Driving taxi has been a rewarding trip for Neelam
BEING your own boss is rewarding in many ways. You are in control of your own journey, and it’s a trip worth having especially if you love what you do. Former cook Neelam Prasad left her profession to pursue a career as a taxi driver.
She didn’t know she was making the best decision she's ever made,
"I find immense satisfaction in being a taxi driver because I start earning money as soon as I hit the road.
Despite the pressures of my previous workplaces, I genuinely enjoy what I do. The autonomy of being my own boss is rewarding, and the best aspect of my work is meeting new people every day," she says.
The former cook worked for the Ministry of Health and later travelled overseas to work.
Upon her return, an idea was suggested to her by a relative that has allowed her to be her own boss.
"I was a cook initially at the Ministry of Health, where I served at various health centres in Nausori, Wainibokasi, and at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
“After dedicating 15 years to the MOH, I moved and worked in New Zealand for five years.
“I returned when my visa expired, and spent three years at home.
"Upon the suggestion of my brother, who lives in America, I decided to obtain a taxi licence. I successfully acquired one and applied to the Grand Pacific Hotel, securing a job there. I worked at the hotel for two years, driving long hours to Nadi Airport, Nausori Airport, and Pacific Harbor with tourists.
"Due to the demanding schedule and its toll on my health, I eventually left the hotel job. Subsequently, a friend lent me his taxi, and for almost four years now, I have been driving.
“I am based at the Shop N Save complex. "Over the past three years, I've built a clientele of loyal customers who trust me to drop off and pick up their children from school daily. This trust is something I feel privileged to have."
Loving her work, she has established great contacts and loyal customers who prefer her services. While she adores what she does, there are risks that come with it.
Through her negative experiences, Ms Prasad made changes to her service to keep her safe,
"One of my worst experiences as a driver occurred when I was robbed by four boys. They hired me from the Rups Big Bear complex during the second year of COVID to take them to a residential area in Nakasi.
"All of them were around 18 to 19 years old. While driving, the boy in the middle pulled the handbrake, and the person sitting behind me strangled me with a wire. They took all my cash and belongings in the taxi and ran away.
"As a safety measure, I no longer pick up any boys from the road. I only take passengers who are shoppers. Outside of work, I avoid picking up young boys altogether."
She encourages young women to explore driving opportunities as there was work available as Public Service Vehicle drivers.
"I want to encourage young girls facing challenges at home, such as divorce, to consider joining this profession. Many educated girls with driving licences can find fulfillment and success in this field."
By earning a living they can be financially independent to support their families,” she says.