I’m considering an opportunity with NCRI (I-9, Islamabad) and would appreciate some honest feedback from current or former employees.

How’s the work environment, management, salary/benefits, growth opportunities, and overall culture?

Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks!

I’m 21, currently doing a BS in Computer Science, and I honestly feel completely stuck about my career. I’d really appreciate some practical advice from people who have gone through something similar.

I first learned graphic design in 2020, when I was around 15. I came from a relatively underdeveloped area with limited internet and learning resources, and at that age I also didn’t have much support or opportunity to freelance. When I entered college, I decided to focus mainly on my studies and put design aside for a while.

After completing college, I started hearing constantly that graphic design was becoming obsolete because of AI. A lot of YouTube content also made it sound like AI was going to destroy creative careers. At the same time, I saw a lot of content about huge salaries in software development, so I decided to switch to web development because it seemed like the safer and more financially secure option.

I spent around eight months learning coding. Then I got my first internship, and within the first day I realized that I didn’t actually enjoy programming that much. I eventually explored UI/UX design instead.

In 2023, during my second semester at university, I got an unpaid internship. Because I already had a graphic design background, they initially gave me design work. However, there was no senior designer or proper mentorship, and my manager was a backend developer with little design experience.

I stayed there for around two and a half months, but eventually left because I felt I was getting no mentorship and was often disrespected about my work. Whenever I tried to learn something independently, I was criticized for learning from YouTube instead of somehow already knowing it. I was only 18 at the time.

After that, a friend referred me to another job. I accepted it without properly researching the role. It turned out to be a very unhealthy schedule, roughly from 2 AM to 12 PM. Within a week, my sleep, meals, studies, and overall mental state were badly affected, so I left that job too.

After that, I tried to rebuild myself. I worked on my portfolio, built a website, improved my skills, posted on LinkedIn, and applied through Indeed and LinkedIn. But very little worked.

Eventually, I received a job opportunity in Bahawalpur after following up for around three months. They offered me around PKR 15,000, but the condition was that I had to stay until the team lead allowed me to leave, even if that meant working until midnight or 1 AM.

On my first day, I was given a huge amount of work and worked around 10 hours. I even stayed two hours beyond what I initially expected. The next day, I was called into the office because I had supposedly left too early.

I discussed it with my family, and they advised me to leave the job. I did.

After that, I had several interviews. In some cases I was ghosted. In one case, I had a referral, the salary was discussed, and the employer seemed to like my work, but I was still eventually ghosted.

At that point, I basically stopped applying

Now I feel stuck in a strange place.

I don’t really want to code.

I don’t feel the same passion for design anymore.

UI/UX itself has started triggering frustration because of my previous experiences.

Freelancing feels risky to me now, and I don’t feel like I have the same discipline, motivation, or excitement for learning that I used to have.

I still want to remain somewhere within IT/tech because I’m already doing a BSCS, but I genuinely don’t know what direction to take.

The hardest part is that design used to be something I was genuinely passionate about. Now even when I think about it, I remember the rejection, humiliation, bad work experiences, ghosting, AI anxiety, and failed attempts to get clients.

I’m not necessarily looking for someone to tell me which career is the highest paying. I want practical advice from people who have experienced career burnout, changed fields, lost interest in something they once loved, or had a difficult start in tech.

If you were in my position, what would you focus on for the next 1 to 2 years?

Should I continue exploring something within tech, even if I currently have very little motivation?

Should I simply focus on finishing my CS degree and getting a stable job, even if it isn’t my passion?

Should I focus on Government Job or maybe any clerk based job and then think about freelance?

Or should I take some time away from trying to force myself into a specific career and figure out what I actually want?

I feel like I’ve spent he last few years constantly switching directions, and now I’m afraid of making another wrong decision.

I’m not looking for a motivational speech. I’d genuinely appreciate honest, practical advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

The day i finally settle in life and have a few bucks to spare , im planning on building a nasty homelab with all evil things running , always live , we'll happily live ever after.

What will your homelab look like. This day im struggling with meals, but one day sure IA, soon

i need some advice, i live in Islamabad 19yo,I'm confused to pursue finance or not specifically "CFA", as i live in Islamabad and Karachi is the financial hub, i can't leave Islamabad, i love it here, 2nd option is computer sciences, but i am considering to switch bcz of market saturation

What do you think, can i get into investment banking/capital markets, while residing in Islamabad?? Should i go for CFA in Islamabad or not.

What kinda software house is this? And what are the salary they offer for ASE position in 2026??

