Employee was stuck in job with 'pathetic salary' for 15 years. Here's how he got a 90% hike finally

An employee, fed up with the pitiful salary he received at the company he worked for, ended up switching to a company with better pay 15 years later. Taking to the subreddit Indian Workplace, he shared his journey. After being recruited through campus placement, he settled into the role and, over time, slipped into a routine that left him in a comfort zone. Multiple attempts to change jobs didn’t materialize, and the years went by with him earning far less than he deserved. His compensation, by his own admission, was dismal and failed to match the time and effort he invested.

A Turning Point Through Upskilling

Earlier this year, he realized it was time to make a serious shift. He began improving his skill set to align with current industry demands. This effort soon paid off when a vacancy opened up in his field. Confident in his abilities, he applied, cleared every interview stage quickly, and received an offer. When asked about his salary expectations, he boldly requested a 100% increase. The company, recognizing how underpaid he had been, offered him a 90% hike, which he gladly accepted.

Encouragement to Others

His story carries a motivational message: staying stagnant in a low-paying job is not a life sentence. With focus and consistent effort, opportunities can be created, and fair pay can be achieved. He encouraged others in similar situations to break out of complacency, invest in learning, and seek the compensation they are worth.

Community Reactions

The post sparked a wave of responses on the subreddit. One reader mentioned planning to show it to his wife, who has been with the same employer for over a decade despite earning a very low salary while working long hours. He noted that his own income multiplied five times within nine years because he switched jobs, while she continued postponing change due to constant work obligations.

Another user related closely, describing how after 15 years in management, he too shifted back to an individual contributor role in a techno-functional position. During interviews, the new company acknowledged his extremely low pay and granted his request for a 100% hike without any negotiation. His comment echoed the original poster’s sentiment that persistence and courage can truly transform one’s career.