In a striking revelation, a senior engineer at Microsoft in Bengaluru has taken to driving an auto rickshaw on weekends as a means to address his feelings of loneliness. The unexpected story gained traction after a social media post went viral, leading to a broader discussion about the work-life balance and social issues faced by tech professionals.
The incident was first highlighted by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Venkatesh Gupta, who shared a picture and wrote, “Met a 35-year-old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Koramangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends.” The image showed the engineer in a Microsoft hoodie while operating the auto rickshaw, prompting a flurry of reactions online.
Met a 35 year old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Kormangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends pic.twitter.com/yesKDM9v2j
— Venkatesh Gupta (@venkyHQ) July 21, 2024
Although the post’s authenticity cannot be independently verified, it has sparked a serious conversation. Some users expressed sympathy for the engineer’s situation, recognizing the emotional challenges of isolation. Ankit Shrivastava, another techie, commented, “That’s just plain sad. (if true).” Meanwhile, some took a more critical stance, questioning the implications of such scenarios on the tech industry’s work culture, with one remarking, “They’ll complain about moonlighting.”
The debate also touched on the broader socio-linguistic context of Bengaluru. One user humorously suggested that speaking only one language in a diverse city might contribute to such loneliness, highlighting the city’s dynamic mix of residents.
This isn’t an isolated case in Bengaluru, where tech professionals have been seen taking up gig jobs to supplement their income or manage personal circumstances. Previously, a software engineer from Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) was reported to have driven a Rapido bike taxi to network for job opportunities after being laid off.
The engineer’s choice to drive an auto rickshaw underscores a growing trend among tech workers to explore alternative means of engagement and income, reflecting both the pressures of the tech industry and the resilience of its professionals.