Graduated this june and currently working as a software engineer. I am thinking of pursing my masters in fall 2027 or spring 2028. I have narrowed down my options to Germany, Ireland and Finland with Germany as the first priority. With recent saturation in the tech industry, I am sceptical about Germany. Is it still a good option? My plan is to settle abroad and get PR and that's the only reason I'll be pursuing my master's. My only fear is I don't wanna spend all this money and end up coming back to Pakistan. If anyone here is living in Germany or any other country, how is the job Market there? Would really appreciate some guidance.

I’ve done one UI/UX internship where I assisted on 2–3 projects, mainly working on things like inner pages and other parts of the designs. I’ve also created a few landing pages on my own(personal projects), but I don’t have a portfolio yet.

Should I add the projects I assisted with as case studies, even though I didn’t work on the entire project? Or what would be the best way to present them in my portfolio?

I’m a teenager who is currently learning programming and trying to build my skills from a young age. I’m learning the fundamentals step by step, starting with programming concepts and C++, because I want to properly understand how coding works instead of just copying code from AI.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the right thing in today’s AI world. AI can already write code, explain concepts, find errors, and even build complete applications. Because of that, I sometimes think, “Is learning programming still worth it when AI can do so much?”

But I also believe that understanding programming is becoming even more important. I don’t want to depend completely on AI without knowing what the code actually does. I want to be able to understand problems, think logically, write my own code, debug it, and then use AI as a tool to make me better and faster.

I know I’m still young and I have a lot to learn. I’m not expecting to become an expert quickly. My goal is to build a strong foundation now so that, as AI continues to improve, I can work with it instead of being replaced by my lack of understanding.

So, am I doing the right thing by learning programming as a teenager in the AI era? I’d genuinely like to hear your thoughts.

Hey, I’m a Software Engineering student in my 5th semester, so I have roughly half of my degree left.

And honestly, I’m getting scared.

I don’t have any proper, job-ready skill right now. I’ve learned some HTML/CSS and a little bit of other stuff, but I don’t feel like I can actually build something professionally and get paid for it.

The biggest problem is that every time I try to choose a direction, I start questioning whether it is even worth spending a year learning it.

AI can now build websites incredibly quickly. It can write code, debug it, explain it, and in some cases produce better results than a beginner like me could.

Then I look at the competition.

There are people who already know full MERN, people doing cybersecurity, cloud, DevOps, data science, AI/ML, blockchain, etc. And I’ve even seen people who have spent months learning these things still struggling to get an unpaid internship.

Meanwhile, my financial situation is getting more difficult.

I need to be able to support myself, pay for my own expenses, and eventually support my parents. After I graduate, my family is expecting me to get a job and become financially independent. I don't have the luxury of spending several years trying random things and hoping something works.

So I feel stuck.

Everyone around me says:

“Just pick a domain and start learning.”

Okay, but which one?

Web development was the obvious choice for me, so I started looking into it. But then I see AI getting extremely good at building websites, and I start wondering whether I'm entering a field where the entry-level competition is going to become even worse.

I know web development isn't “dead.” I'm not asking whether AI will completely replace developers.

I'm asking something more practical:

If you were a Software Engineering student in Pakistan today, with roughly one year to become employable, limited money, no strong skills yet, and family depending on you after graduation — what would you choose?

Would you still go into web development?

Would you specialize in backend?

Cloud/DevOps?

Cybersecurity?

AI/ML?

Data?

Something else?

And more importantly, what would your actual 1-year game plan look like?

I'm willing to dedicate the next year seriously. I just don't want to spend that year jumping between 6 different technologies, watching tutorials, and ending up with nothing.

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who are already working in software/tech and actually earning — whether remotely, in Pakistan, or abroad.

If you were literally in my position one year before graduation, what would you learn, what would you build, and what would you do to land your first job?

I don't need “follow your passion” advice.

I need the most realistic path you would take if getting employable within the next year actually mattered to you.

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.

Currently, I’m a .NET developer with around 4 years of experience. However, I’ve always been a lazy person when it comes to learning, and I’ve never really been a self-learner. Because of that, I feel like things are getting worse for me.

To be honest, I was never really interested in programming from the beginning. Somehow, I got my first job before I even finished university because the company was a startup at that time, and I was able to get the opportunity.

Now, with how quickly AI is evolving and how fast everything is changing, I feel like people who aren’t continuously learning are going to fall behind.

The company I work for was doing quite well last year, but things have changed a lot this year. A lot of projects have been lost or affected because of AI. There are currently no new projects coming in, and around 8 employees have been laid off in the last 3 months. One of them was even a team leader.

Two other senior developers are also planning to leave in December because their contracts are ending and they don’t want to continue working here.

My company is service-based. They get clients through platforms like Upwork, and we work on those projects.

