Applied(and went thru the all the ropes) twice in the last 6 months for Java software engineering positions(senior) in two companies respectively. Rejected the

Applied(and went thru the all the ropes) twice in the last 6 months for Java software engineering positions(senior) in two companies respectively. Rejected the first time, low-balled below my communicated expected salary the second time. The interview processes felt a lot like tech hazing - multiple interviews, a coding assignment, and an arbitrary review of said assignment compared to the job responsibilities. At the end, I felt plenty invested(both emotionally and timewise) to the point that I amused the idea of accepting the low-ball offer. I guess that even might have been the company's strategy. I continue with my freelance work and looking. *edit: I am in the EU. Best of luck with your search!