Dallas, October 13: Gautam Dev, a 61-year-old alumnus of IIT Kanpur, is currently facing significant challenges in securing employment in the United States. Residing in Dallas, Dev, who has over 20 years of experience as a software engineer, left his job two years ago but has been unable to find new employment despite his extensive background.
Initially, Dev turned to gig work, driving for Uber and working with delivery platforms like DoorDash and Walmart Spark. However, his earnings have not met his expectations, and physical limitations have prevented him from taking on all types of delivery jobs.
In addition to gig work, Dev attempted day trading, which initially yielded profits but later resulted in losses. He has now exhausted his savings and is contemplating his options as the time for social security benefits approaches.
Despite his two decades of experience in the IT sector, Dev had hoped to find a new job within a few months. He actively searched for opportunities on LinkedIn and reached out to contacts, but many companies are currently not hiring. After numerous interviews, he has yet to receive a full-time job offer, and he believes that his age may be a factor in his job search difficulties.
Dev, who excelled in his studies at IIT Kanpur and later earned a PhD in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics from Stony Brook University in New York, has seen his financial situation deteriorate due to prolonged unemployment. He has had to deplete his savings and rely on credit cards to cover rent and daily expenses.
In January, Dev launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help pay his bills, successfully raising over $9,000. Although he found it difficult to ask for financial help, he appreciated the support from those who contributed.
As he approaches his 62nd birthday, Dev hopes that the combination of his gig work income and financial assistance will allow him to manage his living expenses. Having lived in the U.S. for over two decades, he is now considering the possibility of returning to India if he cannot find a sustainable path forward.