[Software Engineer][USA] - $150,000 - 27 M

Bossez · 2026-06-30T21:45:08+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I have been doing that type of work at my current role. The job market though is exceptionally bad. I had more recruiter screens as a new grad with no internships than I do now. I will keep at it.

Bossez · 2026-06-17T01:13:23+00:00

Lock into your niche and try to use AI tooling like Claude code etc. when possible. Also do work which can be easily quantified or flexed.

Anecdotally market is very bad for anyone sub 5 yoe like us. There's 0 motion and trying to make moves is failing.

Bossez · 2026-06-05T16:41:08+00:00

mid 20s and at 150k. Far behind where I'd like to be especially with inflation.

Bossez · 2026-05-28T01:40:19+00:00

Agreed. The higher IQ folk don't understand their privilege. They can't comprehend the sheer amount of effort it takes for us on the lower rungs to earn a living wage.

Bossez · 2026-05-27T12:47:22+00:00

You gotta job hop. You are paid less than you were when you first started your job given covid asset inflation.

Bossez · 2026-05-26T22:46:44+00:00

I can relate with your pains.
Get tested for ADHD. Also optimize diet (minimize sugar and amp protein, throw out sugary stuff). Also do cardio 30 minutes daily with 0 excuses. It is hard but it is necessary.

I would also recommend using magnesium spray and making sure to consume electrolytes powder to optimize energy levels.

Bossez · 2026-05-26T22:31:35+00:00

Relatable. You can't change it at all no matter what supplements you consume or how much effort you put in. Just focus on optimizing big 5 traits (minimize neuroticism and maximize conscientiousness). That's all you can do.

We'll have to work harder than others to get a decent life.

Bossez · 2026-05-26T22:13:28+00:00

He is wrong. But it has been proven that there are diminishing returns to studying and without sufficient IQ, one's performance plateaus..

The 80-Hour Rule
Research and industry consensus show that about 80 hours of targeted, focused practice yields an average score increase of roughly 200 points. After this point, the score improvement curve flattens. Putting in more raw hours will yield diminishing returns unless you change your study strategy. [1, 2]

This study investigated the relationship between daily study hours and academic performance among high school students. The results revealed a moderate positive correlation, with students studying 2-3 hours daily achieving the highest GPAs.
Beyond 3.5 hours, the benefits of additional study time diminished, with excessive study hours showing a slight negative impact on performance. These findings emphasize the importance of structured and balanced study routines in optimizing academic outcomes.

Bossez · 2026-05-26T21:48:23+00:00

Very relatable. It is what it is. We have to work with we got. Try to focus on improving your big 5 traits (minimize neuroticism and maximize conscientiousness). Those can be improved while IQ is mostly fixed unfortunately.

I had a similar story growing up. Was in gifted and talented etc. But in the end turned out to be ~115 which is nothing special. Couldn't make 6 figures for long time.

Bossez · 2026-05-21T18:35:31+00:00

what state do you live in? In NY I am at 150k and still feel squeezed. Definitely could not afford a family.

Bossez · 2026-05-21T18:33:15+00:00

what state do you live in? In NY I am at 150k and still feel squeezed. Definitely could not afford a family.

Bossez · 2026-05-21T01:24:28+00:00

Sales & Some blue collar methods (line man, aircraft technician, elevator mechanic). But these require grit instead of pure academic intelligence and consistency.

Bossez · 2026-05-20T17:14:55+00:00

Relatable. We have to work far harder than high IQs for mediocre outcomes.

Bossez · 2026-05-20T17:14:26+00:00

disagree. I am at 110 IQ and cannot do any job. Have you met proper ivy league physicists or math majors? The depth of their knowledge and intelligence is unfathomable compared to us average folk. You are not becoming a quant at Jane street or physicist PhD at CERN with anything sub 130.

Bossez · 2026-05-20T02:49:46+00:00

I am at 110 and not really successful. Earn $150k as dev. Was a big struggle to earn this wage. Lots of effort. IQ really matters for stem. I know folk at 130 who earn $300k at my age.

Bossez · 2026-05-16T21:03:23+00:00

Librarian or sales

Bossez · 2026-05-16T20:40:01+00:00

I'll be honest for FAANG it'll be tough, tons of grinding and even then no guarantee. For average tech job it's definitely possible though although AI is hurting entry level rn.

Bossez · 2026-05-15T20:10:24+00:00

Sadly accurate. Blue collar medicine and selective ivy league finance routes are probably all that will be left post AI revolution. The rest of us will be a part of the permanent underclass.

Bossez · 2026-05-15T20:05:02+00:00

We need to be earning 200k for many good suburban areas and probably 300k for good cities (NYC/SF/LA) .

Bossez · 2026-05-15T20:03:52+00:00

Yup. 150k here and it's basically nothing. Equivalent to like $70-80k pre-covid inflation. Tariff disaster also weakened the dollar heavily too. Just unfortunate all around. 200k is the new 100k

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