A young Chartered Accountant from Bengaluru is showing what steady growth actually looks like in the early years of a finance career. The CA, who has worked at both Deloitte and KPMG, shared a simple breakdown of how her salary changed from year to year — and the jumps are eye-opening. Her post on LinkedIn struck a chord because it highlights something most professionals underestimate: the power of knowing your worth and being willing to move for it.

She explained that her journey began with a starting salary of Rs 7 lakh in her first year, with no increase at her first company. Things shifted in year two when a new job pushed her pay to Rs 9 lakh, a 29 per cent jump. She stayed in the same role through year three, where her salary rose to Rs 12 lakh, a 33 per cent increase.

The next year brought a smaller bump. In year four, the same job offered her Rs 13 lakh, which came to an 8.33 per cent raise. But everything changed again in year five. A new opportunity took her package to Rs 24 lakh, marking an 84 per cent leap and the biggest jump of her career so far.

She wrote that working hard should reflect in one’s pay and that asking for what you deserve is part of the job. According to her, a role switch can sometimes be the only way to move forward. As she put it, your value grows over time — and your paycheck should too.

Internet reacts

The post sparked a wave of reactions online. One person said they preferred a life filled with happiness over a high salary, adding that big paycheques often come with stress and sleepless nights. Another praised Meenal’s journey and said her growth shows how important it is to recognise your own value and speak up for it. Someone else pointed out that frustration doesn’t come from earning more but from feeling undervalued, and that growth, respect, and meaningful work matter far more than limiting ambition.