Mumbai: Kamlesh Kamthekar, a graphic designer who worked as an assistant creative manager for 14 years, has gone viral on social media after sharing the story of his unexpected career shift. After losing his job five months ago due to cost-cutting measures at his company, Kamlesh faced a series of rejections and lowball offers from potential employers. Rather than settle for a job that undervalued his years of experience, Kamlesh made a bold decision to leave his creative career behind and start anew as an auto-rickshaw driver in Mumbai.

In a post on LinkedIn, Kamlesh explained his difficult journey, stating, “It’s almost 5 months completed that I have lost my job due to company cost cutting. 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.”

Kamlesh’s decision to change careers shocked many, but his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit have resonated with people across the country. Faced with continued rejection and offers for positions that didn’t meet his previous salary, Kamlesh decided to take matters into his own hands. He realized that starting his own business, even if it meant driving an auto-rickshaw, could provide the independence and income he needed.

"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," Kamlesh wrote in his post, explaining his reasoning for the shift. 

His story quickly gained traction on social media, with many applauding his courage to leave his white-collar job behind and take a chance on something completely different. One user shared their own experience of starting a business after being laid off, saying, “Your story feels like… ‘been there, done that.’ I was laid off by my organization in October this year, and while we got severance pay, I was also struggling to find the next opportunity. So, I started my own business as an omelette and burji street vendor.”

Kamlesh’s decision stresses the challenges faced by many professionals in today's job market, especially as experienced individuals find themselves undervalued in the pursuit of cost-cutting measures. However, his story also illustrates the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. 

The support Kamlesh has received online has been overwhelming, with many users expressing admiration for his determination to carve out his own path. “Bro, it takes real courage to step out of our comfort zone and venture into something completely new,” one user commented.