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How a Bengaluru techie found her manager's side job? She books Uber, her boss shows up as cab driver

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India’s tech capital, often referred to as the nation’s answer to Silicon Valley, has gained a reputation not only for its thriving IT sector but also as a symbol of relentless ambition and nonstop grind. In this dynamic environment, it’s common for professionals in Bengaluru to wear many hats, often taking on side roles in addition to their primary employment in pursuit of greater financial security and personal fulfillment.

A recent viral post on X (formerly Twitter) captured widespread attention by showcasing a scenario that many felt was a textbook example of life in this fast-paced city. The post included a screenshot of a WhatsApp message where someone recounted an unexpected and amusing situation—an encounter that seemed to perfectly mirror the city’s distinctive character and work culture.

In the shared message, the individual explained that they had booked a ride using Uber. Much to their astonishment, the person who arrived to pick them up was a colleague—specifically, a senior member of their own office’s leadership team. The surprise deepened when the reason behind this side activity was revealed. Rather than taking on driving duties out of financial need, the team lead reportedly chose to work as a cab driver simply to add variety to his routine. As described in the message, this decision was driven by a desire to escape the dull repetition of daily office life, not by monetary concerns.

Once shared online, the story quickly resonated with a broad audience. Many users on X found the incident both relatable and emblematic of Bengaluru’s unconventional work ethos. The notion of a tech professional effortlessly moving between high-level meetings and citywide ride-share routes struck a familiar chord. For these viewers, the post represented the very heart of the city’s identity—a place where flexibility, side gigs, and innovation intertwine.

The narrative also fed into the larger idea of Bengaluru as a hub of creativity and adaptability. It highlighted how professionals in this metropolis often explore alternative pursuits, not just for profit but to stay mentally engaged and diversified in their experiences. For some, it was a lighthearted illustration of the city’s multi-layered professional landscape.

Overall, the post served as a reflection of a modern work environment where traditional job boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. In Bengaluru, what might seem surprising elsewhere has become almost routine—a testament to the city’s evolving identity as a place where ambition, ingenuity, and personal experimentation go hand in hand.

Reactions to the post were varied. A large section of users saw it as a light-hearted and fitting reflection of the city's tech-driven culture. They pointed out how this story illustrated the versatility and unpredictability of life in a startup hub like Bengaluru. The fusion of work and play and strategy and spontaneity seemed to resonate with many.

However, not everyone viewed it with such amusement. Some users questioned the logistics and logic of such a move, especially given Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion. They expressed disbelief at the idea of willingly navigating packed roads merely to kill time. A few suspected there might be more behind the story—perhaps financial strain masked as a leisure pursuit.

Others drew parallels to similar occurrences in different Indian tech cities, suggesting it wasn’t unique to Bengaluru alone. Some leaned toward practical interpretations, suggesting that even well-paid professionals might look for side hustles to pad their income in an increasingly expensive urban environment.

A handful of responses, however, cast a more serious tone. These users speculated that the act wasn’t just a quirky choice but potentially a sign of hidden economic stress, suggesting that appearances in the corporate world can be misleading. Behind what looked like a whimsical decision might lie the unspoken challenges of modern urban life.

Previously, a man from Bengaluru shared an encounter that quickly sparked interest—he had met an auto-rickshaw driver who, to his surprise, turned out to be a software engineer employed at Microsoft.

According to the account, the engineer had taken up driving on the Namma Yatri platform during weekends, using it as a way to cope with feelings of isolation. What truly caught people’s attention was the sight of him wearing a Microsoft-branded hoodie while navigating city streets in an auto-rickshaw—an unexpected contrast that highlighted the unique and often unconventional lifestyle choices of professionals in the city.

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