Gautam Dev, a 61-year-old IIT Kanpur alumnus, raised ₹8 lakh through GoFundMe after struggling to find a full-time job in the United States for two years. Dev quit his software engineering role in Dallas in September 2024 to avoid relocating but was unable to secure new employment despite his extensive experience, according to livemint.com.
Dev shared with Business Insider that after quitting his job, he actively searched for roles using LinkedIn and personal contacts but faced repeated rejections or hiring freezes. He said his age and the long employment gap likely hindered his job prospects. Dev described his situation as a disaster, noting he never expected to remain unemployed for such an extended period.
The case highlights challenges faced by older professionals in the US tech job market, where age and gaps in employment can be significant barriers. Dev’s experience contrasts with the demand for younger talent in IT, reflecting broader issues of age discrimination and hiring freezes in the sector. His fundraising effort underscores the financial strain caused by prolonged unemployment.
Dev is now considering returning to India after his unsuccessful job search in the US. His GoFundMe campaign raised ₹8 lakh, providing some relief amid his ongoing job hunt and financial difficulties, as reported by livemint.com.