Techie takes an employee sabbatical leave to do Master’s in the US. Got degree but faces unexpected struggle in job market

An Indian software program engineer, as soon as employed at a outstanding IT agency, made a daring resolution in 2023 to pause his thriving profession. With three years of business expertise beneath his belt, he selected to pursue a Grasp’s diploma in the US, hoping it will unlock higher job prospects upon his return to India. He accomplished the 18-month program with optimism, however after returning dwelling, actuality struck more durable than anticipated.

Job Hunt Stalled by a Powerful Market

Since arriving again in India, the techie has been actively trying to find employment for over six months. Regardless of his enhanced tutorial credentials and prior skilled expertise, he hasn’t been in a position to safe a task. The unforgiving job market, made extra aggressive by layoffs and hiring freezes, has left him disheartened and unsure about his future. His well-intentioned sabbatical for development has change into a supply of mounting stress.

Firm Rejoining Plans Marred by Coverage Adjustments

With no provides in hand, he’s now considering rejoining his former firm. Nonetheless, a not too long ago launched inner rule has difficult issues: any worker positioned on the ‘bench’—a brief, project-less standing—for greater than 35 days could also be let go. Given the present surplus of benched staff and the shortage of recent tasks, he fears he will not be assigned to a crew in time. This looming uncertainty has made him anxious, nervous that not solely has he returned from the US with out reaching his dream, however he may additionally lose his place on the group he as soon as left confidently.

Caught Between Ambitions and Actuality

This double-edged sword—the failure to safe a job together with his US qualification and the potential lack of his prior place—has left him mentally exhausted and trying to find readability. The worry of dropping each what he hoped to realize and what he as soon as had has created a distressing inner battle.

Recommendation from the Developer Neighborhood

In response to his submit on the Developers India subreddit, members from the tech neighborhood provided sensible recommendation. One Redditor, a fellow US graduate, shared that they too had been unemployed, emphasizing that the diploma alone doesn’t assure employment. Others suggested the techie to grab any alternative, no matter whether or not it aligns together with his expectations, and to keep away from underestimating jobs that will not appear prestigious on paper.Many urged him to sharpen his expertise—significantly in areas like full-stack improvement and rising applied sciences akin to massive language fashions (LLMs) and frameworks like Lang Chain. The consensus was clear: constructing and demonstrating sturdy, sensible talents may pave the way in which for well-paying alternatives in India, even when his US plan didn’t materialize as hoped.