The reality of the taxi industry
What kind of work does a taxi actually do? Is it profitable? We asked directly about the reality of the industry to Mr. Nakajima, who has experience as a taxi driver.
Ito ---
The theme of this time is "Reality of the taxi industry". May I? Please tell me a real story.
Nakajima ---
yes.
Ito ---
I think that job hunting students only have a vague image of the taxi industry. On the other hand, in recent years, the reality is that the number of job-hunting students who aspire to work in the taxi industry is increasing. With that background in mind, this time I would like to hear about the rewarding job of a taxi, the working environment, and even if it sounds a little disgusting, about your income.
First of all, regarding working styles, I see and hear people claiming that they take a lot of time off. Is it something you can take a lot of time for yourself?
Nakajima ---
I agree. There may not be a gap in the way of thinking that there is a lot of holidays or that the number of times you go to work is small.
Ito ---
If it's a general office worker, it's about 22 days a month, right?
Nakajima ---
Taxis are about half the number.
Ito ---
half! ?
Nakajima ---
Don't act like you didn't know (lol)
Ito ---
(lol)
Nakajima ---
Half the time, that means going to work 12 times a month.
Ito ---
I had an image that taxi drivers are always running, or even though they are not the same person driving, they are working a lot, but 12 times is quite a small number.
Nakajima ---
Well, it's a basic work style at our company that you only work 12 times a month. In other words, the 18th of the month is an off day, and I can use it as my own time.
However, instead of going to work only 12 times, the working hours are long. 20 hours, max 21 hours. So sleeping is also work. The next day after work is called 'Ake-yasumi', which means that you get a good night's sleep and prepare yourself for the next job.
Ito ---
How many breaks do you get in 20 hours?
Nakajima ---
3 hours.
Ito ---
Work 20 hours, rest 3 hours. And rest well the next day. So the way of thinking is that you are doing two days worth of work in one day. Instead, you would rest well the next day.
Nakajima ---
I agree.
Ito ---
You can play so much, no, you can rest!
Nakajima ---
Eh, you said you can play now, didn't you? (lol)
Ito ---
I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I have a lot of holidays.
Nakajima ---
I agree. As much as you worked, you get a day off. In addition to that, there is a regular shift holiday, so the 18days off. If you make meaningful use of the holidays and regular shift holidays, you can devote them to your studies and hobbies.
Ito ---
How long are the annual holidays?
Nakajima ---
I think it's about 210 days if you add the "Ake-yasumi" and the regular shift holidays.
Ito ---
210! ? That's fascinating.
Nakajima ---
Right.
Ito ---
what were you doing driver era.
Nakajima ---
Go to the gym, play softball, play tennis.
Ito ---
It's pretty active.
Nakajima ---
After a good night's sleep, I still have plenty of time, so I used to go out during the day.
Ito ---
If I only go to work for 12 days, I'm worried that my salary will be less.
Nakajima ---
Not at all. As a taxi driver, your hard work will be reflected in your salary as much as you do. If you take customers and receive money, it will be business income, but the higher it is, the higher your salary will be. Those who don't work hard at all get paid that much, and those who work hard get the amount of money they deserve.
Ito ---
It is interesting.
Nakajima ---
That's why I don't have any complaints such as "it's unfair to have the same salary as someone who doesn't work that much." Because people who are slacking don't get paid as much as they are slacking.
Ito ---
What was it like during your driver days?
Nakajima ---
Well~. I think it's about 350-400K JPY when I'm active.
Ito ---
Can I say this? (lol)
Nakajima ---
I do not know. (lol)
Ito ---
It was around the time you were 22 or 23. Ha~ that's amazing.
Nakajima ---
So, new graduates in their first or second year working as a taxi driver can get twice as much as their friends from school on a monthly basis.
Ito ---
Wow amazing. Don't you feel a gap? Your friends don't get much of their starting salaries, do they? No, I can't say it. (lol)
Nakajima ---
I'll say it loud. (lol)
Ito ---
If it were me, I wouldn't be able to say it. I am afraid if it would be taken away. I'm a stingy person? (lol)
Nakajima ---
I didn't have any negative feelings about it.
Ito ---
Generally speaking, rewarding aspects are important for work. What is it like for taxis?
Nakajima ---
I think it's different for each person, but I think it's the moment when I realize that I'm useful to people. It may be too ordinary, though...
Ito ---
Do you have any episodes?
Nakajima ---
I was told "thank you" so much that I can't think of a single episode that said this. That's the episode.
Ito ---
It's true that office workers don't often receive "thank you".
Nakajima ---
I guess it depends on the industry.
Ito ---
How many times have you been told "thank you" by driving for customers?
Nakajima ---
Countless. They say it more than 10 times a day. "I was saved," or something like that.
Ito ---
You mentioned three things: income, work style, and rewarding. What was your priority?
Nakajima ---
I'd say rewarding. It motivates me, to be appreciated. I mean, why do you do a job that doesn't get appreciated? It won't last, will it? You might be able to do it temporarily.
Ito ---
I see. I also want to be a person who is appreciated.
Nakajima ---
Have you been said thank you?
Ito ---
It may not have been said...
Nakajima ---
Let's do our best!
Ito ---
Well then, let's have a drink after this.
Nakajima ---
Split the bill.
Ito ---
Split the bill? No no no (laughs)
This time, I asked about how taxis work, their rewards, their income, their work environment, and so on. On the other hand, I understand that you want to ride people, receive money, and receive words of gratitude, but when you have an image of yourself running in Tokyo, what worries you is the "road". The streets in Tokyo are very complicated, aren't they? How about it next time, could you do something like "Tricks to learn the roads in Tokyo"?
Nakajima ---
No one would have a hard time with something like that.
Ito ---
Isn't there! (Laughs) Everyone has a hard time, and they're doing their best while using navigation.
Nakajima ---
While having customers getting angry. while shedding sweat and tears.
Ito ---
That's right. Understood. Then you will learn the road by yourself.
This time, we interviewed Mr. Nakajima about the reality of the taxi industry. thank you very much.