Hacker News Reader

I would argue that it has been a long time in the USA since a taxi driver could earn a middle class income driving. Medallion fees basically make them indentured servants.

View on HN

If that's the case, why would anyone do this by choice? You could just work for McDonalds and make just as much money for less effort.

Taxi drivers are usually contractors, so it's easier to get a job (sometimes as a sub) and its easy to avoid taxes. Think of it as a waiter job without the need to communicate well. Also, because of the off/hours nature, it's a good second job.

Because you have networks of contractors, you can lever social ties to get a job... This is especially important for immigrant communities.

Please spend an hour in traffic, and then an hour In your kitchen -- cooking for a hundred people -- and tell me what is less work.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com