Employee at IT company alleges lack of salary increase for three years, seeks funds to purchase autorickshaw for pre- and post-work journeys.
Financial pressures are mounting for salaried professionals in India, as slow wage growth and rising costs take a toll on their finances. A working professional at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in a non-technical role is considering moonlighting as an auto-rickshaw driver to make ends meet.
The individual, based in Thane, India, has not received a salary hike in three years and is feeling the pinch of inflation. In a bid to supplement his income, he is planning to drive an autorickshaw before and after work hours, and rent it out when not in use. He also plans to own a bike as part of his moonlighting venture.
The individual's post on Reddit sparked a flurry of responses and was widely shared across social media. Some Reddit users suggested exploring gig economy alternatives like food delivery or Rapido. Others offered advice on potential profits, with estimates ranging from ₹13,000 to ₹17,000 a month for renting out the auto-rickshaw during the day.
However, the conversation on Reddit also highlighted the financial instability and challenges associated with gig economy roles. One commenter shared a personal experience of earning ₹1,000 from working 4-5 hours on Rapido during a long vacation, but also warned about hidden costs, including bribes, in operating an auto-rickshaw.
Salaried professionals in India face financial pressures due to slow wage growth, rising costs, high debt burdens, and lifestyle inflation. Average salary hikes have dipped slightly to around 9.2% in 2025, well below post-pandemic highs, and often do not keep pace with rising living costs. Many professionals are trapped in a "house rich, cash poor" cycle, where large portions of income go towards home and vehicle EMIs, leading to tight monthly cash flow despite a good salary.
Addressing these challenges requires enhanced financial education, better access to tailored financial services, systemic reforms, and leveraging new economic geographies. For salaried professionals, improved financial literacy and planning can mitigate risks, while leveraging emerging cities' opportunities may provide better salary growth and cost structures. Government and employer roles, such as linking salary increments to productivity, rationalising pay scales, and improving social security systems, can also help address systemic financial pressures.
For gig workers like the individual considering moonlighting as an auto-rickshaw driver, access to financial products such as microloans, insurance, and savings products tailored to their irregular income can provide safety nets. Digital platforms improving income stability through algorithmic improvements to balance supply-demand and ensure minimum earnings guarantees can also help. Skill development and upward mobility through training programs can help gig workers transition to higher-paying or more stable roles.
In summary, salaried professionals in India encounter rising financial pressures from stagnant wage growth and increasing fixed costs, while gig economy roles in auto-rickshaw driving and food delivery offer flexible but unstable income opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced financial education, better access to tailored financial services, systemic reforms, and leveraging new economic geographies.
[1] The Economic Times [2] Business Standard [3] The Hindu [4] LiveMint
- The struggling salaried professional in India, seeking an additional source of income, has contemplated driving an auto-rickshaw and renting it out to contribute to his household budget.
- Amidst the increasing financial strain on salaried individuals due to slow wage growth, high debt burdens, and lifestyle inflation, government interventions such as linking salary increments to productivity, rationalizing pay scales, and enhancing social security systems could provide relief.
- In the rapidly growing gig economy in India, access to microloans, insurance, and savings products tailored to irregular incomes can serve as safety nets for workers like the auto-rickshaw driver.
- Financial literacy and budgeting skills are essential for salaried professionals and gig workers alike in India, as they strive to manage costs associated with homeownership, vehicle financing, and personal expenses, even with good salaries.
- As the individual weighs his options, he may consider various business alternatives like food delivery, riding a bike for income, or leveraging opportunities in emerging cities for better salary growth and cost structures.
- The home-and-garden sector and automated vehicles in the automotive industry are potential avenues for forward momentum in the Indian economy, creating new employment opportunities for individuals seeking stable careers.
