A Mumbai cab driver has captured widespread attention online after sharing his unconventional career choice. In a conversation with Bengaluru-based content creator Caleb Friesen, the driver revealed that he deliberately turned down engineering jobs offering salaries between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 per month to pursue entrepreneurship. His story has sparked significant discussion on social media platforms.
Why He Chose Entrepreneurship Over Engineering
During the interview, the driver disclosed that he holds an engineering degree and initially explored job opportunities after graduation. However, he found the offered salaries inadequate given the investment in his education. 'I have completed my engineering and was getting ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. This is not good,' he stated. This dissatisfaction motivated him to seek self-employment instead of following the conventional salaried path.
Building a Business Step by Step
The driver explained that his entrepreneurial journey began modestly with a single vehicle. Over time, he gradually expanded his fleet. Reflecting on his experience, he emphasized the importance of patience and persistence. Drawing a parallel to Reliance, he noted that even the largest businesses start small before growing over the years. His message was clear: early struggles should not deter individuals from pursuing long-term goals.
His Perspective on Risk
When Friesen asked about the risks of starting a business, the driver responded that risk is essential for creating opportunities. 'You have to take a risk in your life. Otherwise, you work for someone else... After 60, no one will give you a job,' he said. This remark resonated strongly with viewers and became one of the most discussed parts of the video.
Current Business Model
The driver now owns four cars. While he personally drives one vehicle, the other three are operated by hired drivers. The arrangement follows a revenue-sharing model, where drivers contribute a portion of their earnings after expenses. This system allows him to generate income from multiple vehicles while continuing to work as a driver himself.
Monthly Earnings
Regarding his income, the driver claimed to earn approximately ₹2 lakh per month. However, some vehicles are still under loan repayment, so after accounting for EMI payments, his net monthly earnings amount to around ₹1.7 lakh.
Social Media Reactions
The video quickly gained traction online, with many users praising the driver's mindset and business acumen. One user wrote, 'Wow! What a wonderful real-life motivational video to watch on a Monday morning. I just saw it, and it's truly inspiring. I especially loved how casually he said at the end, Build your own label. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video.' Another commented, 'Before 15 years, my first driver was just a driver; the car owner was different. Now the driver himself owns five vehicles – four are driven by others, and he drives one himself. They earn too much, sometimes more than the customers who use their cars.' A third user added, 'Perfect. A job is fine, a business is better, and a side hustle is smart, but doing something extra is what makes the difference.' Another remarked, 'Indian cab drivers sometimes understand hustle, finance, and human psychology better than half the LinkedIn growth gurus.'
Disclaimer: This article is based on a video shared on social media and public statements made by individuals featured in it. The information, including income figures and personal experiences, has not been independently verified. Views expressed are those of the individuals concerned. The Times of India could not independently verify the identity of the driver featured in the video.