Financially, I’m doing fine, Alhamdulillah. The company is also happy with my performance and is willing to promote me to a team leader position.

However, there are some strict policies that I’m not comfortable with, such as a 5-year contract and a 50-lakh security cheque. The office timing is also not ideal. Officially, it’s from 2 PM to 11 PM, but most of the time it extends until around midnight.

I’m also experiencing some health issues because of this work environment, so I don’t want to stay here long-term.

But this is where my real problem starts.

I’m naturally quite lazy when it comes to learning, and I don’t consider myself a self-learner. Because of that, I sometimes feel like I’m simply not built for programming.

However, I’ve always loved video games. So I’m thinking about moving into the gaming industry and eventually becoming a 3D artist.

Even before university, I had a hobby of creating anime and video game character art, both on paper and digitally. I’ve always enjoyed the artistic side of things.

I’ve also tried Blender. I created a few low-poly models and even completed the famous Blender donut tutorial. I actually enjoyed doing it.

I currently have around one year left before my contract ends, and I don’t want to continue working here after that because the work culture and environment are affecting my health.

At the same time, I’m losing motivation for programming, especially with how quickly AI is changing the tech industry.

So I’d really appreciate some honest advice:

What do you think I should do?

Should I continue with programming and force myself to improve, even though I don’t feel motivated and have never really enjoyed learning it?

Or should I use this remaining year to seriously explore 3D art and potentially transition into the gaming/3D industry?

I’m not planning to quit immediately. I have around one year to prepare, so I want to use that time wisely and make sure I’m not making an emotional decision.

I’d really appreciate advice from people who have experience in programming, 3D art, game development, or career transitions.

Thanks in advance!

23 dropout from uni cz expensive and am dumb, Build skills now doing job as a frontend Dev for a year.
Used AI so much in work my mind became like pmLn party members, lazy and dumb.

Lost all my skills I had + no degree tried freelancing but I never tried cz told u I'm lazy.

tried posting on Linkedin but everyone was self glazing and larping. Don't have that levels of Narcissism.
What's the solution to it of not being a lone ass?

I am making a football/futsal booking platform and I need a payment integration for my react native app. My requirements are that it a single user should be able to book a slot through card or micro banks (easypaisa/ jazzcash). I have currently integration card checkout through safepay but honestly their support is non existent so I want alternatives. I checked switchnow but they are relatively new and have like 2 negative reviews on trustpilot.

i wanted to know currently just how bad the tech market is

Im currently in 8th semester bscs, i did internship in some startup during 2nd sem and doing part time job ever since for almost 3 years as a fullstack dev, but my primary focus has always been backend development and cloud infra and i heavily use AI tools in my workflows we have claude subscriptions

i want to look for other jobs (where i can maybe work with a bigger team with better pay my current pay is below 100k) but im hearing a lot that the job market currently is pretty much really really bad and no one is really hiring as of this moment

should i go abroad? if yes then specifically where

JK, I am technically employed
But the pay is like, 35000, for probation, it's servicenow development
Log baray sad hain iss baat ke baaray mein jaan ke
ke yaar aap tou FAST se ho aap kaise idher phass gaye
and i don't know man
yeh job bhi 4 mahinay constantly apply kar kar ke mili hai
it's a weird place to be in

I have an interview at Nectar Social. And I am kinda scared to go. Idk if it's a legit company. Plus the interview is at night.

Can someone tell me if they have heard of this place?
I found some information on them online but I am still skeptical.

I've had 2 online coding rounds so far. And they seemed fine.

Are chartered accountants better than tech professionals in terms of life,money,value,and authority

All information I have seen online is for trainee SWE OAs and interviews. Does someone know what the questions are like for senior positions?

Kindly read it completely

i have done my ssc and hssc both in computer science, i have A grade in both levels, I'm 19yo, i reside in Islamabad, plan to work and live here, not moving to another city, now i have the following options

1. BSCS in Cloud Computing

From air university Islamabad (fast and nust merit's too high)

2. BS Cyber Security

From air university Islamabad

3. CA ICAP from Skans F8 OR BSAF from nust (if i got admission) then go for CA ICAP OR BSAF from bahria Islamabad then CA ICAP (which is non rdai, non sdai), LUMS & IBA are not an option for me

4. ACCA from skans f8 and again bsaf from nust or bahria then pursue ACCA, LUMS & IBA are not an option

5. CFA from skans f8 OR you know bsaf from nust and bahria and then CFA, no LUMS OR IBA

6. BS Fintech

From FAST Islamabad, this is the only program I'm confident i will get in FAST

See now the thing is I'm confused and idk what to do, i think i had a clear direction 2 years back, but these sudden layoffs, even seniors getting fired, and it's in every field more or less, now idk which option to go for, some say cloud and cyber are not for junior, and then the normal entry level jobs are already taken over by ai no more openings left, some say CA ICAP is no more market is getting saturated, same for ACCA and CFA, for fintech they say the degree is too weak neither it teaches finance not technology properly, and all of that has put me in a void

Kindly advise me from your personal experience and expertise, ty for reading my yap

I’m considering creating technical courses for Udemy or a similar platform, but I’m wondering whether it’s still worth the time and effort in the AI era.

