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Great recession grad - similar numbers. That experience has really scarred me till today, especially because I kept being told how valuable software engineers are, and how good I personally was in this field.

Today, I'm simply grateful to have a fantastic job, and strive to live below my means assuming that things can go back at the snap of someone's finger.

In terms of practical advise for a new grad, there are tons of startups and enterpreneurs doing really interesting work. They need good programmers but can't afford to pay as much. This sort of place can be a great place to kickstart your career, at least for a few years, till the broader picture gets better.