US-returned entrepreneur becomes Zomato delivery agent for a day, receives a harsh and humling reality check on Indian streets.

 

Synopsis

A US-returned entrepreneur took up a weekend job as a Zomato delivery person after a failed business pitch left him questioning life. What began as a random experiment turned into a powerful reality check, revealing the everyday struggles of gig workers in India. His honest reflection has since sparked a larger conversation on empathy and privilege.

When life hits a rough patch, most of us seek comfort in distractions, travel, or time off. But for one Redditor, a failed business pitch and a soul-searching conversation with his father led to something far more unusual — a weekend gig as a Zomato delivery rider. What started as a random experiment turned into a transformative experience that changed how he viewed privilege, resilience, and the silent strength of India’s gig workers.

A post on subreddit r/personalfinanceindia explained how a few weeks ago, the Reddit user — a US-educated entrepreneur from an upper-middle-class Indian family — found himself spiraling into self-doubt after losing a project he had been working on for months. In a moment of emotional vulnerability, he vented to his father, only to be gently reminded of the insulation his life had seen from financial struggles. “Maybe it’s time you got a different perspective,” his father said. That was the spark.

When Comfort Meets the Road: The Delivery Shift Begins

Having returned from the U.S. after more than a decade to launch a successful business, the user admitted he had never really had to worry about daily expenses. To shake things up, he signed up as a Zomato delivery agent — for just one weekend.

Some commenters highlighted the need for a broader conversation around the gig economy, pointing out that delivery work often isn't about creating employment but rather about capitalizing on people's desperation for income. Others emphasized how even small gestures — a simple thank you, a warm smile, or a modest tip — can make a big difference in the day of a delivery worker.

There were also deeper reflections about the everyday reality of those in such jobs. One user noted that while doing the job for a day may open eyes, for many, this is their daily grind with no way out. Another shared how they personally avoid placing orders during harsh weather or peak hours out of consideration. For them, being kind to delivery workers, even in small ways, is the least one can do to acknowledge their hard work and humanity.