‘Thanks for job offers but I want to run my auto,’ says laid-off Mumbai graphic designer

Kamtekar was laid off twice by two companies in Mumbai after devoting more than eight years of his “productive career.” Having worked as an assistant creative manager at a company for over five years, Kamtekar was told to leave in July citing “cost-cutting measures” by top management. Not only he, but his reporting manager was also laid off leaving no room for negotiations.

With 14 years of experience and a previous payroll of Rs 75,000, he found it hard to secure a new job and was forced to take this unconventional route.

Kamtekar studied graphic designing at Mumbai University, but little did he know that artificial intelligence and cost-cutting measures could be the reason behind his unemployment. “Artificial intelligence took my job. To re-enter the market, I learned 3D animation. However, job security issues in corporate hit me again, so I completed the course, but haven’t applied anywhere using the skills,” said he who is yet to explore the unorganised sector of autorickshaws.

He further said that since he likes driving, he thought of being a cab driver, however, he is going through financial crunch and therefore bought an auto. “I am awaiting a few documents which can arrive by this week. Once done then according to muhurt (auspicious time), I will start my new journey which will provide me job security,”

Kamlesh’s wife and mother along with his autorickshaw. (Image: Special arrangement)

This Mumbai University graduate shared that his first company too laid off many after an American firm took over. “Then after a month of unemployment, I got a job and started working as a senior graphic designer and then lay off happened again. Even if I secure a job, no one is ready to pay me half of my present salary,” said Kamtekar.

Kamlesh lives with his retired father, mother and wife, who is a homemaker. His father left his job after the pandemic. “I used my savings till the time and saved money for buying an auto and was able to manage finances,” he said.

While his wife supported him in this crucial transition, his parents were shocked and wanted him to reconsider the decision.