Viral Pic Of TCS Employee Reveals Bigger Issue: How To Survive A Job That Doesn't Pay Enough

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A picture can sometimes scream louder than words-and that's exactly what happened when a heartbreaking image of a young man sleeping on a footpath outside TCS's Pune office went viral. The handwritten note beside him read: "I have informed HR I don't have money and will be forced to sleep and live outside TCS on footpath."

The man in question, Sourabh More, had reportedly not been paid for months due to what TCS labelled as "unauthorized absence." He said he returned to work on July 29 but found his access to company systems revoked. The emotional and physical toll of this financial uncertainty finally pushed him to protest publicly-lying on the pavement with nothing but a message of desperation.

While TCS later clarified that they had arranged accommodation and were in touch with the employee, the photo reignited a larger debate that often goes unspoken: Why do so many freshers, especially in the IT sector, find it so hard to survive financially-despite being employed?

Here's a hard-hitting reality check and survival guide for those silently struggling in their first jobs.

1. Always Have A Backup Fund-Even Before You Start

It might sound like a luxury, but entering your first job with a 2-3 month survival fund can be a life-saver. Most entry-level jobs don't pay the first month's salary right away, and delays in onboarding or payroll can be crushing if you're relocating or self-financing your stay. Borrow from family if needed, but treat that buffer like non-negotiable rent.

2. Read The Fine Print: Know The Leave And Pay Policies

Many freshers don't realise how easily "unauthorised absence" can lead to pay suspensions. If you fall sick or are facing personal issues, document everything. Email HR, speak to your reporting manager, and get a written acknowledgement of any break you take. The IT sector runs on protocols, not emotions-and being unaware can cost you months of salary.

3. Know Your Rights-And Speak Up Professionally

If your salary is delayed or your access is revoked without reason, don't suffer in silence. Use company grievance channels, email higher authorities if necessary, and document every correspondence. Going viral on social media should never be your first move, but staying silent and hoping things fix themselves could leave you without both income and proof.

4. Don't Romanticise The 'Struggling Fresher' Phase

Many young professionals believe struggling in their early 20s is a rite of passage. But romanticising long commutes, poor living conditions, and unpaid work only makes it easier for companies to exploit you. Survival isn't just about cutting costs-it's about recognising when a situation is unhealthy and unsustainable, and making changes before it breaks you.

5. Build A Support System-Online And Offline

Isolation makes financial stress worse. Whether it's your college alumni WhatsApp group, your flatmates, or mental health forums online-stay connected. Discussing salaries, late payments, and toxic workplace patterns is no longer taboo. You'll be surprised how many others have faced similar issues and can offer both empathy and solutions.

While companies must do better, young employees too need to arm themselves with information, courage, and a game plan. Survival is not a weakness-it's the first lesson of adulthood. And it begins with knowing your worth.