining, I was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer. Treatment (chemo + radiation) lasted around 4 months, so I lost that opportunity.

After recovering, I worked hard on applications and eventually cracked a difficult 3-round interview for a Product Analyst internship (₹25k/month + 8 LPA PPO after 6 months). But after relocating to Gurgaon, I felt miserable. The pollution, dust, lack of greenery, and overall environment were affecting both my physical and mental health. I was falling sick frequently, and after a lot of thought, I left and came back home to recover properly.

I've now been applying for the last 2 months - cold messaging recruiters daily, asking for referrals, and giving interviews. I've had only 3 callbacks so far. One company rejected me after a 5-minute HR round saying they only wanted IIT/NIT candidates (then why shortlist me?).

Another froze hiring after taking 3 rounds. I'm currently in another interview process and hoping for the best.

The growing gap scares me. I haven't completed an internship or held a full-time job after graduating, and I'll be twenty-four soon, still applying for fresher roles.

I keep wondering: Did I make a huge mistake by leaving Gurgaon? I walked away from what could've become an 8 LPA role because I genuinely wasn't doing well. Or was I just escaping?

Not looking for sympathy. I know I'm lucky to have beaten cancer. I just wanted to vent and hear from people who've faced career setbacks or had to choose between health and career. How did things turn out for you?

Anyone else feel like Instagram reels creates problems that weren't even on your mind?

One reel about hair thinning, then suddenly you're checking your hairline every hour.

Then it's fitness, skincare, styling, careers, vacations... it never ends. Everyone only posts their highlights.

I genuinely feel more anxious after scrolling than before opening the app. Has anyone else cut down on short-form content and noticed their stress levels improve?

My friend and I (both 23M, from Jaipur) are planning a 3N/4D trip around 15-20 July and we're quite confused.

The safe option seems to be Udaipur + surroundings since it's easy to reach, less risky in monsoon, and easier to manage if work/interviews pop up.

But we're also tempted by Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Coorg, or even Kerala. The issue is that July is peak monsoon, beaches may not be enjoyable, and places like Coorg/Kerala can have heavy rains. Kerala also feels expensive for just a 3-day trip.

If you were in our place, would you play it safe with Udaipur or take the chance and go south?

Would love suggestions from people who've traveled during monsoon.

I'm planning a 3N/4D trip around 15-20 July and am quite confused (23M, jaipur)

The safe option seems to be Udaipur + surroundings since it's easy to reach, less risky in monsoon, and easier to manage if work/interviews pop up.

But also tempted by Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Coorg, or even Kerala. The issue is that July is peak monsoon, beaches may not be enjoyable, and places like Coorg/Kerala can have heavy rains. Kerala also feels expensive for just a 3-day trip.

If you were in our place, would you play it safe with Udaipur or take the chance and go south?

Would love suggestions from people who've traveled during monsoon.

Hi people,

I need some travel advice for a 2-3 night solo trip around 15-20 July.

I'll be travelling from Jaipur and have considered the following:

1. South Goa for 2 days - but beaches and activities are mostly shut and sometimes it pours non stop.

2. Coastal Karnataka and/or Kerala - but not sure if it would be worth to go so far that too for 2-3 days in this weather.

3. Coorg/Munnar/Wayanad - very beautiful in monsoon but concerns about landslide and rains.

North indian hill stations are totally out of the equation due to heavy risk. Ladakh and Kashmir are nice but not considering them for such a short trip. Udaipur is an option though, but I'm from Rajasthan so was looking for something different.

Wondering where would you go if you were me? For context I am 23M

23M here. Me and my friend (also 23M) are planning a 3-night trip between 15-20 July. He’s in Hyderabad for his internship and I’ll be coming from Jaipur (we’re both from Jaipur originally).

The issue is that July seems like the worst month to travel 🥲

North India hill stations have landslide risks, not considering Ladakh/Kashmir. South beaches (coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Goa) don’t seem worth it in monsoon due to restricted beach access and no sun, and hill stations like Munnar/Coorg/Wayanad also get heavy rains and landslides.

Given the monsoon, what destinations would you suggest that are safe, scenic, and worth 3 nights in mid-July?

Started minoxidil in 2024 at age 22 for hair loss. Initially got decent thickness, especially during winters, but summers brought a lot of frizz, dullness and inconsistent texture. Later added topical finasteride too.

Then in 2025 life took a turn, got diagnosed with lymphoma and chemo took away all my hair.

Treatment has been over for around 5 months now and I’m back on minoxidil + fin again. Hair is growing back, but slower than before, and one side of my hairline seems more receded compared to pre-chemo days.

Would genuinely love to hear from others who have been through chemo or post-chemo hair regrowth. How long did recovery take for you? Did texture/density eventually normalize? Any experiences with minoxidil/fin after chemo? Would really appreciate people sharing their journeys.

I obviously stopped min/fin during treatment (4 months) so please also tell me if it's genuinely possible to regain all the minoxidil growth after re-starting!

In my (23M) family, even if my mother (51F) goes for just 3-4 days every 4-5 months, my grandparents create issues around it and dad stays neutral, doesnt support her and also taunts mom after she returns back (traits of a weak man).

What makes it stranger is that her parents live less than 300km away so ideally she should be able to see them more often.

I wanted to know if this is common, what's the scene in your family? Are people a bit relaxed about it or mostly similar?

Offbeat places suggestions for 2-3 nights (river + snow views) in HP/Uttarakhand

Hi all,

I'm planning a 2-3 night trip around May end. Coming from Jaipur and don't want anything too hectic or too far (considering the duration of trip).

