“They get into the car wearing masks or even smoking drugs” – Interview with an Uzbek taxi driver in New York
Suhrob Shodiyorov left his managerial position in Uzbekistan and moved to the USA. Today, he works as a driver in New York, and his monthly income is quite high. However, behind the American life that looks beautiful to everyone, there are also many difficulties that no one knows about. Masked or unconscious drug addicts also get into my car, which makes you scared, he says. So, why did Suhrob give up his career and choose the USA? This is what the conversation is about.
“They get into the car wearing masks or even smoking drugs” – Interview with an Uzbek taxi driver in New York
Suhrob Shodiyorov has been living in the US for 8 years. Since arriving in America, he has been mainly working as a driver. Our compatriot, who lives in New York, earns 10 thousand US dollars and even more per month. However, he came to America leaving behind a managerial position and a ready-made career in Uzbekistan. According to our interlocutor, behind the beautiful life, there are quite a few difficulties that are not visible to everyone.
First of all, living far away from family, homeland, and parents troubles Suhrob, just like many of our compatriots. In addition, driving a taxi in a big city is not an easy job. Firstly, one has to go through the process of paperwork and obtaining a driver's license. Secondly, the customers are diverse people.
As a long-time driver, Suhrob says that everyone from businessmen to people wearing masks on their faces and those under the influence of drugs get into his car. For this reason, today he only accepts business-class orders.
Suhrob adds that despite it being a high-income job, the biggest problem for Uzbek taxi drivers is not knowing English at least at a basic level.
“Our taxi drivers do not even know simple words. For example, when driving, if a customer asks a question or explains or asks for something, sitting in silence is very strange. Once you come to a country, you should learn its language at least a little,” says driver Shodiyorov.
Our interlocutor also touched upon the customer culture in America. According to him, most customers show respect, and if conditions are created for them, they will certainly appreciate it.
For example, the tipping culture is very well established in America. Customers sincerely leave extra money at service points and in taxis. Our compatriot also assessed this positively.
“The TIP culture is very good here. For example, the biggest tip I received was $200 from one person. We traveled over 100 kilometers together. I told him about Uzbekistan, engaged in conversation, and in the end, he left an extra 200 dollars. Besides that, we get at least 50-100 dollars in tips every day,” says Suhrob.
But despite having a high-income field and a beautiful life, Suhrob is planning to return to Uzbekistan for good. Despite living in the financial capital of the world – New York – for 8 years, he still chose his homeland. What are the reasons for this?