A seasoned dev maps the job market into three tiers: local/public companies, VC-backed/startups, and Big Tech/finance. Each step up brings more money, more competition, and a steeper climb.
Category 3 (Big Tech/finance): Highest salaries. Broadest interview access. Brutal prep required.
Category 2 (startups): Harder to stand out. Needs sharper signals to get noticed.
Category 1 (local/public): Lower pay. Easier in if you're solid.
