Struggling for stability: An Indianprofessional’s Dubaijob hunt.

After 500 applications, Shriram Chackolangara reveals the harsh realities of low pay, long hours, and financial strain in the UAE.

For many professionals, Dubai represents opportunity and prosperity. Yet for 28-year-old Shriram Chackolangara, the past four months have been a sobering reminder of how difficult the city’s job market can be. Born and raised in Dubai, Shriram returned to the UAE in 2023 after completing his Chemical Engineering degree at NIT Calicut and working three years in Bangalore. Despite his strong background in marketing and communications, his recent job search has been marked by rejection, low-paying offers, and mounting stress.

Shriram previously worked as an Internal Communications Specialist at RAKBANK, where he connected marketing with digital transformation and HR initiatives. But since leaving that role in April, he has submitted nearly 500 applications across industries such as banking, healthcare, real estate, and education. While interviews did come, the offers were discouraging—some employers proposed salaries as little as one-fourth of his previous income. In contrast, others relied heavily on performance-based pay that failed to meet living costs. Many roles also demanded 9–10-hour workdays, six days a week, leaving little room for balance.

The uncertainty has weighed heavily on his family. Living together in Dubai, his parents frequently express concern, especially as his father nears retirement. Conversations at home often circle back to his job search, adding emotional strain to financial pressure. With savings dwindling, Shriram has cut back on leisure activities and now budgets carefully for outings. His father has been the primary financial supporter during this period, a responsibility Shriram is eager to relieve by regaining independence.

Visa challenges have added urgency. After his residency visa was cancelled, Shriram shifted to a visit visa, which expires in October. Though he once considered leaving Dubai, encouragement from his Instagram followers persuaded him to persist. Interestingly, his unemployment has fueled growth in content creation. His reels, which candidly document the struggles of job hunting, have resonated with many, offering him hope of building a career as a paid creator—though not yet a reliable source of income.

Looking ahead, Shriram remains pragmatic. If Dubai’s market does not improve, he plans to explore opportunities in Bangalore, Mumbai, or Hyderabad. Still, he believes Dubai will rebound by winter, restoring its reputation as a hub for professionals and creators. For now, his journey underscores the challenges of navigating a competitive job market where ambition often collides with reality.