Amid TCS layoffs affecting 2% of its global workforce, viral moonlighter Soham Parekh urges employees to upskill and take control of their careers. Read his powerful message here.
India’s IT sector has been shaken by the recent announcement from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), confirming layoffs affecting 2% of its global workforce. As shockwaves ripple through the industry, a familiar name has re-entered the conversation—Soham Parekh, the viral moonlighter who made headlines earlier this year for working at multiple companies simultaneously.
In a bold and timely post on X (formerly Twitter), Parekh didn’t mince words. He offered strong advice to professionals fearing job loss or uncertainty in the tech landscape:
“Don’t wait for handouts. Learn fast. Build harder. Your skills are your leverage.”
His message quickly gained traction, especially among younger professionals and gig workers who are increasingly skeptical of corporate job security.
TCS Layoffs: A Reality Check for Indian IT
Tata Consultancy Services, India’s largest IT services company, recently confirmed laying off about 2% of its global workforce, sparking concerns across the sector. With over 600,000 employees globally, this reduction equates to thousands of professionals suddenly facing an uncertain future.
The company has not officially specified the reasons, but insiders cite project delays, global economic uncertainty, and restructuring efforts as likely causes.
Who Is Soham Parekh?
Soham Parekh first caught public attention for a rather unconventional reason: moonlighting. He was found to be working for multiple tech companies simultaneously—sparking a fierce debate around work culture, commitment, and compensation in the digital age.
Despite the controversy, Parekh’s story resonated with a large chunk of India’s workforce—especially Gen Z and millennial employees juggling side gigs, startups, and freelance work while holding down full-time roles.
“Outwork the System”: Parekh’s Full Message
In his now-viral post, Soham Parekh encouraged employees not to rely on their employers for stability or growth:
“Outwork the system. Outlearn the gatekeepers. Outbuild the giants.”
This rallying cry isn’t just about hustle culture—it’s a warning and a wake-up call. Parekh believes that in the post-pandemic world, loyalty without leverage is risky, and skills—not seniority—are the new currency of success.
The Larger Message: Upskilling Is No Longer Optional
Parekh’s advice aligns with a growing belief in the Indian tech ecosystem: the best safety net is continuous learning. In an environment where even giants like TCS are trimming their workforce, waiting passively is no longer an option.
Here’s what his message underlines:
- Learn Fast: Stay ahead by adopting new tools, languages, and methodologies.
- Build Harder: Use your skills to create value—be it through apps, freelancing, startups, or open-source contributions.
- Outlearn Gatekeepers: Don’t let outdated norms or rigid hierarchies dictate your career growth.
- Leverage Your Skills: In a skill-driven economy, your talent is your biggest asset.
Reactions from the Tech Community
The post sparked widespread discussion online. While some praised Parekh for his brutal honesty and inspirational tone, others debated the ethics of moonlighting and the pressure of “always being productive.”
One user commented:
“Finally, someone said it. We can’t keep depending on companies. If you’re not building your own skillset, you’re falling behind.”
Another added:
“Outworking the system is not about cheating it—it’s about preparing yourself for whatever comes next.”
What Should Employees Do Now?
As layoffs loom and job markets tighten, here are three actionable steps professionals can take:
- Invest in Yourself: Enroll in courses, attend webinars, and stay current in your field.
- Diversify Your Income: Explore freelancing, consulting, or building digital products.
- Network Intelligently: Join professional communities, attend tech meetups, and stay visible in your industry.
The days of lifelong employment at a single firm are fast fading. In this new era, self-driven growth and skill ownership are your greatest shields.
Soham Parekh’s message comes at a critical juncture. As TCS and other IT firms adjust to changing economic realities, one thing is clear: waiting for the system to save you is not a strategy. It’s time to outwork, outlearn, and outbuild—just like Parekh said.