Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Jobless for Two Years, IIT Kanpur Alumnus Weighs India Return
Gautam Dev is 61 and lives in Dallas.
He left his software engineering job in 2024 after being told he would have to move to another state to keep it.
He has looked for a new full-time job but has not received an offer, even after interviews.
He thinks his age and time without a job may be making the search harder.
He also says some new AI jobs need skills he does not have.
Dev earns some money doing delivery and other gig work, but it has not been enough for his bills.
A fundraiser raised more than $9,000, which he used to pay bills.
He is thinking about returning to India, but says he will keep working in the United States for now.
He expects to qualify for Social Security at age 62 in January 2027.
Gautam Dev, 61, left his Dallas software engineering job in September 2024 after being told he would need to relocate.
Despite more than two decades in IT and several interviews, he has not secured another full-time position.
Dev suspects his age and employment gap are obstacles; he also says AI-related openings often require skills he lacks.
He now earns some money through Uber, DoorDash and Walmart Spark, but says gig work has not covered his expenses.
A January GoFundMe raised more than $9,000 for bills; Dev is considering India but plans to stay in the US for now.
- Who
- Gautam Dev, a 61-year-old software engineer and IIT Kanpur alumnus.
- What
- After nearly two years without full-time work, he is considering returning to India while earning through gig platforms.
- When
- He left his job in September 2024; his Social Security eligibility at age 62 is expected in January 2027.
- Where
- Dallas, Texas; he is considering a return to India.
- Why
- His job search has not led to an offer, while gig income has not kept pace with bills and rent.
Reasons he feels constrained
Plans and potential support
Finding full-time work
Reasons he feels constrained
Dev says he has not received an offer despite applications and interviews, and believes age and his employment gap may be factors.
Plans and potential support
He has secured several interviews and plans to continue earning through gig work while in the United States.
Moving to cheaper housing
Reasons he feels constrained
Dev would like to move somewhere more affordable but worries he may not qualify for an apartment without proof of employment or income.
Plans and potential support
He hopes to bring his expenses under control, though relocating could take time and reduce time available for delivery work.
Returning to India
Reasons he feels constrained
He has seriously considered returning to India after prolonged unemployment and financial strain.
Plans and potential support
He says he is not in a rush and intends to keep working in the United States for now.
- Age
- 61
- Education
- IIT Kanpur alumnus
- IT experience
- More than two decades
- Previous job
- Software engineer in Dallas; left in September 2024 after being asked to relocate
- Gig platforms
- Uber, DoorDash and Walmart Spark
- Fundraiser
- GoFundMe raised more than $9,000 in January; Dev said it went toward bills
- Social Security
- He expects to become eligible at age 62 in January 2027
- Possible move
- He is considering returning to India but is not planning an immediate move
