The global tech industry is going through one of its most disruptive phases in years. As layoffs continue and hiring slows at major companies, many professionals are being forced to rethink their career paths just to pay the bills. And in Russia, many Indians, including techies, are now taking up unconventional jobs to remain economically viable. One such story coming out from the country is that of 26-year-old software engineer Mukesh Mandal from India, who is now working as a street cleaner. And he is not only doing an unconventional job but also earning around Rs 1 lakh per month.

According to a report by Russian news outlet Fontanka, a group of 17 Indian expatriates, including Mukesh Mandal, are cleaning streets in St. Petersburg. Back home in India, Mandal reportedly worked as a software developer. Although his professional career has not been personally verified, as per the report, Mandal has revealed that he has experience in using modern tools like AI systems, chatbots, and GPT-based platforms.

“I have mostly worked in companies like Microsoft and used new tools like AI, chatbots, GPT and so on. Basically, I am a developer,” Mandal told Fontanka. According to reports, he had arrived in St. Petersburg about four months ago along with 16 other Indian nationals as part of a pilot project to address the shortage of manual workers in the city.

The group is employed by Kolomyazhskoye, a municipal road maintenance company responsible for road cleaning and maintenance in several districts. Company officials said the workers were recruited on short-term contracts and were given full support to settle down.

Earning more than Rs 1 lakh per month

Reportedly, the employers of these Indian migrants have arranged everything for them including accommodation, food, protective clothing and daily transportation to work sites. The company has also ensured food options that avoid beef, keeping in mind cultural preferences. In return, workers get around 100,000 rubles per month, which converts to around Rs 1-1.1 lakh.

Indian workers working under this scheme come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Some were farmers, drivers and small business owners, while others worked as architects, event organizers and technicians. And all of them have reportedly started working as per their wish, including the technical expert board. He said, “I am Indian and for an Indian, job does not matter. Work is for God. You can work anywhere – in the toilet, on the road, anywhere. It is my duty and responsibility to do it as well as possible.”

Mandal says his decision to do manual labor abroad was a practical one. “My plan for the year is to stay in Russia, earn some money and then return to my country,” he said.