Mohit R is an MBA in corporate finance from Leeds Metropolitan University, UK. He began his corporate career in Siemens, moved to HSBC and his last stint was with Ernst & Young in their project management team in Bengaluru. In April, he quit E&Y to become a driver on taxi-hailing app Uber's platform.
His passengers are often intrigued by the 28-year-old MBA taking to the wheel. Some senior executives he ferries often engage in friendly chat to understand why he made the shift. "I've got at least ten job offers from senior executives I've ferried," Mohit says.
The Bengalurean got behind the wheel after long hours at his earlier job took a toll on his health. "Sometimes I'd clock 65-75 hours at work a week and I ended up having high cholesterol," he says.
Many of us crib about the city traffic snarls, but Mohit enjoys driving. And he doesn't consider his decision a social embarrassment. "My mom was fully supportive of my decision. I'm earning close to Rs 80,000 a month, more than I was in my last corporate job. I see this as a short-term opportunity. I may do my own startup one day," he says.
A number of handsomely paid executives have ditched their corporate jobs and are on taxi-hailing platforms. Some do it part time. Some for the love of driving. And some because the money is really good — many earn Rs 90,000 or more in a month.
