From 500 Rejections to ₹20 Lakh/Month at OpenAI: A Small-Town Techie’s Inspiring Journey
In a world of global competition and intense job markets, one 23-year-old software engineer from a tier-3 town in Northeast India has proven that persistence and skill can redefine destiny. Despite more than 500 rejections, he secured a high-paying remote project with OpenAI, earning an impressive ₹20 lakh per month.
The Long Road of Rejections
The techie, the first in his family to earn a BTech in Computer Science, initially secured a modest placement package of ₹3.6 lakh per annum, which came with an eight-month wait period for joining. Rather than remain idle during that time, he took the bold route—applying to over 500 international remote roles, tailoring each application meticulously.
For months, rejection emails flooded in. But he refused to relent. Only one interview call came through—and he cleared the process brilliantly, landing what would become a life-changing opportunity.
A Dream Role, Delivered
That single interview led to a coveted position on an OpenAI-linked project, bringing a transformation no campus graduate dreams of—a leap from ₹3.6 lakh per year to ₹20 lakh per month, all while working remotely.
He recounts the toll this success took—sleepless nights, long hours, and single-minded dedication:
“Remote work proved to me that geography doesn’t matter if you have skills and internet access.”
From Remote Work to a Tech Startup
Though the project wrapped up in August, his ambitions didn’t end there. At just 23, he’s now venturing into entrepreneurship—setting up his own tech company, leveraging the capital and experience earned from his OpenAI tenure.
His message is simple but powerful:
“Don’t settle for good enough. Apply everywhere, build in public, and network relentlessly. Opportunities do exist—you just need to work hard to find them.”
Why His Story Matters
| Insight | Details |
| Geographic Barriers Broken | A reminder that talent and perseverance can bypass location constraints. |
| Resilience Wins | Hundreds of rejections couldn’t stop his pursuit of global success. |
| Remote Work’s Power | Proves that high-paying global roles are accessible from anywhere. |
| Inspiration Multiplied | A beacon for small-town students and aspirants everywhere. |
FAQs
Q1: How many job rejections did he face?
Over 500 before landing the OpenAI opportunity.
Q2: What was his initial placement offer?
₹3.6 lakh per annum from campus recruitment.
Q3: How much does he earn now?
₹20 lakh per month working remotely on an OpenAI project.
Q4: Is he planning a startup?
Yes, he is currently building his own tech company.
Q5: What is his advice for others?
“Apply everywhere, build in public, network relentlessly—don’t settle for good enough.”