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Updated: September 06, 2025 05:46
In a story that’s equal parts grit and genius, a 23-year-old software engineer from a small town in Northeast India has turned relentless rejection into a remote-work jackpot. After facing over 500 job rejections, he landed a coveted opportunity to work on an OpenAI-linked project, earning a staggering ₹20 lakh per month. His journey, shared in a viral Reddit post, has become a beacon of hope for aspiring techies across India, especially those from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Early Struggles and the Waiting Game
1. The techie, whose name remains undisclosed, is the first in his family to complete a BTech in Computer Science
2. He secured a campus placement with a multinational company offering ₹3.6 lakh per annum
3. However, the job came with an eight-month waiting period, leaving him in professional limbo
4. Instead of waiting, he chose to hustle—applying to over 500 remote international roles, customizing each application meticulously
The Avalanche of Rejections
1. For months, he faced rejection after rejection, with no interview calls or feedback
2. Despite the emotional toll, he remained focused, treating each application as a learning experience
3. His strategy included building in public, networking online, and refining his portfolio continuously
4. Out of hundreds of applications, only one interview call came through—and he nailed it
The Breakthrough: OpenAI Project Offer
1. The successful interview led to a remote opportunity on a project linked to OpenAI
2. The offer? ₹20 lakh per month—an astronomical leap from his initial ₹3.6 lakh annual package
3. He worked day and night, sleeping just 4 to 5 hours, fully committed to delivering excellence
4. The project gave him global exposure, financial freedom, and the confidence to dream bigger
Key Highlights of His Journey
- From a tier-3 town to a global tech platform, his story underscores the power of persistence
- He proved that geography is no barrier when skills meet opportunity
- His success was not overnight—it was built on months of rejection, resilience, and rigorous self-improvement
- The OpenAI project concluded in August 2025, but his journey is far from over
What Remote Work Enabled
- The techie emphasized that remote work shattered the myth of location-based limitations
- With just a laptop and internet access, he was able to collaborate with global teams
- His experience highlights how remote-first roles can democratize access to high-paying jobs for small-town talent
- He now advocates for students to explore remote opportunities aggressively and build their presence online
What’s Next: Building His Own Tech Firm
1. At just 23, he is now channeling his earnings and experience into launching his own tech startup
2. His goal is to create opportunities for others like him—students from underserved regions with big dreams
3. He continues to mentor peers and share insights on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn
4. His advice is clear: don’t settle, apply everywhere, build in public, and network relentlessly
Lessons for Aspiring Professionals
- Rejection is not the end—it’s part of the process
- Skill-building, consistency, and visibility matter more than pedigree or location
- Remote work is a viable path to global success, especially for those willing to go the extra mile
- The techie’s story is a masterclass in self-belief and strategic hustle
Final Thought
This isn’t just a tale of one lucky break—it’s a blueprint for how young Indians can rewrite their futures. In a world where talent often goes unnoticed, this 23-year-old proved that with enough persistence, even a single opportunity can change everything. His journey from a ₹3.6 lakh job offer to ₹20 lakh per month is more than a salary leap—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
Sources: India Today, Economic Times, TechGig, MSN
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