I'm a Java Full Stack Developer with almost 5 years of experience.
Back in June '25, nobody would have believed I'd be earning three times my salary by June '26.
I started at TCS through the Ninja profile and luckily got a project with a solid tech stack - Java, Spring Boot, AWS, Angular, Python. I'll always be grateful for that chance. I stayed on the same project and team for about 3 years and 11 months.
Even after clearing the Digital Exam (Wings 1) and scoring good bands (A - 2022, B - 2023, A - 2024), my CTC was only 7.8 LPA.
When I made my first switch in July '25, I had 2‑3 offers. One was fully remote but paid less, the highest CTC (100 % hike) was for a Bengaluru role, and another Bengaluru offer was slightly lower than the top one.
I was leaning towards the lower offer because, as an introvert, I don't like making new friends quickly and I wasn't keen on moving. A colleague convinced me to take the Bengaluru offer and relocate, saying it would be better for my career.
I moved to Bengaluru, found a decent flat within my budget, and even had a Reddit friend from Mangalore who was interning there. We explored the city together on weekends.
After a month I started reporting to the client's office, made new friends (thanks to my extroverted teammates) and everything was smooth for six months. Then a couple of my favourite teammates were let go due to cost‑cutting, and a month later another colleague's project ended.
That's when I started looking for a change. I got a walk‑in interview at a fintech firm, cleared all rounds in a day, but the HR called a week later and offered only a 22 % hike. With no better option, I accepted and resigned.
During my 60‑day notice I gave interviews at Philips, Delta Airlines, AMEX GBT and several other service‑based firms.
AMEX GBT offered a 50 % hike, and when I asked Delta Airlines for a 75 % hike they said it was out of budget.
So I finally joined AMEX GBT this month.
TL;DR:
- Started at TCS with a 3.3 LPA CTC. Over the years, with consistent performance, good ratings and clearing the Wings 1 exam, my CTC grew to 7.8 LPA.
- Took a risky move to Bengaluru for my first switch, adapted to a new city, made great friends and gained solid exposure.
- A year later, after multiple interviews and negotiations, I joined AMEX GBT with a salary almost 3 times what I earned in June '25.
- My current CTC is 24.8 LPA.
What role are you in at AMEX GBT? If it's SDE 3 they're seriously underpaying you. I got 37 LPA for the same position.
Congrats, bro. I'm in the same boat - 3.6 years of Java FSD experience, stuck at the same package and not getting enough calls.
Could you share your current CTC? Please mention the exact figure.
You're the real hike, bro
I'm looking for an internship. Do you know of any openings?
Hey brother, please share your interview experience - it would help a lot of us. I'm also planning a switch with a similar Java full‑stack tech stack.
Good to hear, man!
Hey, do you think Java developers have better opportunities than MERN or MEAN? I'm a fresher, by the way.
What should I focus on to prepare for this role?
How did you manage the three‑month notice period while switching from TCS?