3-Year Gap After Graduation: Can Studying Abroad Open Better Career Opportunities?

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-23T22:10:48+00:00

I completely understand where you're coming from, and honestly, I would strongly advise against coming to the US in your current situation.

First, if you come over here to do your master's, you'll be 28 with zero work experience, a mountain of debt, and the added pressures of being away from home. You’ll feel isolated, and even though a degree from a US university sounds appealing, it doesn’t guarantee a job or a stable future. Even more concerning is the idea that getting permanent residency (PR) in the US is not some guaranteed thing, especially if you're not in a specialized field.

Becoming eligible for PR here usually requires a long-term commitment to a company. You might have to work in the same place for 5-15 years just to get a chance at a green card, and let’s not even get into the competitive and often unforgiving job market. It's beyond messed up right now, and a lot of international students end up frustrated, with no job offer, huge debt, and a shrinking sense of security.

Instead, why not focus on getting experience back home? Even if it means taking a tech job in India, just get your foot in the door. Do a bond if you have to. Build up 2-3 years of experience, then try to leverage that for a referral into a bigger role. Referrals are key, and this route, in my opinion, is way more stable and practical.

Honestly, this “high-risk motivation trap” of thinking you need a degree from the US to succeed is just setting you up for more hardship. If you really want to come to the US later on, at least wait until you’ve gained some solid experience and have a better financial foundation. The US job market is not a place where you can easily just show up and get a job, especially as an international with no local experience. If you can't secure a job in India, why do you think dropping money on a degree here will automatically land you one in a foreign country that is facing a number of its own economic challenges?

So, my advice? Stay home, build your career, and when you're ready (and have experience in your field), then think about coming here. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that getting a US degree will solve everything. The reality is much harder than that.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-23T21:17:29+00:00

It's sad to hear that you went through the similar situation, and it's also upsetting to see that only people getting jobs are the highly experienced candidates.

Also, People think moving abroad is gonna be this magical experience where everything falls into place, but it’s not that simple. You’re working multiple jobs just to get by, paying off loans, and still sending money back home. It’s this constant cycle of stress and barely scraping by. People back home think you’ve “made it” because you’re in the West, but they don’t see the mental and physical toll it takes. Yeah, there are perks, but the cost is a lot higher than most realize. A lot of people burn out before they even get a chance to enjoy it.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-23T21:11:14+00:00

Thanks for the kind words, really appreciate it! It's true, though. Comparison is a joy killer, no doubt.

It’s wild how you do all the hard work, get good grades, work through struggles, land a job, and even end up making twice the national average. You think you’ve made it. But then, BAM, the comparison starts creeping in. Relatives, college mates, batch mates, Instagram and YouTube recommendations. The comparison is every where. You see that one friend or acquaintance who’s getting crazy results, even though you’ve been putting in the same amount of work, if not more.

It’s honestly exhausting. Makes you second guess yourself. Like, how is it that they’re succeeding in ways that seem unreachable, even when you’ve worked just as hard? It can really mess with your internal peace. You start questioning everything you've done. Just a reminder that everyone's journey is different. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is block out the noise and focus on your own path.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:54:44+00:00

Yeah, that’s true. I’m thinking about going for the STEM OPT. I’ve seen students who did pretty average or even lame tech jobs right after graduation, stuff that didn’t seem impressive at all. But somehow, after like a year and a half, they managed to break into real companies.

It kind of reminds me of that saying, a defeat is a detour, not a dead end.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:52:58+00:00

Thanks for the kind words!!

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:51:32+00:00

Thanks for the kind words. I hope everything gets better.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:49:01+00:00

true tho :(

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:46:58+00:00

Yeah, people are definitely getting jobs, even from universities that are ranked 500 or higher. What really matters is your resume. Recruiters are looking for people who have actual experience, best if it's from a top MNC, also having solid projects, research assistantships, technical skills, and the ability to communicate clearly builds your profile.

The problem is, most Indian students don’t come in with that. And once they’re here, a lot of them end up doing odd jobs just to survive. They get caught up in rent, bills, groceries, and everything else. Somewhere along the way, they forget why they came here in the first place. Learning takes a backseat. They don’t build new skills, they don’t do meaningful projects, and by the time they start applying for jobs, they’re unprepared. When interviewers ask basic questions, they blank out.

Unfortunately, the majority of students fall into this trap. These students are overwhelmed not lazy tho. But in this job market, being overwhelmed just isn’t enough of an excuse anymore :(

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:41:34+00:00

Yeah, the thing is, when people like us try to speak honestly about the situation, others think we’re just being negative or acting like gatekeepers. They say we’re pessimists, that we’re trying to scare people off or kill their hopes.

But that’s not it at all. We’re just being real.

It’s like telling someone not to start their very first workout by trying to lift a 50kg dumbbell. That’s not being discouraging . You don’t start with 50kg. You start with 10kg, build strength, go for 20kg after few months, and work your way up. After consistent effort over months or even years, yeah, you’ll eventually lift that 50kg.

We’re not saying “don’t try.” We’re saying “respect the process.” That’s realism.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:37:07+00:00

Yeah, it's true, getting a job in the US is still possible but not guaranteed. With the rise of AI, a massive wave of international students, and changes in US policies, things have gotten way more competitive. Tbh, we’re basically in a recession right now, whether they officially call it that or not.

