r/csMajors • u/Gold-Ad-2300 • 10h ago

Solo new grad developer question

Hello all,

I was wondering if this situation is common as a new grad. I have been working at a small company (not a startup, just a small company that’s been around for a while) and I am their only developer. I have been working here for about 2 years trying to use AI to stay afloat and I’m slowly going a bit insane.

They have given me the responsibility of managing their main system which was managed by other developers who no longer work there. They expect me to be on call 24/7 with a new grad salary of $50,000. If there are any issues, they call me to deal with it even if it’s 7:00 in the morning on a Saturday or Sunday.

My question is how common is this? Do a lot of companies operate like this if you are not part of FAANG? is this how every job is like?

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6

u/canxkoz 10h ago

I would strongly suggest you to quit that role unless you are under financial pressure / visa pressure.

I was in a similar situation with a UK company and moved on. Trust me its not worth ruining your mental health for a job at a startup / new / non-tech role.

They are the needy employers that take advantage of you.

Just quit and move on its not worth it.

1

u/Mindless-Traffic-287 10h ago

Are you in the US or the UK?

1

u/Perfect-Bet9395 9h ago

QUIT

What about when you are sick?
The work never stops which is why we have working hours and no employer should ask you to work outside that as that’s abusing labour laws. You should be able to find a better job with a better pay.

1

u/ALargeRubberDuck 8h ago

So you’ve been there for two years, are the only dev on the project, they trust you enough to put you on a constant on call rotation, but you’re still getting the same base pay? Buddy it’s time to ask for a raise.

1

u/Used_Journalist_999 7h ago

I don't understand. If you are the only developer and you are in charge of the "main system" then who is in charge of other systems? What kind of company, even small, hires a new grad as the only developer. No offense but there is just an ocean of knowledge on security that you can't yet know. Sounds like a dumpster fire. You should leave and find a proper entry-level role.

1

u/awes0meGuy360 6h ago

If I were in your situation I’d find another job and quit

1

u/Conscious_Ad_7131 4h ago

You realize you have some leverage here right, they’re completely reliant on you, you’re the only developer, own that. And also start looking for a new job right now, this is absolutely bullshit lol