Introduction
On the auspicious eve of Deepawali, I set out to experience the vibrant and bustling Dhanteras market near the India-Nepal border. With its streets filled with eager shoppers and vendors, the market was alive with the spirit of festivity. Due to the sheer volume of people, I parked my car about a kilometer away and took a battery-operated e-rickshaw to the heart of the marketplace. This simple ride became an eye-opener, leading me to question our ingrained social biases.
A Conversation with the E-Rickshaw Driver
After finishing my shopping, I hailed another e-rickshaw and struck up a conversation with the driver. His dedication and insights into his daily life were enlightening. Here’s what I discovered:
- Long Work Hours and Steady Earnings
This driver works an average of 12-14 hours daily, with a minimum fare of 10 rupees. Surprisingly, he consistently earns around 2,500 rupees each day. - Impressive Monthly Earnings
With earnings amounting to nearly 1 lakh rupees per month, he takes home around 70,000-80,000 rupees after accounting for maintenance costs—a figure that may seem surprisingly high for an e-rickshaw driver in India.
Reflecting on the Earnings Gap
As I digested this information, I couldn’t help but reflect on the situation of today’s educated youth, who often settle for government or private sector jobs that pay around 20,000-30,000 rupees per month. This disparity in income versus perceived “status” of the job highlights the classist and elitist mindset prevalent in our society. The driver, though financially successful by comparison, is often looked down upon due to the nature of his work.
The Class Divide in the Workforce
In our society, certain professions are seen as prestigious, while others are considered menial. This classist bias leads many to pursue jobs with lower financial returns simply to align with societal expectations. The result? Many young graduates, who have invested years into education, end up earning less than blue-collar workers like e-rickshaw drivers, who are often dismissed as “uneducated” or “lower class.”
Challenging the Stereotypes Around Blue-Collar Jobs
While white-collar jobs offer prestige, blue-collar jobs often offer financial independence without a significant educational investment. The irony is that society pushes young people toward jobs with perceived higher social status, often leading them to ignore more lucrative but socially “inferior” positions. Is it time to recognize the value and financial independence that these roles can offer?
E-Rickshaw Drivers: An Example of Self-Reliance and Hard Work
The e-rickshaw driver I met exemplifies self-reliance, hard work, and financial planning. His substantial monthly earnings provide a compelling case for rethinking our biases. He may lack a college degree, but his income far surpasses that of many degree-holding professionals. In an economy where jobs can be scarce and inflation relentless, such roles offer stability and opportunity.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
The question then arises: Which is better—chasing a low-paying job with perceived status or taking up work that is financially rewarding but lacks societal prestige? While the answer may vary depending on individual goals, one thing is clear: we need to reevaluate the classist biases that shape our career choices. Blue-collar jobs, such as driving an e-rickshaw, are not inferior; they are essential, often lucrative, and a vital part of our economy.
This Diwali, let’s celebrate the spirit of hard work and financial independence, regardless of the social “status” attached to the job. It’s time we honor dedication over designation and recognize that success can come from any profession—no matter how society labels it.
