From 20+ rejections to Google: Bengaluru techie proves 'luck' is just struggle that no one sees as he finally lands the 'dream' job

In an era where tech success is often dismissed as "luck," Bengaluru-based software engineer Naman Kumar Gautam is pulling back the curtain on the emotional and professional toll of the job hunt. Recently, Gautam took to Instagram to share a montage of over 20 rejection letters he received from top-tier firms including Microsoft, Visa, and Adobe before finally landing a coveted role at Google. His story, which highlights the stark contrast between public achievements and private struggles, has resonated with thousands of aspiring engineers navigating a volatile job market.

20-plus rejections before the Google breakthrough

For Naman, the road to Google was paved with "no." He compiled a series of screenshots showing a barrage of rejection emails from companies like Meesho, Booking.com, New Relic, and Mercor. Some responses were frustratingly vague, citing a lack of "specific position requirements," while others were more practical, such as a role being restricted to EU residents or positions being filled mid-application. The sheer volume of these letters reflects the immense labor and resilience required to survive the modern tech recruitment cycle, where even highly skilled candidates face constant setbacks.

The 'tier-3' college experience and the hustle

Gautam has been vocal about his background, often referencing his "tier-3" college education as a hurdle he had to overcome. In his viral video, he addressed the common sentiment, "You work at Google, you are so lucky," by contrasting it with a snippet of himself in tears after a particularly hard rejection. By emphasizing his humble educational roots and the "sleepless nights" involved in upskilling, he sent a clear message to his followers: luck is a label people apply to the hard work they didn't witness. His transition from a tier-3 graduate to a Google engineer in August 2025 serves as a testament to self-taught discipline.

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A post shared by Naman Kumar Gautam (@gautam_.naman)

No one sees the struggle: The internet reacts

The response to Naman's transparency was immediate, with users flooding his comments to validate his journey. One Instagram user noted, “No one sees the struggle brother, no one. You deserve this, celebrate it like a champ,” highlighting how the tech community values the grit behind the title. Another viewer added a poignant observation: “Everyone sees the result and calls it luck but I have seen the reality: the sleepless nights, the pressure, the sacrifices. I have watched you hustle when no one was watching. Nothing about this is luck. You earned every bit of it.”

Every rejection is just a step in the process

Naman’s story is a reminder that rejection is a data point rather than a dead end. As one commenter put it, “Every rejection is just a step in the process, not the end of the road.” By documenting his "hustle," Gautam has provided a realistic blueprint for success that emphasizes persistence over pedigree. His advice to those still in the thick of the struggle is simple but profound: "Keep going."

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and online reactions. The Economic Times has not independently verified the authenticity of the content and does not claim or endorse it.)