First couple years of experience tend to pay poorly in this industry because some people can't program novel solutions well despite credentials. A degree demonstrates knowledge of theory but doesn't guarantee ability to apply it regularly. The first job is the hardest to get and I've heard it said, while I tend to agree, take any first job you can for a year or so. It makes switching fairly easy but will likely be not great. 2010 US based college dropout here but with a good job since a one year each of two rough personal growth jobs.

Not necessarily, but kinda. Graduated in 2021 and was lucky enough to already be employed full time with a cool, well paying company as a software engineer. I've kinda outgrown my position, and have been trying to switch into cyber. I've gotten my sec+, pentest+, have a secret clearance, and over 5 years of experience in the industry with heavy exposure to cyber. 500 applications sent out, a damn near pristine resume constructed, and have gotten about 35 interviews, probably ~10 second interviews, 2 third interviews, and no job offers. That all happened over the course of a year.

At this point I've decided to reenlist and transfer to Army cyber while getting a quick MS in Cybersecurity from WGU. Maybe that'll finally get me a cyber job after my 36 weeks of active duty training