The post-COVID-19 era has been a turbulent time for professionals across industries, with mass layoffs leaving countless people jobless and uncertain about their future.
Among these individuals is Kamlesh Kamtekar, a graphic designer from Mumbai with 14 years of experience, who recently shared his story on LinkedIn. He went from being an Assistant Creative Manager to an autorickshaw driver.
Kamlesh revealed that he lost his job due to company cost-cutting. For the next five months, he tirelessly applied for new roles, reaching out to friends and using professional references. Unfortunately, he kept receiving the same feedback. Companies either couldn’t afford his expertise or had no suitable roles for his experience. At times, he was even asked to work for a much lower salary than what he deserved.
After facing repeated rejections, Kamlesh made a tough yet bold decision. He chose to sacrifice his graphic designing career and embrace a completely different path to ensure his financial stability – becoming an autorickshaw driver.
“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. 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,” he wrote.
Have a look at his full LinkedIn post here:
Kamlesh’s story isn’t just about survival – it’s about having the strength to redefine oneself when needed.