Freshers, Don’t Underestimate Yourself: Your First Salary Decides Your Future Pay
By : Vijesh Nair
Date : 19/12/2025
In today’s competitive job market, freshers often make one critical mistake — undervaluing themselves. Driven by fear of rejection or lack of experience, many accept low salaries without thinking long-term. What most freshers don’t realize is that your first salary becomes the foundation of your entire career.
Industry experts and HR professionals warn that employers often expect freshers to work at the same pace and responsibility level as experienced employees, especially in startups, IT services, sales, media, and operations roles.
You May Be a Fresher, But Your Expenses Are Real
Whether you are a fresher or a senior employee, your monthly expenses remain the same:
Rent or hostel fees
Food and daily travel
Mobile, internet, and utilities
Family responsibilities
Health and emergency costs
Your salary should be decided based on your living expenses and survival needs, not just your experience tag. Accepting an unsustainably low salary leads to stress, debt, and burnout.
Employers Often Expect “Experienced-Level” Output
Many organizations hire freshers at low pay but:
Assign heavy workloads
Expect overtime without compensation
Demand multitasking beyond the job role
Measure performance against senior employees
This imbalance leads to exploitation in the name of “learning opportunity.” Learning is important, but fair compensation is equally essential.
The Hidden Truth: Your Last Drawn Salary Always Counts
One harsh reality of the job market is this:
> Your last drawn salary becomes the benchmark for your next job.
When you switch jobs, recruiters usually ask:
“What is your current CTC?”
“What was your last take-home salary?”
Even if your skills improve, HR negotiations are often capped based on your previous pay. Starting low means struggling for years to catch up.
Fix Your Salary With a Long-Term Vision
Freshers should:
Research industry-standard salaries
Calculate minimum monthly expenses
Negotiate confidently, even if politely
Avoid offers that don’t meet basic survival needs
Remember, confidence is not arrogance. Asking for fair pay shows maturity and clarity.
Final Thought
Being a fresher does not mean being cheap labor. Your time, energy, and skills have value. The job market may be tough, but self-respect and smart salary decisions will protect your future.
Start right. Think long-term. And never underestimate yourself.
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