ZD: he said he studied computer programming plus, so that’s not exactly “no education”.
The first job is usually the hardest to land and least paying. Many people take the best offer they get and try to find something more profitable after a year or so. In other cases once he proves himself/the employer doesn’t want him to leave, he can get a nice raise.
It’s almost never a good idea to hold out for an unrealistic number, even if in the short term it makes no sense.
Part of the shock comes from thinking that only when learning does one struggle for parnassah. News flash: most of us struggle financially no matter how long in the work force. And of course we must (individually and collectively) reassess our spending standards.