A Life-Saving Job During the Pandemic: Gratitude from an Online-Hailed Driver

In the bustling streets of Beijing, ride-hailing driver Master Sun is writing his life story through hard work and resilience. Unlike many drivers who harbor grievances against the platform, Master Sun expresses deep gratitude for Didi. He says, “During the three years of the pandemic, it was Didi that helped me through the toughest times; it saved my life and provided me with food.”

Transition from Taxi Driver to Ride-Hailing Driver

At 55 years old, Master Sun has been working in the ride-hailing industry for five years. He starts accepting orders promptly at 7 AM from his home in Tongzhou, Beijing. Choosing to become a ride-hailing driver was not his first option; due to his age and limited education, he felt he had no other choice. “At my age, without much education, this is the only industry I can choose. No one else would hire me,” he explained.

Before becoming a ride-hailing driver, Master Sun worked as a taxi driver. However, due to health issues, he had to stop driving for a few years. After recovering through rest and exercise, he returned to driving. He reflected on his time as a taxi driver, sharing, “Taxi companies can be frustrating with their tricks and oppressive practices. For instance, if you run a red light, the traffic authority issues a fine, and the company imposes an additional penalty, even publicly shaming you at meetings.” In contrast, while Didi has its issues, Master Sun feels it provided him a lifeline during difficult times.

The Hardships of Life and a Grateful Heart

During the pandemic, Master Sun's income plummeted as passengers became hesitant to spend money. He noticed many people opting for cheaper transportation methods. “People are reluctant to spend money, so many who would have taken a ride are now using the subway or cheaper options,” he noted. His earnings now amount to only half of what they were before, and with an increasing number of drivers, competition has intensified.

Despite these challenges, Master Sun maintains a heart full of gratitude. “I never complain about Didi because it helped me survive the toughest three years during the pandemic,” he admitted, expressing that his gratitude for Didi even surpassed his reliance on family. “No one in my family could help me; it was Didi that supported me during the hardest times.”

Acceptance of Reality and Future Aspirations

When discussing the future, Master Sun has limited plans. “I’m in my fifties, and I’ll probably work until I’m 60, which is when I can retire. It’s just how it is,” he accepts, feeling content with his current state of life. “People in Beijing tend to be easily satisfied. I work hard; many of my peers are enjoying life, while I’m still grinding.”

He works 14 to 15 hours a day, often feeling tired but chooses to bring meals from home to save time and money. “I bring my lunch in a small thermos; eating out is expensive, and parking is a hassle,” he said. He is mindful of his health, managing his diet to ensure he can continue to work efficiently. “For dinner, I control my blood sugar by skipping carbs, eating just an apple or some nuts, maybe an egg,” he explained.

Even with the tough conditions, Master Sun remains optimistic. “Ordinary people live by their mindset; you can be downcast or cheerful, but either way, it’s still one day,” he remarked. He hopes to improve his life through hard work and wants to share his experiences to inspire others.

Challenges of Serving Daxing Airport

One unique challenge Master Sun faces is accepting rides to Daxing Airport. “Picking up passengers from Daxing Airport is high-tech; after five years, I still haven’t had the courage to go there,” he explained. While the fare to the airport is lucrative, the return trip is often empty, meaning many drivers are reluctant to take those orders. In the past, he could wait for a long time at the airport for a ride, but now he prefers to return to the city immediately after dropping off passengers.

“There’s an option in Didi to avoid accepting orders from the airport, but many drivers hesitate to disable that option,” he noted, acknowledging that not accepting airport orders could impact their business. Despite this, he has chosen to take a balanced approach and avoid airport orders as much as possible.

Honoring the Everyday Warriors

Master Sun’s story is a reflection of the lives of countless ride-hailing drivers. They work quietly in various corners of the city, contributing their labor for their families and society. In this rapidly evolving era, it is these ordinary yet steadfast individuals who form the backbone of society.

Master Sun stated, “I start accepting orders at 7 AM and usually work until evening. It’s tough, but at least I know I belong to the lowest tier of society, just relying on hard work. I feel like a modern-day ‘Camel Xiangzi’ from the old society, but I’ve come to accept this job.” He remains loyal to Didi, unlike many drivers who run multiple platforms. “I only drive for Didi; if they don’t give me orders, I’ll just wait it out. I won’t download other platforms.”

Let us pay tribute to Master Sun and all the ordinary people striving for a better life. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the lives of ride-hailing drivers, revealing the opportunities and challenges they face amid societal changes. In the next issue, we will continue to explore more stories from ride-hailing drivers, gaining insights into their happiness and sense of fulfillment.

Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews, and let’s walk closer to these extraordinary yet ordinary individuals.