S’pore Grab driver says ‘there is no low-class job’, feels that every job should be respected

Grab driver in Singapore says no job is ‘low-class’ and that all jobs deserve respect

A Singapore Grab driver has spoken up against the idea that driving for the ride-hailing platform is a “low-class job”. He went on to say that every honest occupation deserves respect.

Man was told that driving for Grab is a ‘low-class job’

In a TikTok video posted on Thursday (20 Aug), @sethtzc shared that he had recently received a comment describing “driving Grab” as a low-class job.

He disagreed, saying that driving for Grab or as a taxi driver is an “honest living”.

The Original Poster (OP) explained that he drives for Grab partly because he is self-employed and works as a volleyball coach.

When there are no coaching sessions, he uses his free time to drive and earn extra income.

He also pointed out that people from different walks of life may turn to such work for similar reasons.

Retrenched workers may drive Grab for extra income

For instance, entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses may drive for Grab to help cover expenses. He also said that retirees may also drive for Grab to pass time and earn some income.

The OP also said that those who have been retrenched may have little choice but to drive for Grab temporarily to support their families.

As such, he does not see driving for Grab as a “low-class” job. Instead, he believes that “every job deserves its own respect”.

He also emphasised that people should not look down on one another based on their occupations.

“As long as we are not cheating, scamming, or committing a crime, I think every job deserves to be respected,” he said.

Netizens agree with OP

The post has since resonated with netizens, many of whom agree with the OP that there is no such thing as a “low-class” job.

A netizen agreed that there isn’t any “low-class job”, as making an honest living is an honourable job.

A commenter also agreed, explaining that some people may say so because driving does not offer much career progression.

Passenger made a casual remark

Speaking to MS News, the OP, Seth, 32, said a passenger had made a casual remark to him recently.

“Bro, why you do this job? This is a low-class job, you know,” the passenger said.

Seth shared that he felt hurt and affected by what the passenger said, making him wonder if others, especially his friends, see him the same way.

Growing up, Seth said that he was often looked down upon because he came from a “broken” and “not-so-well-to-do family”.

The nature of coaching meant that Seth’s working hours could be unpredictable, depending on the schools.

Some days involved coaching while others did not, with sessions often scheduled right in the middle of the day.

“Because of this inconsistent schedule, there aren’t many jobs that offer me the flexibility to work around my coaching commitments while still allowing me to earn enough,” he explained.

@sethtzc Lesson 5 of Volleyball For Total Beginners. #volleyball #vb #vball #haikyuu ♬ Boccherini / Minuet / Violin(813507) – 松本一策

“I’ve tried other options, but that’s why I drive Grab,” Seth said.

He also told MS News that he has been driving since he was 23.

Back then, he was doing so as he had debts to pay off, and he also wanted to put himself through university.

He feels that some people may see driving as a “low-class job” simply because the barrier to entry may be lower compared to certain professions.

Driving so he can continue coaching

Seth shared that he could probably have moved on to another career earlier. However, there is a reason why he has chosen to stay in coaching for now.

“I decided that I wanted to finish this journey with the kids I’m currently coaching,” he said. “I would feel irresponsible leaving halfway through their development.”

He hopes to give the children he coaches the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential before he moves on to the next chapter of his life.

“Maybe driving isn’t considered prestigious. Maybe coaching isn’t the highest-paying career. But I’m working. I’m earning my own money and paying my own bills,” Seth said.

“And I’m doing my best to take responsibility for the people who depend on me.”

Also read: ‘Not a low class job’: Meet this retail associate who once spent 7 hours helping a customer

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Feature adapted from @sethtzc on TikTok.