IIT Kanpur alumnus unable to find job in US for two years, raises ₹8 lakh through GoFundMe

Gautam Dev, a 61-year-old former IIT Kanpur alumnus, found himself unemployed in the United States for two years following his decision to quit his software engineering job in Dallas in September 2024. Despite actively searching for a new role on platforms like LinkedIn and leveraging personal connections, Dev was unable to secure full-time employment.

The prolonged joblessness, combined with his age and the changing dynamics of the IT industry, has significantly impacted his financial situation. Dev turned to alternative income sources such as day trading and gig work, but these efforts were insufficient to meet his financial obligations. His inability to lift heavy items further limited the types of gig work he could pursue.

As a result, Dev has exhausted his savings and accumulated credit card debt. To cover his expenses, he launched a GoFundMe campaign in January, which raised over $9,000 (approximately ₹8.71 lakh). Dev hopes to relocate to a more affordable area but worries about securing new accommodation without proof of employment. He is also considering returning to India, where he lived before moving to the US more than two decades ago.