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Bengaluru techie learns his auto driver is richer than him, owns apartment worth Rs 80 lakh
ET Online | January 24, 2026 12:19 AM CST

Synopsis

Bengaluru's tech professionals are rethinking their assumptions about gig workers after encountering ride-hailing drivers who own substantial property and hold stable jobs. These drivers revealed they choose to ride for enjoyment and personal freedom, not financial necessity. Their surprising backgrounds challenge stereotypes and highlight a unique city culture prioritizing personal satisfaction over conventional success.

A Bengaluru techie recently discovered how rich his auto driver was
Bengaluru is frequently criticised for its gridlocked roads, never-ending commute hours, and recurring debates around language and culture. Yet, every once in a while, the city throws up stories so unexpected that they completely challenge its stereotypes. One such surprising account recently surfaced online, shared by a tech professional who described two back-to-back encounters that left him stunned and rethinking everything he assumed about gig workers in the city.

During a routine bike ride booked through a ride-hailing app, the man struck up a casual conversation with the driver. What he discovered was far from ordinary. The rider was not just a part-time driver trying to make ends meet, but someone who owned a spacious two-bedroom apartment valued at over Rs 80 lakh. Beyond property ownership, the driver also held a stable position as a quality analyst in a multinational company, making his choice to ride for a bike taxi service seem completely unexpected.

The surprise did not end there. On a different occasion, the same commuter found himself riding with another driver whose background was equally astonishing. This individual was the owner of a café and possessed residential property worth nearly Rs 60 to 70 lakh. Curious and confused, the passenger asked both drivers why they chose to work as bike taxi riders despite their apparent financial security. Their response was simple and consistent. They said they genuinely enjoyed riding and considered it a refreshing and entertaining activity rather than a necessity driven by money.


The tech professional later shared his disbelief on social media, describing Bengaluru as a city that constantly defies logic. He admitted that he was still adjusting to its unpredictability, especially after encountering two such instances consecutively. His post quickly gained traction, with users chiming in to share their own unusual observations.

One person remarked that such choices reflect a different way of thinking, where enjoyment and personal freedom matter more than social expectations. Another recalled discovering that a regular vegetable vendor in their area owned multiple houses rented out for income, an insight that left them equally shocked. Some users humorously pointed out that certain riders treat the platform as a social space rather than just a work app. Others suggested that this flexible approach to work might explain how these individuals manage to invest smartly, balancing enjoyment with financial sense.

Together, these reactions highlighted Bengaluru’s unique culture, where conventional definitions of success often take a back seat to personal satisfaction and unconventional choices.


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