The Harsh REALITY of IT in 2025 📈 The Tech Job Market Is Changing ( Must Watch Episode)@ManoharBatra

The host introduces Manohar Batra, an IBM frontend developer with almost 10 years of experience in IT. The podcast will cover topics like the recession, layoffs, hiring trends, and changes in interview processes. The host emphasizes the importance of watching the entire podcast for valuable life lessons and insights.

Manohar Batra shares his background, from being born and raised in Khanna, Punjab, to pursuing B.Tech in Pune. He started his career at TCS in Mumbai and is currently a Senior Application Developer at IBM in Noida, focusing on frontend development and preparing for full-stack certifications (Mern stack: Node.js and MongoDB). He reflects on his nearly 10-year journey, highlighting the initial struggles of a low salary in a metro city and the changing perspectives on career and life priorities.

Manohar discusses his early career struggles, where he questioned his path compared to small business owners due to a low starting salary. He explains how his mindset evolved from prioritizing money to seeking mental peace and work-life balance as family responsibilities grew. He emphasizes that health is wealth, a lesson he learned over his 10 years of experience, and touches on how individuals' aggressiveness or temperament can change after 30.

Manohar addresses the impact of recent layoffs on freshers and experienced professionals, noting that freshers are particularly vulnerable. He observes a shift from mass hiring to more selective hiring, especially in premium institutions. He advises freshers not to get distracted by various technologies but to focus on one area, gain practical experience, and target MNCs. He also warns against exploitative startups that take advantage of desperate job seekers.

Manohar discusses the continued prevalence of hybrid work models. He explains that while some companies are calling employees back to the office, the mix of remote and in-office work is likely to continue, especially in larger corporations. He notes that smaller companies often continue full remote work due to space constraints or cost-saving measures, indicating a permanent shift in work culture.

Manohar believes that hiring patterns will change, leading to improved quality checks and more rigorous interview processes. He highlights the increase in interview rounds, especially for full-stack roles, which now cover various topics like frontend, backend, DevOps, Cloud, infrastructure, and system design. He attributes this increased scrutiny to highly paid individuals and the need to assess candidates' deep knowledge and problem-solving skills through scenario-based questions.

Manohar stresses the mandatory need for frontend developers to transition to full-stack roles. He shares that companies are increasingly pushing for internal full-stack certifications and projects. He illustrates this with an example of an older colleague being asked to work on new technologies like React Native, emphasizing that continuous learning and upgrading skills are crucial to staying relevant in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Manohar explains that the difference in mindsets between freshers and experienced developers depends largely on company culture, projects, and senior guidance. He contrasts situations where dedication might be appreciated versus criticized based on management. He also highlights the progression from focusing solely on coding to understanding the importance of documentation, client interaction, and overall system design as one gains experience.

Manohar provides examples of employees dealing with toxic work environments, advising that resignation is sometimes the only option for mental well-being. He shares a story of a startup tracking employee activity aggressively. Conversely, he also illustrates a positive scenario where trust with a manager can lead to better growth and stability, suggesting that a good manager can be a 'godfather' for career progression.

Manohar shares a personal anecdote about his mother's illness during COVID-19, where he realized the importance of having financial savings for health emergencies. He emphasizes that while money is essential for fulfilling desires and maintaining a comfortable life, it should never come at the cost of health. He advises maintaining emergency funds for at least a year and prioritizing health, as ultimately, health is wealth.

Manohar concludes with a motivational message, encouraging the audience to be patient, dedicated, and pursue what they genuinely enjoy. He advises against comparing oneself to others or getting distracted by external success. He believes that if one focuses on their passion, success, views, and money will naturally follow. Authenticity and enjoying the process are key to a fulfilling career.