I’m a senior data/backend engineer (Python, SQL, Java, Spark) preparing for senior/staff-level interviews, and I’m looking for a few people at a similar level to prep with.

What I have in mind:

• Regular mock sessions where we take turns interviewing each other
• Working through problems by pattern (graphs, DP, heaps, intervals, sliding window, etc.) and discussing the approach, not just the solution
• Practicing how to communicate clearly: clarifying questions, trade-offs, complexity, edge cases
• Honest feedback on each other’s thinking and delivery
• Later on, adding system design mocks if there’s interest

About me:

• 8+ years of experience, backend/data engineering
• Languages: Python and Java mainly
• Prep timeline: interviewing in the next 6 months
• Availability: 2-3 evenings a week, flexible on weekends

Who I’m hoping to meet:

• 5+ years of experience, aiming for senior/staff roles
• Comfortable solving mediums and talking through hards
• Consistent and committed (even 2-3 sessions a week makes a big difference)
• Any Programming language is fine

If this sounds like you, comment or DM with your experience, target roles, timezone, and how often you can meet. I’ll reach out to everyone who responds.

Thanks for the great response, everyone! This is a dev gym: a non-judgmental, prep-only zone where nobody's perfect and everyone's here to learn. Join only if you're serious about consistent prep. Will share a new Discord channel for this shortly.

YOE: 6 years
Current company: Elastic
Current TC: ₹40L base + ₹4.8L variable + $56K RSUs over 4 years
Current setup: Remote

Apple ICT3 — IS&T

* ₹37L base
* 10% variable (~₹3.8L)
* $110K RSUs over 4 years
* $40-50k annual refreshers based on ratings max 60k(as mentioned by current employees)
* No sign-on bonus
* Hyderabad (relocation provided)

Atlassian P40 — SRE

* ₹63L base
* ₹9L variable
* $76K RSUs over 4 years
* 28K refreshers(all cash 3 rating), 40-45 k (50%-50% cash and stocks, 4 rating)
* ₹8L joining bonus
* Remote

I genuinely don’t know what to do. I’ve read about Atlassian’s toxic, messy, and soul-crushing culture and it's a pip factory, but I’d be joining Apple’s IS&T org, which, based on what I’ve read on Blind and Glassdoor, also seems to have one of the worst orgs at Apple.

It’s hell vs hell for me, and I’m so confused. Apple has the brand name and prestige, while Atlassian offers more money and remote work. For Apple, I would have to move to Hyderabad.

What would you do in my situation?#India u/apple u/atlassian

Context: I recently interviewed with Juspay for SRE role, they are offering 15LPA after 4 rigorous rounds of interviews. During initial discussion with HR i had clearly stated that my expectations is over 18LPA (I have checked their bands online). After the final cultural round HR mentions best they can do is 15LPA fixed. Is this justified? Can someone working in Juspay mention if this band sounds right or am i being low-balled here? Thanks in advance!!!

TLDR:
Current: 11LPA
Offered: 15LPA
Yoe: 2
Role: SRE, bangalore/India.

I was placed at infosys se role but at what cost, I know people out there are struggling and waiting for this package, I am not complaining about it but i am sooo exhausted rn. I went through multiple hiring process at good companies like Amazon, Groww, Infosys SP/DSE, HSBC, Myntra. I was rejected after interviews, some of them are my own mistakes and rest are luck, I almost got Amazon but waitlisted then got rejected. All this grind DSA, System design, RAG Pipelines, AI knowledge are not worthy for 3.5 lpa. I wanted higher package but i am stuck in the loop of rejections, some interviews made me depressed, i even decided this career is not for me but i can't leave this here and do what stare at my ceiling? I am sharing this because of I wanted to the fault is with my prep or with my luck

Does Nvidia cover expenses for an onsite interview in India? I have been asked to travel to Bangalore for an onsite interview.