The Indian job market is clearly changing, and not in the way you’d expect. Mumbai-based recruiter Juned Khatri recently shared a post on X that got tech circles talking. He revealed that many high-earning professionals — the ones pulling in crore-plus salaries — are now willing to take pay cuts just to switch jobs. The post quickly sparked a discussion online about how even top tech talent is feeling the heat of a slowing market.
Juned, an engineer-turned-recruiter, shared a story that struck a chord with many online. He mentioned that he recently had to turn down a candidate earning 1.3 crore because the role’s budget was capped at 96 lakh. Despite trying to find a middle ground, neither side could agree. When asked why someone would accept a lower package, he went on to explain that it’s becoming increasingly common for candidates to willingly accept lower pay packages, largely because of the uncertain job market and the instability they’re facing in their current organisations.
When asked which role he was hiring for, Juned said it was for a Head of Engineering position. One blunt commenter pointed out that it was actually the candidate who rejected the offer, not the other way around, suggesting ego might play a role in how rejections are framed. Juned kept it real, saying it’s better to have a job than none at all.
Hiring story in the Indian IT sector
Behind this online chatter lies a deeper truth about the Indian IT job market. Hiring projections have taken a hit, with recruitment firms reporting weaker demand across software roles. TeamLease data shows that IT services companies have cut their hiring outlook for July-December to just 1–3%, down from the earlier 3–5%. Adecco India also noted a 7% drop in overall hiring in the first half of 2025, citing global demand slowdowns and tighter cost controls. The mood in tech hiring has clearly shifted — from job hopping for bigger paychecks to job hunting for stability.
Juned, an engineer-turned-recruiter, shared a story that struck a chord with many online. He mentioned that he recently had to turn down a candidate earning 1.3 crore because the role’s budget was capped at 96 lakh. Despite trying to find a middle ground, neither side could agree. When asked why someone would accept a lower package, he went on to explain that it’s becoming increasingly common for candidates to willingly accept lower pay packages, largely because of the uncertain job market and the instability they’re facing in their current organisations.
What did the netizens say?
His post sparked a wave of reactions. One user joked that they’d happily take the job for 90 LPA, while another said their goal was to one day be that kind of candidate. Some shared thoughtful perspectives, noting that hiring can be tough because both sides are right, but the math often doesn’t add up. Others pointed out that only factors like remote work, good technology, and work-life balance can convince someone to accept a lower offer in today’s market.When asked which role he was hiring for, Juned said it was for a Head of Engineering position. One blunt commenter pointed out that it was actually the candidate who rejected the offer, not the other way around, suggesting ego might play a role in how rejections are framed. Juned kept it real, saying it’s better to have a job than none at all.
