A LinkedIn post by a woman working with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub has gone viral, drawing widespread attention to the growing trend of moonlighting among tech professionals. Chaarmikha Nagalla shared her surprising experience of discovering that her bike taxi rider, who arrived to drop her to work, was actually a full-time employee at Infosys.
In the now-viral post, Nagalla wrote that the incident occurred earlier this month in Bengaluru. “He arrived at my location and called me: ‘Am I audible?’ in the most corporate lingo!” she recalled, adding that his tone and approach instantly felt different from other rides.
She went on to describe how the rider stood out with his professionalism and enthusiasm. Curiously, she later discovered that it was his first day moonlighting as a bike taxi driver. The man, she said, balanced both roles with pride and positivity.
The post has sparked a debate online about moonlighting—a practice where professionals take up second jobs or freelance gigs outside their main employment. While some praised the individual’s dedication and hustle, others raised questions about corporate policies and work-life balance.
Infosys had earlier taken a firm stance against moonlighting, even warning employees of disciplinary action. However, the viral story has reignited discussions around employee freedom, side incomes, and the realities of living in metro cities like Bengaluru.
Nagalla’s post ends on a reflective note, applauding the rider’s professionalism and stating that such encounters remind her of the unseen struggles many working professionals face.
The LinkedIn post has garnered thousands of likes and comments, with users across industries chiming in with similar stories and opinions on the evolving work culture in India’s tech hubs.