In a bid to remain in the United Kingdom, Swetha Kothandan, an Indian national with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leicester, has sparked heated discussions across social media. Kothandan, who moved to the UK in 2021, has faced an ongoing struggle to secure a visa-sponsored job in her field after graduating in 2022. With her graduate visa set to expire in three months, she took to LinkedIn to make a bold appeal—offering to work for free for a month to secure a role.
In her LinkedIn post, Kothandan outlined her determination to work without salary, be available for 12-hour shifts seven days a week, and allow an employer to dismiss her without notice if dissatisfied with her performance. “Hire me for free for one month. If I don’t deliver, fire me on the spot, no questions asked,” she posted, requesting readers to share her plea to help her stay in the UK.
The post, which has gone viral, has stirred mixed reactions online. Some users criticized her approach, accusing her of setting unrealistic expectations for job seekers and undermining the value of skilled labor. One commenter wrote, “This only reinforces damaging stereotypes and creates impossible expectations for others.” Another argued, “Offering free labor is problematic, especially in the current job market where many graduates struggle to find fair opportunities.”
Yet, others expressed sympathy for Kothandan’s situation, acknowledging the high financial stakes involved. “She probably has a hefty student loan to repay, making it essential for her to secure employment,” one user wrote, while another empathized with the pressure on international students to establish a career abroad.
The post has highlighted the broader challenges international students often face in competitive job markets. While some social media users advise patience and resilience, others remain critical of strategies that compromise fair employment standards.
