Fired Cognizant Techie Drives Uber in San Francisco; Founder’s Viral Ride Fuels H-1B Uproar

San Francisco: Book an Uber in the heart of Silicon Valley and hear a story that could spark a debate in the US Parliament. This is what happened to Ronald Nettawatt, founding research engineer of Antim Labs. Things started on a simple ride, and a harsh reality emerged. The driver was an Indian immigrant who spent two decades climbing the corporate ladder, only to become a victim of layoffs. Now doing ridesharing.

How did he start driving Uber?

Netawatt reveals on Traveled from project management jobs to the CTO role. The driver talked openly during the ride. Came to America on an H-1B in 2007, went through body shops, and climbed the corporate ladder. Got citizenship after 15 years of hard work. But Cognizant's latest layoff waiver came. Thousands of jobs were lost due to post-pandemic cost-cutting. Due to this, he came on the road. He told Netawatt that instead of taking up another PM role, I thought, "Why not try this?" Pointing towards Tesla's dashboard, he said that it is a shiny car, but it is a far cry from the boardroom.

Debate rages on H-1B—'market correction' or system failure?

This story fueled the age-old debate over H-1B visas. America's golden ticket for skilled immigrants, who are now accused of snatching jobs. Critics attacked the H1B, saying it was not for such people. Moderate college, body shop hopes, 'manager' title but no sign of coding. One said LinkedIn screamed "non-coder." The layoff was the burst of the ZIRP-era bubble. Their argument is that visas are for top talent, not mid-level managers who pad resumes. Piero, on the other hand, retorted that he was driving Uber because it was fun.

What's next—gig rebound or full-time rides?

The supporters are watching the heartbreak. This is the American dream upside down—make it, then throw it away. Netawatt remained neutral and shared the raw truth of the bus ride. A snapshot of the tech graveyard of 2025 is shown. Cognizant cut 5,000 jobs this quarter, with Indian PMs most affected. From H-1B hopeful to Uber wheelman, this unnamed man's story hits deep in a valley where layoffs are the norm. SF is crazy just like Netawatt.