Tanvi Pisal, a 29-year-old UX Designer from Pune, India, currently residing in San Jose, California, has navigated a challenging career path that includes significant pay increases and numerous obstacles. Starting her career as a software engineer, she transitioned to UX design, which she found more aligned with her creative interests. After moving to the US in 2021 amid COVID-19 delays, she faced a tough job market, securing a starting salary of around $70,000 (approximately ₹58 lakh). After a layoff in 2025, she quickly moved to a New York-based startup, only to be let go within two weeks due to cultural mismatches. Pisal's persistence paid off when she landed a contract role with Apple, earning between $120,000 and $130,000 (over ₹1 crore) annually. However, she describes the current job market as one where many are in 'survival mode,' emphasizing the intense pressure and uncertainty faced by professionals. To maintain her visa status, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. Pisal advises those considering a move to the US to weigh the pressures against the opportunities, as the reality can be far from the glamorous image often portrayed.