I feel like this is a sweet spot of sorts as careers go. People hire you unproven and often have little or no real expectation. If you can deliver at all, even

I feel like this is a sweet spot of sorts as careers go. People hire you unproven and often have little or no real expectation. If you can deliver at all, even just by being consistent and not making a fuss then you will be rewarded. You’ve also got something to brag about now and it’s noticed by other employers. Your employer knows if they don’t pay you, someone else will. They probably also feel like you’re rather underpaid for the work you put in recently and can justify bonuses and such rather easily. Furthermore, if you leave they have a big interruption and void to fill. They have to roll the dice on another unproven or pay for someone experienced. They’re lacking leverage to keep you. In this way, it’s not unusual to 2x or more your income in those first couple years across many different roles (even non technical). This is the reality of becoming what is often referred to as junior->senior.