My rags‑to‑riches journey

[Avni]

I come from a lower‑middle‑class family. I was a good student but picked up some bad habits around class 10, still managed 87% in the board exams. Later I found my footing again, but covid hit. I was under mental stress and teachers had a bone to pick with my class 10‑11 self (we didn't give boards). I managed to get into a tier‑3 college under Delhi University, finished graduation and started working at an NGO with about 30k in hand – that felt like a lot back then.

After graduating I wasn't keen on further studies, so I enrolled in an IGNOU master's programme (still going on).

Even though the NGO job paid well, I hated the people and the culture. The office was basically a home with only one washroom for both men and women – pure hell.

The only saving grace was that the work was decent. During that job I learned a lot, and because it was an education‑focused NGO, I got employee access to a few pricey courses at a fraction of the cost, adding some certifications to my name.

I also started up‑skilling on the side using YouTube and networking on LinkedIn.

I was so fed up that I wanted to leave desperately. I applied to 100 companies a week, but didn't even get rejection emails.

Fast forward 9 months, I got two offers from top firms, including one from a world‑renowned company (ends with 'oogle'). I'm now earning more than 1.2 LPA in hand and finally have clean washrooms.

Coming from a tier‑3 college with virtually no skills, cracking three offers and being in a position to choose where I work, I've come a long way. I now live in my own house and make sure my parents visit me every month! I love having them over.

*Edit: 1.2 LPM*

[Neha]

Why does it sound so fake? If it's true, congratulations!

[Juhi]

What did you graduate in, bro?

[Bhavesh]

1.2 LPA? So that's 1.2 L per year?

[Namrata]

Shouldn't have written 'oogle' in your story.

[Sangeeta]

Can you guide how you networked on LinkedIn?

[Vasant]

Hi, which skills did you focus on acquiring?

[Harshit]

Congrats, OP!

[Sneha]

Need guidance.

[Harini]

Really well done, OP, but this wasn't rags and it isn't riches. Happy for you though. Best

[Arisha]

u/Bot-sleuth-Bot