In a striking example of adaptability during the global tech slowdown, an Indian software engineer has drawn attention after taking up a street sweeping job in Russia to earn a steady income.
Mukesh Mandal, a 26-year-old software professional from India, is currently working as a municipal sanitation worker in St. Petersburg. Despite his strong background in advanced technologies, Mukesh chose this role for financial stability during uncertain economic times.
From AI Development to Sanitation Work
Earlier, Mukesh worked in the software sector and gained experience in artificial intelligence, chatbots, and GPT-based systems. He was also associated with major global companies, including Microsoft. However, as hiring slowed worldwide and layoffs increased, he decided to look for alternative employment.
As a result, Mukesh joined a road maintenance company named Kolomyazskoye in Russia. His daily duties include street cleaning and waste removal across the city.
Part of Indian Workforce Filling Russia’s Labor Shortage
Notably, Mukesh is one of 17 Indians who travelled to Russia to address the country’s labor shortage. The group includes professionals from different backgrounds, such as farmers, drivers, and architects.
Importantly, the job offers a monthly salary of around one lakh rubles, which is approximately Rs. 1.1 lakh. In addition, the company provides free accommodation, food, and transportation, making the package financially attractive.
“No Job Is Small,” Says Mukesh
Speaking about his decision, Mukesh said dignity of labor matters more than job titles. He added that Indians are willing to work responsibly, regardless of the nature of the job.
Moreover, he described the move as temporary. Mukesh plans to work in Russia for about a year, save money, and then return to India when conditions improve.
Overall, his story highlights resilience and practicality at a time when many skilled professionals are navigating job uncertainty worldwide.
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