Cabbies are interesting creatures.  I am generally fascinated in most people, and individuals who cart folk around in four-wheeled climate change contribution contraptions are no exception*.  In particular, two cab experiences in the past two days provide a valuable lesson on perspective.

Puddleglum

 I met Puddleglum on a short $9.20 hop across a few blocks.  My first impression was that he was old, carbon dating somewhere between dinosaurs and dirt.  I engaged him in nervous conversation, as he had a serious condition of bolean braking (1’s or 0’s, on or off, no in-between).

Puddleglum had been driving cab going on 30 years, and he made it clear he had exactly 30-days left.  On 10 September, 2009, my friend Puddleglum was flying to retirement in the Philippines, where he assured me he had much beer and many women waiting to love him long time.  Puddleglum hated his job, didn’t care for Brisbane, and could not wait to be done with the whole lot, my presence in his vehicle included.

As Puddleglum pulled up to the studio, I mechanically handed him my CabCharge card.  He pushed a bunch of buttons on the metre, resulting in the number displayed changing from $9.20 to $2.70.  My initial trusting thought was that he was trying to add more to the fare.  Considering the substantial amount in question, I did not say anything as he swiped the card.  He handed me the receipt, I signed, and thought that was the end of it.  However, the receipt I signed was for $2.70.

Puddleglum was none too pleased and tried to run my card through again for $9.20.  I innocently asked if that would double charge my card, but could have saved my breath as the honesty switch in the machine prevents double booking for the same trip.  He was clearly upset.  I explained I did not have cash on me and was getting ready to mention I could run up to the studio and get his six odd dollars when he put the car in gear to drive me to a bank.  I politely commented that was not on, and he politely muttered he could not wait to get out of the business and told me to get out of his cab.

Positive Pete

I was still pondering Puddleglum and considering how I might be able to get him his $6 before he left for the land of milk and honey when I met Positive Pete on a $22.50 trip back from a client.  Pete loved his job.  He had been in the game as long as Puddleglum, was mid-40s to 50s, some holes in the shirt armpits, and generally one you would not have reason to stare at for any length of time.

Pete found everyone interesting, and had an opinion on everything from footy to politics, media to beer.  When Pete was not driving cab, he was sleeping, as there was little else for him apart from working six days per week.  On our way, we got on the topic of it being Cheaper Tuesday with Domino’s.  To Pete, this was a great new revelation!  He was happy as a clam, saying how he loved Domino’s pizza and that he could not wait for lunch.

As I paid for the cab after arriving at my destination, I commented to Pete about Puddleglum.  Pete said the same thing happened to him a few times due to operator error.  Pete said there is a work around by processing a payment as a tip and that it all comes around in the end anyways.  We wished each other a good day and that was the end of it.

Learning from Puddleglum and Positive Pete

Two guys doing the exact same, two different perspectives.  True, there are many other factors not revealed in a 10 minute taxi ride.  But I would think there would be little that could have brought Puddleglum down, certainly not the price of shouting three Filipino beers for his waiting women.  By the same token, Positive Pete’s six day working week would wear on most, but he seemed all smiles.

I am not saying Puddleglum was bad, or that Pete is the ideal.  I think we need all sorts in this world of ours.  Just be aware of where you sit in the continuum, try to understand the reasons and impacts behind your perspective, and make a rational decision to change if you feel it appropriate or necessary.

There are a few approaches to help Puddleglum, Pete and yourself with the answer to why you are you.  My sociology studies would say to examine the genetic, environmental and cultural factors.  My marketing experience would propose a measure of underlying attitudes and beliefs to determine intentions and behaviour patterns.  My spiritual inclination would recommend connecting with the One who made you for a unique purpose.  Personally, I don’t think it is that complex.  When it all comes down to it…

Domino’s Cheaper Tuesday trumps Filipino beer.

*An exclusion to this statement are cabbies who can not speak the language and do not know how to get to where I am going.  Not only can I not explore your life’s purpose with you, but you require me to be geographically aware.  Apologies in advance for my expressed frustration.