Feeling Stuck in a Low-Paying Job: Is Faking Experience My Only Way Out?

To start with, I was supposed to pass my B.E. in May 2009, but I passed in December 2011. Due to my poor academic record, I never got an opportunity to even apply to an MNC. Now it's been 10 months, and I am working as a network engineer. The problem is I have great knowledge, but it's not being utilized, and the salary is only 9k. Since it is a small company, it is not going to change much.

Also, to add, my school friends now have experience close to 3 years and are earning 30-35k per month. I feel very embarrassed in front of them. So, I am thinking of changing jobs, and instead of 1 year, I would like to show 2 years of experience. As I have good technical knowledge, the interview is not a big deal. What should I do?

Honesty and Integrity: Your Defining Characteristics

Have you not heard of honesty and integrity? These two characteristics define YOU! So, in May 2009, you failed your B.E., but in December 2011, you passed. Hold your head up high.

Don't worry about your friends and how much they earn. Do you not work hard and also earn? After all, are they paying for your expenses, or are you proudly holding your own? Realize that it is only a matter of time.

You have served just 10 months; in another 26 months, you will have served 3 years. Guess what? You will be on the same terms as your friends. Realize that you have the potential.

You say you have tremendous knowledge. Utilize it and let your manager know. Use your initiative and do more than what is required.

Realize the Future

Friends will come and go. Incomes will vary. Life goes on. Realize that when YOU are a manager, would you like your subordinates to have faked?

Go forth and face the challenges of this world with honesty and integrity, and success and respect WILL follow. Believe in yourself.

Regards,
Harsh

Thank you, Harsh, for your words. I agree with you completely. The thought crossed my mind just because I am very much behind in the position where I should have been today. I am behind by two and a half years from my friend who completed their degree on time. I am 25 years old and earning just 9k. It hurts a lot. Also, in networking experience, people get jobs with higher pay. Hence, the idea of fake experience came to my mind. But you are right. I must not be dishonest as I will never be proud of myself.

I have been a part of HRD for many years, and I have seen a lot of people with all sets of values. Some people stick to the truth and hard work and achieve success. Others take different means and try to get success.

When I say that I support people in identifying their strengths, I am not judging their value systems. What I told Simplysonu was just a remark reflecting what he wrote in a very light way. Please do not 'judge' me on what I wrote.

If a person's value system allows them to fake experience and get success in a faster way, that's for them to decide. I know people who have faked experience because they were not getting jobs. I also know people who faked experience because there were gaps in their experience.

If the reality is troubling a person too much and they feel that faking experience can help them get a better job, and if they are okay with it, I would not stop them. It all comes down to a person's value system. 'Being Manipulative' is also a value, and I have seen people who use it to their advantage. Sticking to the truth is good, but 'being harmlessly diplomatic' is also a value.

If Simplysonu is not okay with faking experience, I would not encourage him. But if he is okay to fake, I would not stop him by giving him lectures on honesty and integrity.

Here's my advice to you:

Consider Freelance Projects

Take up some freelance projects and convince your clients that you want to fill a gap in your experience so you can showcase those projects during that period.

Maximize Your Potential

You mentioned that your knowledge is not being fully utilized in your current job. Apply for a job you believe you deserve and convince the employer of your skills and abilities. Aim for the maximum salary hike possible.

Embrace Change in the Software Field

In the software field, people change jobs frequently. Fill your gap with some experience, switch to a better job, get a good salary increase, and be happy.

Take Control of Your Situation

Stop feeling like a victim and take action regarding your situation. You don't need others' approval for what you want to do.

Remember, hard work and honesty are good, but smart work with harmless diplomacy is better. All the best!

Hi Sonu, I am glad that you realized that you will not be proud of yourself if you are dishonest. This is the immediate impact that faking records will have on you. The delayed yet sure impact would be that when the company that you join does a background check, they will naturally discover that you faked your experience. This will cause more shame and demotivation than what your current salary is causing.

Suggestion for Career Growth

My suggestion is to stick to this job for at least 2 years and explore ways to prove your abilities. Document your achievements and create an impressive CV. At the end of 2 years, if you feel that your current job is not paying you well, apply outside. (Any good MNC recruits experienced professionals with a minimum of 2 years of experience.)

All the best. Do not lose hope.

Cheers! Radhika

Firstly, you should not be asking this question at all. Secondly, stop comparing yourself with others. You may have good potential and caliber, maybe even better than your friends. Just working for 10 months is not enough to gain significant experience.

I would suggest that you work hard. If necessary, consider joining additional courses to upgrade your knowledge. I am sure you will definitely progress in the coming years.

Dear Simplysonu,

As rightly said by our learned gentlemen, there is no shortcut to getting results. For some people, it may take a year, and for others, it may take two years. Comparison is bad. A competitive spirit is more important to shine.

You are confident that you know the subject; prove to yourself that you have an edge over your classmates (I prefer to say classmates to friends). If you use a fake certificate to get a job, you may be happy to some extent, but you will have an apprehension that HR may call you at any point in time. To be free from these worries, do not take these shortcuts, and do not break your heart over these trivial things.

You shall definitely have a bright future—prove yourself.

Regards,
RAU