It began like many other late-night truths do—on Reddit. A user on the r/CATpreparation subreddit posted a scathing take on the “reality” of being among the top 10% in placements at newer Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). With biting sarcasm and an undertone of disillusionment, the Redditor detailed the post-MBA life they claim no one talks about—one filled with empty wallets, sky-high EMIs, and glamorous salaries that vanish after deductions.
From supposedly elite 30+ LPA packages at Amazon and startups to back-office analyst roles at global firms, the user claimed the on-paper glory masks an uncomfortable truth: in-hand salaries often hover around ₹75,000–₹90,000. Once loan repayments, rent, and living expenses are factored in, the dream of financial freedom looks more like a survival game in a Tier-1 city.
“MBA: Making Broke Adults”, the Redditor signs off, punctuating the post with a scornful nod to LinkedIn virtue-signalling and Instagram fantasies.
The Reality Check: Internet Counters the Cynicism
However, as virality kicked in, so did the rebuttals. One of the first to respond was someone who claimed to work in the very company the original poster had named. Their message was blunt: “Your numbers are off.” While acknowledging some truths, they called out the exaggeration and dismissed the post as fear-mongering.
Others were more nuanced. A qualified Chartered Accountant weighed in, drawing comparisons and advising financial discipline. “If you’re earning ₹85K at 25, you’re already in the top percentile of earners in India,” another commenter wrote. “Be patient, the money and lifestyle will follow.”
Then came the voice of experience—someone who graduated from a new IIM in 2019. They admitted to early struggles, lower-than-average salaries, and several job switches. But they also emphasized skill-building over salary-chasing, explaining how consistent effort eventually led to high-paying roles. “It wasn’t easy,” the commenter admitted. “But it was totally worth it.”
Cracks in the MBA Dream or Growing Pains?
What the Reddit post and the counter-narratives highlight is a generational shift in how success is defined—and how quickly it is expected. An IIM degree, particularly from newer branches, may not be an instant golden ticket. But as the responses show, it's far from a dead end.
The placement figures are real. The deductions, too. But so is career growth, skill development, and rising pay curves over time. In a world of flashy LinkedIn posts and curated digital personas, the post opened up a rare, honest window into the complicated reality of life after an elite MBA.
Perhaps the takeaway isn’t that the dream is dead—but that it requires more than a degree. It demands patience, planning, and perspective.
From supposedly elite 30+ LPA packages at Amazon and startups to back-office analyst roles at global firms, the user claimed the on-paper glory masks an uncomfortable truth: in-hand salaries often hover around ₹75,000–₹90,000. Once loan repayments, rent, and living expenses are factored in, the dream of financial freedom looks more like a survival game in a Tier-1 city.
“MBA: Making Broke Adults”, the Redditor signs off, punctuating the post with a scornful nod to LinkedIn virtue-signalling and Instagram fantasies.
The Reality Check: Internet Counters the Cynicism
However, as virality kicked in, so did the rebuttals. One of the first to respond was someone who claimed to work in the very company the original poster had named. Their message was blunt: “Your numbers are off.” While acknowledging some truths, they called out the exaggeration and dismissed the post as fear-mongering.
Others were more nuanced. A qualified Chartered Accountant weighed in, drawing comparisons and advising financial discipline. “If you’re earning ₹85K at 25, you’re already in the top percentile of earners in India,” another commenter wrote. “Be patient, the money and lifestyle will follow.”
Then came the voice of experience—someone who graduated from a new IIM in 2019. They admitted to early struggles, lower-than-average salaries, and several job switches. But they also emphasized skill-building over salary-chasing, explaining how consistent effort eventually led to high-paying roles. “It wasn’t easy,” the commenter admitted. “But it was totally worth it.”
Cracks in the MBA Dream or Growing Pains?
What the Reddit post and the counter-narratives highlight is a generational shift in how success is defined—and how quickly it is expected. An IIM degree, particularly from newer branches, may not be an instant golden ticket. But as the responses show, it's far from a dead end.
The placement figures are real. The deductions, too. But so is career growth, skill development, and rising pay curves over time. In a world of flashy LinkedIn posts and curated digital personas, the post opened up a rare, honest window into the complicated reality of life after an elite MBA.
Perhaps the takeaway isn’t that the dream is dead—but that it requires more than a degree. It demands patience, planning, and perspective.
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