An IIT graduate who was recently laid off from a major tech company has started a debate online after comparing engineering careers with medicine. He argued that MBBS offers greater job security and stability, especially at a time when AI and layoffs are reshaping the tech industry.
The Reddit user said his experience with layoffs and a difficult job search made him rethink the long-term stability of different professions. His post drew mixed reactions, with some agreeing that doctors enjoy greater job security, while others pointed out the challenges and sacrifices that come with a medical career.
The Layoff Led Him To Rethink Careers
The discussion began with a Reddit post titled, “Being an engineer from IIT i feel like Medical field is only safest secured and AI proof field in India.”
In the post, the user revealed that he had recently been laid off from a major American technology company. He said the current situation in the tech industry, including layoffs and increasing investment in artificial intelligence, has made finding work much harder.
“As you guys know and are aware about the current job market. How Big Tech companies are laying off their employees because of rapid AI Investment and replacement. I got laid off too from an American big tech company,” he wrote.
The engineer said he had been applying for jobs for the past two months but had not seen much success despite graduating from a top-tier institute and receiving referrals. “IDK why I am not getting selected,” he added.
Why He Thinks MBBS Is A Safer Option
Reflecting on his situation, the IIT graduate compared engineering with medicine and argued that doctors enjoy stronger job security.
“I always feel MBBS is safest secured and stable field. Like no layoffs tension and 100% job security and respect is on another level,” he wrote.
He also spoke about the earning potential of doctors, saying they can continue earning even if they are not attached to a major institution.
“A doctor cannot be unemployed atleast he can earn anything and after years of experience he can earn 5-6 LPM easily or even more,” he said.
The user also referred to what he had observed around hospitals in Mumbai. “I have seen how many doctors in my nearby hospital parking plot in Bombay have BMW X7 Mercedes GLS Audi RS5 and even a Porsche 911.”
While acknowledging that becoming a doctor is a long and difficult process, he argued that the rewards appear more stable in the long run.
He Compared It With Engineering Jobs
The Reddit user also criticised employment prospects for engineering graduates in India. According to him, many engineering students struggle to find good-paying jobs unless they graduate from institutions such as IITs, NITs or IIITs.
“Most people say mbbs is not worth it and say Btech is better. It not reality guys in India 83% btech Grads are jobless and most remaining people start from 3.5 LPA. Unless you are from IIT NIT IIIT it’s different story,” he wrote.
He further added, “Even average MBBS grad earn more than this.”
Social Media Users Disagree With His View
The post quickly attracted attention, with many users arguing that the comparison overlooked the realities of the medical profession.
A user wrote, “While medicine is AI proof, it isn’t the golden goose people think it is. While I feel for my peers in tech who are getting laid off, I cannot but feel worse at our state of having to wait 10+ years to earn what many would be earning after 3-5 years of their graduation.”
Another commenter questioned the IIT graduate’s understanding of the profession. “Being an IIT graduate, how dumb are you? Do you know how much time and stress do doctor’s go through every single day especially those surgeons moving in BMW,” the user wrote.
A person said people often idealise careers they are not part of. “The grass is always green on the other side. For the past two decades, people from medical field has been watching engineering folks earn great packages in IT while they waste best years of their lives trying to establish their career.”
The user also pointed out that not all doctors become highly successful and that the profession comes with years of training, financial pressure and the responsibility of dealing with patients’ lives every day.
Many commenters agreed that while medicine may offer better protection from automation, it also brings challenges that are often overlooked when comparing it with careers in technology.