Mumbai engineer quits corporate job for taxi driver, now earns ₹2,000 a month: 'You have to take risks'

Bengaluru-based Canadian content creator Caleb Friesen’s viral post X, highlighting a chance encounter with a taxi driver, sparked a huge online debate about career choices and financial priorities. During their conversation, the content creator was amazed to learn that the man was a former engineer who turned down a job and built a transportation business that now generates almost ₹2 million per month.

“He asked the taxi driver how much he earns. He told me 2,000,000 rupees. Then he explained to me how he earns so much. The answer he gave me honestly gave me goosebumps,” Friesen wrote.

From an engineering graduate to a business owner

The driver said he found little satisfaction in the salary offered after completing his engineering degree. Rather than continue in a role that has paid off ₹30,000 per month, he decided to invest his time and effort in building his own business.

“After graduating from engineering, I got a job that was only paid ₹30,000. Not good, huh? I invested too much to become an engineer.”

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He recalled that the early stages of the business were challenging, but he remained committed to growing the business.

“In the beginning it was very difficult. I started the business with only one car. Now I have four cars.”

The driver also used his experience to encourage others facing professional setbacks.

“If you think you have failed, don’t give up. All great entrepreneurs in India start small.”

“You have to take risks”

When asked if starting a business carries significant uncertainty, Driver said that taking risks is often necessary for those seeking greater financial freedom.

“You have to take risks in life or you’ll always end up working for someone else.”

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He also highlighted concerns about long-term job security.

“After 60, no one will give you a job.”

How his taxi business works

What started with a single vehicle has grown to a fleet of four. While he personally drives one of the cabs, the remaining three are operated by hired drivers under a revenue sharing agreement.

According to the model, the earnings are split between the owner and the driver after accounting for fuel costs.

“Every day the driver earns ₹5000 and gives me ₹2,000 after deducting the cost of CNG,” he said.

The arrangement, he explained, allows business to generate around ₹2 million in monthly income.

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He added that the vehicle loan repayments cost him approx ₹30,000 every month. Despite these expenses, he believes the business offers much more earning potential and flexibility than the engineering job he once held.

Caleb Friesen praises the entrepreneurial spirit

Caleb Friesen, who shared the clip online, said the driver’s story reflects the growing entrepreneurial mindset among young Indians who are choosing to create opportunities for themselves rather than relying solely on traditional jobs.

“I think India needs more founders, more people who start businesses and build their own dream instead of building someone else’s dream,” he said.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)