Exploitation at Work: A Silent Crisis.

Since 2019, I have been pursuing independent work. Although the initial journey posed significant challenges, the onset of COVID-19 added further obstacles. However, I utilized that time to acquire new skills, leading to a period of stability—until late 2024, when clients began reducing costs and opting for AI or less expensive alternatives. This shift had a profound impact on my work, which diminished almost overnight.

In the months that followed, I actively sought new job opportunities, but the hiring landscape was quite narrow. Employers often prefer to hire multiple freshers at ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 each rather than invest in an experienced professional at ₹50,000. While this pattern has been observed for years, its effects seem to be more pronounced now.

I even considered a position at a local pharmacy that offered ₹14,000 per month for 12-hour days, including Sundays, translating to roughly ₹42 an hour. When I proposed a reduced schedule for a little more work-life balance, the compensation decreased to ₹5,000. This was nothing but pure exploitation of human assets. I received support from friends, but the jobs leaned towards more workload and lower pay.

(Listen to the blog)

This experience prompted me to reflect on the current state of employment and worker conditions. The recent example of a legendary IT brand or any other established brands/MNCs laying off experienced employees is quite alarming. However, I cannot assume or choose to decide what the companies plan in their boardrooms. Each year, millions of graduates enter a competitive job market. Government initiatives exist, but they often yield a high volume of applications for limited positions.

It is important to recognize that not everyone has the ability to continually reskill in every field. The expectation for flexibility without supportive working conditions often places pressure on individuals, which can lead to feelings of disposability.

We must consider the broader implications: Are we unintentionally normalizing exploitation in the name of efficiency? Are we prioritizing profits significantly over the well-being of individuals? 

To foster a healthier work environment for future generations, we must advocate for fair wages, respect for skills, and humane working conditions. These principles are essential to ensure that exploitation does not become a defining characteristic of our future.

The blog is a result of personal experiences. I may be wrong on one or more issues. I invite you, readers, to share your comments, reviews, and opinions. 

The Gift of Life: Why Donating Blood Matters

Blood donation is often called the “gift of life” – and rightly so. Every unit of blood donated has the power to save up to three lives. Despite advances in medicine, there is no substitute for human blood. It remains an essential need during surgeries, accidents, childbirth complications, and for patients battling cancer, anemia, or blood disorders.

The demand for safe blood is constant, yet the supply often falls short. This is why voluntary blood donation plays such a crucial role. By choosing to donate blood, you become a silent hero—supporting not just strangers, but sometimes even friends and family who may need it unexpectedly.

The process of donating blood is simple, safe, and quick. It usually takes less than 30 minutes, with only a small needle prick. The body naturally replenishes the donated blood within weeks, making it a safe practice for healthy adults. In fact, there are several benefits of blood donation, including reducing excess iron levels in the body and promoting better overall health awareness.

Beyond the medical benefits, blood donation awareness highlights a deeper truth: donating blood reflects the spirit of humanity and solidarity. It connects us to a larger purpose, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of hope and healing. Each drop of blood carries life, and when shared, it carries compassion too.

I donated three months ago, and donated today. So the first day of September began with blood donation for a 15-year-old girl suffering from thalassemia major. My heart sank when I came to know about the girl. All I could do was pray for her happiness.   

I started donating blood exactly 11 years ago, September 7, 2014, to be exact. If you are reading this and are eligible, consider becoming a regular blood donor. Encourage your friends and family to join you. Together, we can bridge the gap between need and supply, ensuring that no life is lost due to a lack of blood. After all, giving blood doesn’t cost much – but to someone in need, it is truly priceless.

A rejoinder to the journey from doing job to owning a business.

It's been nearly four years since I uploaded the last blog, Journey: Jobs to Owning a Business. I sincerely apologize for the extended delay. 

The first two years of the journey were exciting and smooth but with ups and downs. Then came the pandemic. It was the toughest. Work wasn't easy to come by. Work was frugal, and so was the money. I had words brimming all over my mind, but they overflowed uselessly. Although, whatever projects I got to work on, I delivered my best. 

Nearing the end of 2021, the contractor went bust, and practically, I had no work except a few on-and-off small projects, like 2-3 blogs per month, web content, etc. Well, freelance writers would understand the situation, apart from those who faced grim finances during that period. I can understand the stress and agony of having no work and the impending insecurity of having no money. It wasn't easy for me too. But I held my patience and posture. I say posture because some businesses approach their content with discounts on their minds. It was unfair. I agreed to work on their projects, provided they agreed to my charges because I would never compromise on quality. Some consented, while few paused work. 

November 2021 brought a turning point for my freelance content writing business. A close, confidant friend of over 30 years introduced me to a project that is always ongoing. It can stop only when I decide to quit to work. The project has a far-reaching influence on education abroad, and the project owner is an experienced consultant for studying abroad. So, after a brief interview and background check, the owner hired me to write the required content. The moments were rejoicing for my family and me. But there is a but because my role is of a Ghost Writer. Gosh! Yet, I accepted the offer. Ultimately, what matters is - writing top-quality content and earning money. 

The work was new, and the pressure was high. It was difficult to cope, but I managed. I worked long hours to understand the specifications and client requirements. I picked pace and ensured to meet the demands within four months of initiating work. What is the best part of working on this project? I am continuously learning new elements of education, qualifications, professions, unique study programs, etc. The opportunity refined my vocabulary, enhanced my writing skills, improved my expressive skills, and more. Today, I can communicate/express a message in one line, which I could do in 2-3 sentences earlier. So it is an improvement. In two years, I have processed millions of words. 

I will complete two years of continued efforts to match the demand/s of the consultant this November. The owner is more than happy, and I am happy to earn. Happiness comes at the cost of sacrifices. My family bore the brunt of sacrificing time to make the work run. For me, working long hours is still work, but for them, it is robbing their time. I salute and respect their contribution.

The result of the formal opportunity introduction was positive and positively impacted my personal and professional life. Besides earning good money, what motivates me is the constant flow of work. Money is a by-product of hard work with a tint of smartness. 

Now, I can closely relate to the quote of Nicole Snow. A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in. 

Like me, everyone out there is serving and leaving an impact. I salute the spirit of entrepreneurship. It ceases global boundaries and helps connect the remotest places on the globe. 

I could go on writing to no end. I would stop here. I am grateful to my readers. Your presence inspires me. 

Thank you.