He quit his job for a better role but now rides Rapido to pay EMIs; Noida engineer shares how tough the tech market has become

A recent Instagram video has opened a raw and honest window into the struggles many tech workers are quietly facing today. In the clip, shared by creator Nomadic Teju, a Noida-based IT engineer’s story has struck a chord with thousands becoming a reminder of how uncertain the job market has become for even skilled professionals.

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A post shared by Nomadic Teju (@nomadic_teju)

What Happened to the Noida Engineer?

According to the video, the engineer quit his previous job with the hope of securing a better role. But the slowdown in tech hiring meant that two months later, he still had no stable employment. With a home loan to repay and rising monthly expenses, he found himself in an unexpected financial crunch.


Flats in Greater Noida’s Gaur City, where he once lived with his family, typically range between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore. Rents alone often touch Rs 30,000–35,000 a month. Unable to keep up with the costs, he reportedly rented out his own flat and moved into a smaller rented space to reduce his monthly outgoings.

Why He Started Working as a Rapido Rider

With no regular income coming in, the engineer needed to keep paying his EMI, a major part of his financial responsibility. To stay afloat, he began working part-time as a Rapido rider while also taking occasional freelance assignments.

In the video, Teju says the drastic shift in his friend’s lifestyle shows how unpredictable the tech sector has become, especially for those caught between job changes.

Why This Video Went Viral

The clip quickly spread across Instagram because it tapped into a growing fear among tech workers, the fear of job insecurity. With discussions around AI-driven disruptions, hiring freezes, and layoffs increasing in the last couple of years, the video resonated with people who have either seen or experienced similar struggles.

Many felt the story was not just about one engineer, but about a much bigger shift happening in India’s white-collar job landscape.

What People Are Saying Online

The comment section is filled with concern and real-world advice.

Some users discussed how this may just be the beginning of a larger wave of uncertainty: “People are only now starting to realise how big this issue is. Many have already lost jobs, and many more will face this in the future.”

Others pointed to the growing mismatch between economic data and daily reality: “Numbers look good, but ground reality is different. Layoffs are increasing.”

A few comments warned about the impact of AI adoption on traditional tech roles, while some offered financial suggestions such as delaying major purchases or reconsidering ongoing home loans.

One user bluntly advised: “If you have a housing loan and you're stressed, act now. Sell at a high rate and stay debt-free.”

What This Story Reveals About India’s Tech Job Market

The Noida engineer’s situation reflects a bigger truth: the tech job market is no longer as predictable or stable as it once was. Many workers looking for better opportunities are finding themselves stuck in long waiting periods with fewer openings and tougher competition.

Meanwhile, rising EMIs, high rents, and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle are pushing people to find alternative income sources, even if it means switching to gig work temporarily.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated social media post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the video or the accompanying statements. The information reflects the views of the individual featured and not those of ET.com. Readers are advised to exercise discretion.