Graphic Designer Turns Rickshaw Driver: Netizens Say It Take Courage, Relate To Struggle

Graphic designer-turned-auto rickshaw driver Kamlesh Kamtekar took to Linkedin sharing his journey from an assistant creative manager to becoming a rickshaw owner and driver. He was laid off five months ago, an despite close to one and a half decade of experience he is unable to find alternative employment. 

Kamlesh Kamtekar's Post

"It’s almost 5 months completed that I have lost my job due to company cost-cutting.  As a Assistant Creative Manager with having 14 years of experience in Graphic Designing I had trying to find new job after losing my previous job.

Even after 5 months, I still haven't found a new job. I had try also with lots of references, with my friends. But till yet I don't get new job. I had lots of applied on linkedin also, but every time my application was getting rejected. “Sorry we don't have budget for your current role, Or we don't have such a role as per your experience. Someone says can you work on low salary budget?…..” this type of feedback I had received in this last 5 month." 

He went on to write, "After this feedback, I thought, why not start my own business and earn money at the same low salary instead of working somewhere else? At least I will have my own income. Then I decided “भाड मे जाये नोकरी अब खुदका Business करेंगे” but not in my current field. So I decided to sacrifice my all designing skills and drive an auto rickshaw. Give me your blessing for my new business…🤗 Thank you ☺️" 

A Contrasting Narrative

Kametkar's post is contrary to the job market data. As against the claims of "jobless growth," data shows that employment in India increased by 36 per cent (170 million jobs) between 2016-17 and 2022-23. During the same period, GDP grew at an average rate of over 6.5 per cent. 

Source: PIB