For more than two decades, Gautam Dev built his career in the US technology industry, expecting his experience to help him navigate the ups and downs of the job market. But at 61, the IIT Kanpur alumnus finds himself struggling to secure a full-time position, pay rent and manage mounting bills. Now, he is considering returning to India, where he lived before moving to the US more than two decades ago.Dev shared his experience in an as-told-to essay published by Business Insider. His difficulties began in September 2024, when his employer told him he would have to relocate to another state to keep his software engineering job. Rather than move, he decided to leave the job and look for another opportunity while staying in Dallas, Texas.What he expected to be a temporary gap between jobs has turned into a prolonged struggle. Despite years of experience, applications and interviews, he has yet to secure another full-time role. “In 2024, while working as a software engineer for an IT company in Dallas, I was told I’d have to relocate to another state to keep my job. That September, I decided to quit my job, stay in Dallas, and look for a new role. That decision became a disaster,” Dev told Business Insider. His account has also been reported by Indian media outlets.
When experience did not translate into a new job
Dev said he had faced employment gaps earlier in his career, but they had usually lasted only a few months before he found another position. This time, the search has been markedly different. He initially looked for vacancies, primarily through LinkedIn, and contacted people in his professional network. However, many told him their companies were not hiring. Some said their jobs had become more demanding but that they were reluctant to leave because they feared they might struggle to find another position.Dev did manage to secure interviews, including multiple rounds with the same company. Yet none led to a job offer. “I didn’t realise how difficult finding another job would be,” he said. He believes several factors may be affecting his prospects, including his age, the length of his employment gap and changes in the technology industry. Dev said he had come across openings in artificial intelligence engineering but did not feel confident applying for roles that required experience he lacked. His account does not establish why individual employers rejected his applications. However, it reflects the uncertainty he has experienced while trying to return to full-time employment after decades in the industry.
From software engineering to gig work
After months of applications and unsuccessful interviews, Dev decided to spend less time actively searching for full-time work and more time trying to earn money. “I need to spend that time earning money instead,” he said. He tried day trading, which initially went well before his fortunes changed. He also turned to gig work through platforms such as Uber, DoorDash and Walmart Spark. The work has provided some income, but not enough to cover his expenses comfortably.Dev said his physical limitations also restrict the kind of delivery work he can take on, as he cannot carry heavy items. With his earnings falling short, his financial position has become increasingly difficult. He has drawn down his savings and accumulated credit card debt while trying to keep up with rent and other bills. “Even with gig work, it’s become difficult to keep paying the bills. I’ve had to drain my savings and take on a lot of credit card debt,” he said.Finding cheaper accommodation has also proved difficult to navigate. Dev would like to move to a less expensive place in Dallas but worries that a landlord could ask for proof of employment and a steady income. Moving would also take time away from delivery work, affecting the money he can earn.
A fundraiser, Social Security and the possibility of returning to India
In January, Dev started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay his bills. According to his account, it raised more than $9,000, which went towards his expenses. “It was hard to ask people for money, and not everyone has been supportive. But some people have been really nice and generous,” he said. He is now looking towards another potential source of income. Dev expects to become eligible for Social Security benefits when he turns 62 in January 2027. He hopes the payments, combined with whatever he can earn through gig work, will ease some of the financial pressure.Returning to India is also under consideration. Dev lived in India before moving to the US more than two decades ago and eventually becoming an American citizen. However, he has said he is not rushing into a decision, as relocating would require time and careful planning. For now, he intends to continue gig work while weighing his options. The prospect of leaving the US after building a career there marks a difficult turning point for someone who had expected his professional experience to provide greater security. “I never imagined I’d end up in this situation, but here I am,” he said.