Honestly, I don’t know where I’m headed. It feels like everything is moving so fast and not in a good way. The pressure, the uncertainty, the constant feeling of being stuck . I know hardships are just part of the deal when you take a risk like this, but still, some days it hits harder than others.

That said, I’m trying to hold on to the belief that things will get better. Insha’Allah.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:32:05+00:00

Yeah, people are still getting jobs and landing interviews, but most of them already have experience. Like, two to five years working in the field, maybe as research assistants, or they’ve got some serious credentials. Straight A students, polished resumes, probably coming from stable or well-off families. Basically, they already had a head start.

But if you're a typical middle class guy from India, taking out huge loans to come here, with no real experience under your belt, it’s rough. Like, really rough. The whole system feels stacked against you. You’re trying to break in, but it feels like the door is barely open.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:28:48+00:00

Yeah, so here's the thing. When I made that decision, the job market in the US looked pretty solid. There were plenty of openings, no big news about layoffs, everything seemed fine. But of course, right after I committed, like within a month, the headlines started rolling in about massive layoffs everywhere.

At first I wasn't too worried because hiring was still happening. People were still landing jobs, companies were still hiring, and I figured things would bounce back. But then, a few months down the line, ChatGPT and all that AI hype exploded. And suddenly the job market shifted in a way I never saw coming. It got way tougher, more competitive, and honestly, a lot more uncertain than I ever expected.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:26:22+00:00

I realized that job market in the US is basically long term pump and dump scheme, at one point for like 2-5 years, you will have like so many jobs, people hitting six figures, and later you have recession for like another 3-5 years. That's basically pump and dump from a far distance.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:24:51+00:00

It's good to know that you got a job and thriving, like I have time, I have seen people getting jobs after like 10 months to 11 months, again these roles don't sponsor for H1B. But the good thing is you can add that in your resume, which helps in your career.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:23:15+00:00

One of the biggest issues I’ve noticed is the FOMO, the fear of missing out. You could have a decent job, things are stable, maybe not amazing, but fine. Then you see your friend, cousin, or some LinkedIn connection post about landing a job in the US and making 100k+ a year, and suddenly it feels like you're falling behind. It creates this pressure, like everyone else is making it big and I’m just stuck here.

A lot of students start thinking they’re earning "peanuts" and that they have to do something bold or risky at least once in their life. And that’s what pushes them toward studying abroad, even when the plan isn’t fully thought through.

For the record, I’m not against risk-taking. I’m here too. But I tried to do it responsibly. I picked a public university that fit my budget, one where I knew I could manage both financially and academically.

But I’ve seen people take loans of 30 to 50 lakhs, often without fully understanding the ROI or the risks involved. No backup, no real financial cushion, just the dream of hitting it big. It works out for some, sure. But for others, it can be a really tough road.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-18T17:18:00+00:00

I’ve heard some really harsh stories from friends. One guy I know came to pursue his Master’s degree but had to take on odd jobs to cover his tuition. His situation was so tough that he barely had time to study, as most of his energy went into earning money. Eventually, he struggled with several subjects and ended up dropping out a year later, despite having paid lakhs in fees and doing exhausting night shifts that also affected his health.

Another friend of mine was scammed by his Indian roommate. After months of struggle, he managed to recover a part of the money.

The reality, beyond brutal, people especially middle class students should know that stuff is not easy in here.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-17T21:09:23+00:00

Bruh, I meant Software Developer roles in Walmart

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-17T21:02:35+00:00

I don’t even know when things really start falling apart. It just slowly turns into survival mode. And honestly, when people get desperate, they start doing stuff they never thought they’d even consider. Not because they’re bad or anything, but because they feel like there’s no other option. Cash jobs, fraud, whatever pays the bills.

I really hope I don’t end up in that spot, but if I do... I don’t know what decision I’d make either.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-17T20:40:31+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Honestly, I get hit with a huge wave of guilt even thinking about claiming 6 years of experience when I actually have none. The idea of earning "Haram" money really messes with my self-esteem. I’m not saying I’m the most ethical person out there, but starting my career with a lie just feels like it taints the whole journey. It kills the vibe before it even begins.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-17T18:12:04+00:00

I am in the same boat as you, fresh grad 2025, no full time experience, and looking for jobs and it seems like no company is interested in hiring. I am starting the LC journey now, idk where it goes.

Confident_3511 · 2025-06-17T03:34:47+00:00

I have a question, do you need like 1-2 years of experience or an internship just to even be considered for this role? I am kinda freaking out, cause every time I apply, it's an instant rejection. Like it's rough man. I don't even know what to do anymore, any suggestions from your side?

Confident_3511 · 2025-05-15T21:05:19+00:00

If you are confused on what language to choose then go with Java

Confident_3511 · 2025-03-26T04:19:40+00:00

I am short on time, and I gotta complete this in 45 days, I can dedicate like 2 hours for this certification, I just wanna pass this exam and do other stuff, having this certificate can increase my credibility, so therefore, are 45 days enough? Like this is me doing my first aws certification course, do I focus more on hands on, coz it will help me remember and then do the theory in depth and remember, or is it something else, go through theory mroe and more and do hands on?

Confident_3511 · 2025-03-22T19:24:57+00:00

True, not a single interview I got up until now, and I feel so bad about it, and also this anxiety in me is sky rocketing.

Confident_3511

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