It’s a busy evening and I was in a hurry to catch my Bus. I stopped an auto. He asked 150 rupees and then agreed for 140 rupees to koyambedu from T Nagar. I’m not good in bargaining 🙂 so I nodded yes.

Since it’s a Friday evening, the city was full of traffic and the auto had to move inch by inch. He initiated the talk casually by asking which bus to catch, where I’m from etc.… and I answered him one by one.

Auto driver: What is your job?

Me: I’m a software Engineer

Auto driver: oh, are you an IT guy?

Yes, I replied.

Then came the interesting question…

Auto driver: What you guys do?

Me: We develop softwares.

What does that mean? He asked

I was not sure how to explain… then I told him that software is something that runs on hardware.

Say, You have a phone, that phone is a hardware and you need a software to interact with the hardware , to make calls and so and so.

Auto driver: Oh, So you can repair any kind of phones?

Me: No, No. I said that for an example. Just think about the past, we need to stand in a queue in the bank to deposit or withdraw money. But now a days we have ATM. Online transaction, ticket booking, these are all due to IT.

Auto driver: Hmm. I heard that all IT companies would cut down the salaries anytime. Is that true?

Me: Yes, if there is a recession. We may not get a hike this year.

Auto driver: Why, is recession approaching? Will they stop recruiting new people?

Me: Not really, they will recruit for sure. But hikes for us are not certain this year.

Auto driver:  You experienced people can strike for that?

Me: Strike? No. It’s a company’s rule/term. You may walk out and move for another job if you are not satisfied.

By the way, forming unions, groups and striking are not a healthy act.

Auto driver: Ok, You came in to this IT without knowing it?

Me: No, I came, because I’m interested. None of the jobs are secured.

Auto driver: But, it is a bit too much in IT industry.

I smiled.

Then we reached the bus stand. I got down and gave him 150 rupees. He said I don’t have a change.

I did not ask for it. I smiled.

He thanked and I left.

Happenings Travel auto driver conversation software engineer