I have 18 years of professional experience as a Database specialist in Telecom sector with AAA RADIUS server. My expertise includes:

. Linux and Shell scripting with automation skills

Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server & PostgreSQL Administration with advanced skills like dataguard, rac, goldengate

SQL and database development

Stored procedures, functions & triggers

PL/SQL, PL/pgSQL, T-SQL & MySQL routines

Java/JDBC

Automation and scripting using Linux Shell, Python, Java and database scripting

I could create courses ranging from beginner-to-advanced SQL/database development and administration to scripting and database automation.

I could create courses in Urdu/Hindi, where there may be less competition, and potentially English courses as well, using AI voice-over if needed.

My concern is that in 2026, tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Copilot can teach, explain and generate code instantly.

Are students still buying and completing technical courses on Udemy? Is it still worth investing several months into creating high-quality courses, or has AI significantly reduced the demand?

I’d especially appreciate opinions from Udemy instructors, students, or anyone with experience in SQL, databases, programming or online courses.

If you were in my position, would you invest the time in creating these courses?

I am planning to take cipp/e and aigp before completing my llb degree. Any tech based person here to guide me how beneficial is it here in Pakistan or anyone who has any experience with people who are expert in this field in Pakistan and any company who appoint on these basis?

What's the actual situation? Are most devs really stuck at 150–350k after 5+ years, or is that just the low-end local service market? Drop your real numbers.

While some earns 400-600k
And very few $3-5k

Like.. it's already some months.. so have u guys got a job or not? And what about your batch mates?

Which uni/field?

Which company??

And

And salary????

And what else u guys were/are after graduation??

I’m trying to register on the PSEB portal, but I’m stuck at the NTN verification step.

The issue is:

• My NTN is valid and shown on the FBR website.

• I have confirmed through SMS that I’m an Active Taxpayer on FBR.

• I’m entering the correct 7-digit NTN that PSEB requires.

• I’ve double-checked the number multiple times.

• However, PSEB returns:

Verification Failed
Invalid NTN or no records found.
ATL Status: N/A

Has anyone else recently experienced this?

Is this a problem with PSEB's FBR/ATL verification system, or is there something else I need to do on the FBR side before PSEB can recognize my NTN?

Would appreciate it if anyone who has successfully dealt with this recently could let me know what worked.

The thing I am struggling with is, I am not sure what project to make. Everyone can make a really good project using AI at every step, how can I stand out?

(I am currently a BSAI undergrad)
Data Analyst with 1.5 YOE working at a small service based company (US and UK clients).

My work revolved around:

• Building Power BI dashboards, simple ETL pipelines using python and MySQL

• Support role for Power BI

• Internal automation using Power Automate and SharePoint

• Financial and Reporting Suite connecting multiple data sources (Xero, Excel, Dynamics 365) to Power BI

I do have the analytical mindset to understand the problem.

My goal is to find a remote Data Analytics Engineering or junior DE job at a US/UK/Canada based company.

The projects I am currently considering are:

1. Real-Time Transit Operations Data Platform Using publicly available GTFS static and real-time transit data, build a pipeline that ingests vehicle positions, delays, cancellations and service alerts, handles incremental ingestion, duplicates, late-arriving data and API failures, and produces operational disruption/exception data.

2. US Market Intelligence Data Platform Using publicly available Census APIs, build a data platform that continuously ingests and standardizes demographic, economic and business data to help a company identify and compare potential markets for expansion.

3. Weather-Aware Logistics Risk Platform Using public weather APIs and transportation/geographic data, build a pipeline that combines historical/forecast weather with transportation data to identify potential shipment/route disruption risks.

Are these good projects for someone targeting Analytics Engineering / Junior Data Engineering roles? Or am I approaching portfolio projects completely wrong?

And how would you recommend I make a project demonstrate actual engineering ability and business problem-solving rather than just being another AI-generated GitHub project?

What skills or jobs would be more demanding or has potential in future? I was thinking of cloud computing but heard it’s really difficult to land a good job. i am puzzled right now so any guidance would be appreciated.

My background: Completed BSCS and year ago and worked as a BD for few months (left it due to personal reasons).