Bengaluru Techie With Six-Figure Salary Still Gives Rapido Rides On Weekends; His Story Goes Viral

A social media post about an unusual encounter in Bengaluru has triggered a broader conversation about the rising cost of living, side hustles and the changing nature of work in India's technology capital. The discussion began after an X user claimed that the Rapido rider he booked turned out to be a software developer earning a six-figure salary at a multinational company.The account was shared by an X user named Shabaz, who described meeting the rider during a trip to Bannerghatta in Bengaluru. According to his post, the interaction began as a routine ride but soon evolved into a conversation that left him surprised."The rider, a 35-year-old, started speaking in Kannada, realised mine wasn't great, and switched to English. He asked what I do,

and I told him I'm a software engineer," he wrote."Then he told me he's also a software developer at an MNC, earning a six-figure salary."According to Shabaz, despite having what many would consider a well-paying corporate job, the man chooses to work as a Rapido rider during weekends."But on weekends, he drives Rapido because he's married, has a young child, and wants the extra income to support his family."The story quickly gained traction online and resonated with many users who said it reflected the financial realities faced by professionals living in major metropolitan cities. Bengaluru, known as India's technology hub, has witnessed a steady increase in housing, transportation and everyday living expenses in recent years, prompting some salaried employees to seek additional sources of income.Reflecting on the encounter, Shabaz questioned whether even high-earning professionals now feel compelled to take on extra work to maintain their lifestyles."It genuinely made me think. If someone with a good tech job and a six-figure salary still feels the need for a weekend side hustle, how expensive has life become in Bangalore and other Tier-1 cities?" the user asked, concluding the post.

The post reportedly received more than 70,000 views and generated extensive discussion in the comments section. While some users viewed the driver's decision as a practical financial choice, others suggested that side gigs can offer benefits beyond money, including social interaction and personal fulfilment."I recently encountered an IT Operations engineer who operates an auto-rickshaw. When questioned about his motivation, he explained that he does it for personal satisfaction, enjoyment, and the unique opportunity to interact with people," one user wrote in the comments section.Another commenter pointed out that similar trends have emerged in other cities as well."In Hyderabad, I have met multiple software people who are working as drivers in driveu and drivers4me app. I don't know if this story is real or fake but it's really happening in Hyderabad. I have also met many good students who are planning to go abroad and doing part-time driving," another user noted.