Imagine having stellar degrees from one of India’s top tech institutes, only to find yourself stuck in a career dead-end. That’s the harsh reality for a 37-year-old techie whose journey took a nosedive after losing his job during COVID. Despite upskilling in AI and DSA, and trying every possible route—from BPOs to consulting—he remains unemployed. With mounting frustration and dwindling savings, his family wonders if selling property and relying on rental income and fixed deposits will let him survive comfortably in a tier-2 city for the rest of his life.
A Reddit user reached out on behalf of his 37-year-old relative, who has been jobless for four years despite holding a B.Tech and M.Tech from NIT. He lost his position during the pandemic and has struggled to re-enter the workforce. Years of trying different companies, learning new tech skills, and exploring alternate roles haven’t worked, as employers prefer hiring fresher candidates at lower salaries.
He primarily worked in non-technical domains like Property and Casualty Insurance and Consulting, which makes finding relevant roles even tougher. Even BPOs and teaching roles have proven challenging. Mental exhaustion and the strain of living in expensive cities like Bangalore have taken a toll, leaving him with little savings.
Now, he plans to sell some property worth Rs 1–2 crore and park it in fixed deposits to generate interest. Coupled with rental income from a house in his native tier-2 city—around Rs 15–20k per month—he hopes to manage living expenses. But questions linger: Will this strategy be enough to live comfortably until old age, considering inflation and rising costs? The uncertainty highlights the stark challenges faced by mid-career professionals hit by long-term unemployment.
Internet reacts
Several users weighed in with advice and perspectives on the situation. One suggested that selling the property and investing in real estate with higher rental yields could generate a consistent income of around Rs 35–40k per month. Pairing this with a teaching role in a small town—whether in a school, tuition classes, or as a higher primary or high school teacher—could cover living expenses like rent, food, hobbies, travel, and insurance. With modest tastes and good health, such a plan could make life comfortable for a single person.
Others offered a more cautious view, noting that in cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Gurugram, 1–2 crore might not even buy a decent flat, and rental returns may be limited. Flats require maintenance, and their value can depreciate over time. One user emphasised that realistic property searches outside premium neighbourhoods could still provide rental income, and some have personally experienced earning around ₹40k monthly from such investments.
Suggestions also included leveraging his M.Tech qualification to teach as an assistant professor, possibly while pursuing a part-time PhD to open further opportunities. Learning a foreign language in demand could also improve employability. Another perspective highlighted the value of keeping money in a nationalised bank for compound growth, while using rental income for day-to-day expenses.
Several users stressed the importance of purpose alongside financial security. Simply living off property and FDs without work could have negative effects on health and mental well-being over time. They encouraged exploring roles that provide joy and meaning—such as teaching, NGOs, or community projects—rather than focusing solely on salary or job profile.
A Reddit user reached out on behalf of his 37-year-old relative, who has been jobless for four years despite holding a B.Tech and M.Tech from NIT. He lost his position during the pandemic and has struggled to re-enter the workforce. Years of trying different companies, learning new tech skills, and exploring alternate roles haven’t worked, as employers prefer hiring fresher candidates at lower salaries.
He primarily worked in non-technical domains like Property and Casualty Insurance and Consulting, which makes finding relevant roles even tougher. Even BPOs and teaching roles have proven challenging. Mental exhaustion and the strain of living in expensive cities like Bangalore have taken a toll, leaving him with little savings.
Now, he plans to sell some property worth Rs 1–2 crore and park it in fixed deposits to generate interest. Coupled with rental income from a house in his native tier-2 city—around Rs 15–20k per month—he hopes to manage living expenses. But questions linger: Will this strategy be enough to live comfortably until old age, considering inflation and rising costs? The uncertainty highlights the stark challenges faced by mid-career professionals hit by long-term unemployment.
Internet reacts
Several users weighed in with advice and perspectives on the situation. One suggested that selling the property and investing in real estate with higher rental yields could generate a consistent income of around Rs 35–40k per month. Pairing this with a teaching role in a small town—whether in a school, tuition classes, or as a higher primary or high school teacher—could cover living expenses like rent, food, hobbies, travel, and insurance. With modest tastes and good health, such a plan could make life comfortable for a single person.
Others offered a more cautious view, noting that in cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Gurugram, 1–2 crore might not even buy a decent flat, and rental returns may be limited. Flats require maintenance, and their value can depreciate over time. One user emphasised that realistic property searches outside premium neighbourhoods could still provide rental income, and some have personally experienced earning around ₹40k monthly from such investments.
Suggestions also included leveraging his M.Tech qualification to teach as an assistant professor, possibly while pursuing a part-time PhD to open further opportunities. Learning a foreign language in demand could also improve employability. Another perspective highlighted the value of keeping money in a nationalised bank for compound growth, while using rental income for day-to-day expenses.
Several users stressed the importance of purpose alongside financial security. Simply living off property and FDs without work could have negative effects on health and mental well-being over time. They encouraged exploring roles that provide joy and meaning—such as teaching, NGOs, or community projects—rather than focusing solely on salary or job profile.
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