A powerful personal story shared by an Indian professional on Reddit, detailing his journey from failing the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) to securing a high-paying job with a package of ₹21 lakhs per annum (LPA), has resonated deeply with thousands online. The user's candid account of academic setbacks, health battles, and eventual career success offers a compelling narrative beyond conventional success metrics.
The Downward Spiral: Academic Struggles and Health Battles
The user described himself as an introvert and a "pure mediocre" in school, despite scoring 92% in his 10th standard. His academic journey took a sharp turn after that. In 2019, he secured 72% in his 12th standard, but his JEE Main rank was around 600,000 and his state JEE rank was approximately 53,000. Failing to clear the competitive JEE, he enrolled in what he called the "worst possible college" for a BSc in Mathematics, where he failed all subjects in the very first semester.
The Covid-19 pandemic period marked a particularly low phase. He slipped into depression, and his physical health deteriorated significantly. He was diagnosed with Hydronephrosis and chronic kidney disease due to pre-existing conditions, coupled with low Vitamin D levels and a BMI of 19. "All together this was my situation in 2022-23. Extremely poor, complete hopeless," he wrote in his post.
He made another attempt to change his trajectory by preparing for the NIT MCA entrance exam but faced failure once again, despite his efforts.
The Turning Point: Freelancing and First Breaks
The tide began to turn in August 2023 when he landed his first part-time job, earning ₹7,000 per month. This small step opened new doors. He subsequently took up freelance work and managed to secure a full-time position with an annual package of ₹6 lakhs. However, this job ended after five months in 2024 when he was let go.
Amidst this professional hustle, he mustered the strength for one final attempt at his university exams. This time, he passed, finally completing his BSc Mathematics degree. Shortly after, in October 2024, he claimed to have secured a new job with an improved annual package of ₹7 lakhs.
The Ultimate Breakthrough: Landing a ₹21 LPA Package
Not content with his progress, the user continued to prepare and interview for better opportunities. His persistence paid off handsomely. He revealed that by October 2025, he received two job offers from mid-level startups. He accepted one of them, which came with a base salary of ₹21 lakh per annum, along with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).
Concluding his post, the now 25-year-old reflected on his arduous journey. He stated that he feels his current position is "way better than I thought where I could end." While acknowledging that his journey is not finished, he affirmed he is now in a "better and happier shape." His story, shared on a social media platform, stands as a testament to resilience, challenging the notion that success is defined solely by elite exam ranks and top-tier college degrees.
Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. The claims made in the post have not been independently verified.
