Is Taxi Driving the Right Job for You?

If you ask the average person to describe a taxi driver, what do you think they’d say? The description would probably male. Unfortunately, this stereotype rings true, as taxi driving is a profession that is still largely dominated by men. However, this is changing.

To tackle these gender norms, women are launching their own taxi businesses. In Canada, an all-female cab company has just been launched, with another taking off in London. But women are also making strides and breaking glass ceilings in the taxi industry as a whole. Saudi Arabia is a perfect example, where after lifting the driving ban, Uber have taken a huge step forward by hiring their first female Saudi Arabian drivers.

These empowering steps got us thinking. With more women driving taxis – although figures are still low with just over 2% of London cab drivers being female – we thought we’d explore the profession further.

So, is taxi driving the right job for you?

Flexible Working Hours

There’s many perks to being a taxi driver, but arguably, flexible working hours is the most attractive. Whether you’re with a firm or invest in your own Cab Direct taxi, you can manage your own schedule and commit to hours that suit you, providing freedom and flexibility.

It’s a great choice whether you want to work full-time, fit in a career around a busy family life, or take part-time employment while you’re exploring other opportunities or starting your own business.

Varied Days

In addition to choosing your own hours, being a taxi driver also offers variation. This makes it a great job for those who feel constricted by a repetitive desk job, as it’s one of those professions where no two days are the same. Each day, you can drive varied routes, explore different areas and meet an array of new people.

People Job

If you’re a real people person who loves nothing more than a good chat, then taxi driving could be the right job for you. Cab drivers are like a member of bar staff – only on wheels and without the alcohol – as you get to meet people from all walks of life, and hear their stories and their troubles.

Good Pay

Finally, an important consideration when deciding on any career: pay. The good news is taxi drivers earn a decent living. Depending on the hours you work, taxi drivers in the UK can earn anywhere between £12,000 and £36,000 per year, with the average driver bringing £18, 517.

What do you think? Is taxi driving for you?