Mumbai cab driver says he earns ₹2 lakh a month after turning down engineering jobs paying ₹20,000–₹30,000

A Mumbai cab driver has gone viral after revealing that he chose entrepreneurship over engineering jobs that offered salaries of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 a month.

In a conversation with Bengaluru-based content creator Caleb Friesen, he shared how he built his business and what he earns now, sparking widespread discussion online.

Why he decided not to take an engineering job

During the interaction, the driver revealed that he had completed an engineering degree and explored employment opportunities after graduation. However, he felt the salaries being offered did not justify the investment he had made in his education.

“I have completed my engineering and was getting ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. This is not good,” he said.

According to him, this dissatisfaction pushed him to explore self-employment rather than follow the traditional route of taking a salaried job.

Building a business one step at a time

The driver said his entrepreneurial journey began with just one vehicle. Over time, he gradually expanded his operations and added more cars.

While reflecting on his experience, he stressed the importance of patience and persistence. Referring to Reliance as an example, he said even the biggest businesses start small before growing over the years.

His message was that early struggles should not discourage people from pursuing long-term goals.

His thoughts on taking risks

When Friesen asked whether starting a business was risky, the driver said risk is a necessary part of creating opportunities for oneself.

“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.

The remark quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the video and resonated with many social media users.

How his business works today

The driver shared that he now owns four cars. While he personally drives one vehicle, the other three are operated by hired drivers.

He explained that the arrangement is based on a revenue-sharing model, with drivers contributing a portion of their earnings after expenses. This allows him to earn from multiple vehicles while continuing to work as a driver himself.

What he says he earns every month

Speaking about his income, the driver claimed that he earns around ₹2 lakh a month.

He added that some of the vehicles are still under loan repayment. After accounting for EMI payments, his monthly earnings come down to around ₹1.7 lakh.

Social media users react

The video quickly gained traction online, with many users praising the driver's mindset and business approach.

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 wrote, “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 social media user 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. Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)