Drivers Hailed Online: A Transitional Career Providing Certainty in Uncertain Times

Recently, I noticed a striking similarity in the backgrounds of many ride-hailing drivers in Beijing. Many had transitioned to this line of work due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

The first driver, who previously worked in investment banking in Shanghai, took on ride-hailing as a part-time job. He had only slept for three hours before accepting my 5 AM booking. As I sat in the car, I felt a wave of concern for his potential fatigue. He mentioned that even when not driving, he often worked overtime, averaging only four to five hours of sleep a night.

Originally from Shanghai, he explained that he moved to Beijing due to family conflicts and had not returned home in six years. When he spoke of this, a long silence fell between us. I couldn't fully understand the feeling of not belonging somewhere, but his silence spoke volumes about the weight of his experience. Given the current economic climate, I hadn’t considered that even finance professionals might need to supplement their income by driving for ride-hailing services.

The second driver had nearly 20 years of experience in high-end car sales, where he served as a sales manager. From the moment I got in the car, I could tell his service was exceptional. He inquired about the temperature, reminded my sister to exit from the right side, and carefully checked the rearview mirror for approaching vehicles. His friendliness and articulate communication made it clear he had a story to tell.

He was very talkative, sharing insights about various high-end car management systems, analyzing their pros and cons with the authority of someone who had observed the industry for years. His sales acumen shone through; unlike most ride-hailing drivers who worked all day, he had a strategy. He would accept rides during peak hours and target long-distance bookings to airports or train stations. During holidays, when the city was congested, he would focus on rides from the outskirts to avoid the crowds at tourist spots. This strategy allowed him to earn around 16,000 to 17,000 yuan a month while enjoying a flexible schedule.

Ultimately, life seems to be about navigating change. In this uncertain era, the only constant is transformation. Both drivers' lives have been significantly impacted, yet they have found a way to adapt through ride-hailing—a transitional profession that has allowed them to stabilize and begin anew.