I've already explored Sainj valley (breathtakingly beautiful), Jibhi + Jalori pass (amazing views), and also been to Tirthan valley briefly but haven't stayed properly. I'm open to revisiting all these places.

Looking for some offbeat, peaceful locations not too crowded like Kasol/Manali. Also good food options will be a plus. Ideally looking for nice river side stays and if possible some snow-capped peaks visible from afar.

I'm open to HP as well as Uttarakhand. 22 years old, but right now don't want to go for trek-heavy trip. So should I try a new place or I must explore Tirthan properly along with Jibhi and surroundings? Budget around 15-16k for 2-3 nights end to end from Jaipur.

Thanks!

Hey guys,

Planning a short 2–3 night trip with a close friend around mid - May. We’re coming from Jaipur and don’t want anything too hectic or too far.

I've already explored:

Sainj Valley (mostly covered, it's breathtaking)

Jibhi + Jalori Pass (Raghupur fort is gorgeous)

Been to Tirthan Valley briefly (but haven’t stayed properly, open to revisiting)

What we’re looking for:

Offbeat / peaceful (not too crowded like Kasol/Manali)

Good food options (not totally dependent on hotel kitchens)

Nice river views ideally

And if possible, snow-capped peaks visible from afar (don’t need actual snow)

Open to:

Himachal (new places or even Tirthan/Jibhi/Sainj again)

Uttarakhand suggestions also welcome (have been to Mukteshwar and Kasar Devi, too beautiful)

We’re both 22M, just looking for a chill, scenic break and nothing too hardcore.

Would love some solid suggestions, especially places that strike a balance between peace + food + views.

Thanks! 🙌

Hi all,

My friend has invited me for her parents' 25th wedding anniversary and I'm really confused about what to gift and where to buy it from.

Me and one of my other friends are going to contribute for the gift together, our budget is around 1k rupees. Are there any good gift shops in Vaishali Nagar or nearby?

We've thought of gifting them either a painting or some home decor item like a show piece. Any suggestions? Please dont suggest lifaafa🥲we are children, they won't accept money from us.

Thanks!

I’ve been working at an NBFC for a few months now, as an Analyst in the collections domain. Honestly, I’m not enjoying the work because it's operations and process heavy. I am not using SQL or any analytical tools here (as opposed to what they said while hiring me). So I have been actively trying to switch into core analytics/product roles.

To my surprise, cold emailing actually worked really well for me (even my current role). I got callbacks from 2 good companies recently, both unicorn startups (used car marketplace, lending space).

But the outcomes have been… frustrating to say the least.

Case 1:

Went through multiple rounds (reached Round 3), everything seemed to go well. Then suddenly:

“Your analytical skills and project portfolio need some improvement. Also, headcount is frozen, we don’t have a requirement anymore.”

Fair enough - things happen. But did you just blame my skills when your role was put on hold? I literally answered all SQL questions correctly and there was absolutely no discussion about my projects, so how would I demonstrate my portfolio? The interviewer himself was quite distracted during the interview and he did not know about skewness (statistics concept)🤦

Case 2 (this one really got me):

Got shortlisted, had a 7–8 minute screening call, and got rejected right after.

Reason?

“We’re looking for IIT/NIT candidates.”

Like what?

If that was the criteria, why shortlist me in the first place? Why schedule a call at all? And more importantly, how are you deciding in 7-8 minutes, without even a technical round - that I’m not a fit?

This wasn’t some 20-30 LPA role either. Budget was around 8 LPA.

I completely understand companies having preferences, but rejecting someone without actually evaluating their skills feels incredibly arbitrary.

Anyone else faced this kind of thing? I'm honestly grateful that I got callbacks from HR because apparently people aren't getting any. So my strategy of cold emailing does work, but I'm losing motivation now. Should I go for proper paid job search mentorship? Where they help me end to end?

I’ve been working at an NBFC for a few months now, as an Analyst in the collections domain. Honestly, I’m not enjoying the work because it's operations and process heavy. I am not using SQL or any analytical tools here (as opposed to what they said while hiring me). So I have been actively trying to switch into core analytics/product roles.

To my surprise, cold emailing actually worked really well for me (even my current role). I got callbacks from 2 good companies recently, both unicorn startups (used car marketplace, lending space).

But the outcomes have been… frustrating to say the least.

Case 1:

Went through multiple rounds (reached Round 3), everything seemed to go well. Then suddenly:

“Hiring is frozen, we don’t have a requirement anymore.”

Fair enough — things happen. But it still sucks when you’ve already invested time and cleared rounds.

Case 2 (this one really got me):

Got shortlisted, had a 7–8 minute screening call, and got rejected right after.

Reason?

“We’re looking for IIT/NIT candidates.”

Like… what?

If that was the criteria, why shortlist me in the first place? Why schedule a call at all? And more importantly, how are you deciding in 7–8 minutes, without even a technical round — that I’m not a fit?

This wasn’t some 20-30 LPA role either. Budget was around 8 LPA.

I completely understand companies having preferences, but rejecting someone without actually evaluating their skills feels incredibly arbitrary.

At this point, it just feels like:

Either you get a fair shot

Or you get filtered out based on tags before you even begin.

Anyone else faced this kind of thing? I'm honestly grateful that I got callbacks from HR because apparently people aren't getting any. So my strategy of cold emailing does work, but I'm losing motivation now. Should I go for proper paid job search mentorship? Where they help me end to end?

Ps: used chatgpt to structure my thoughts.