S'porean man, 49, quits 14-year software engineer career to drive taxi, takes huge pay cut to care for son with autism

Ricky Low, 49, carried the world on his shoulders, providing for his ailing mother, his wife who lived with a genetic condition, and a son with autism.

His software engineer job afforded him a good pay, but the hours were long even after flexible work arrangements.

This left him with little time to care for those who relied on him.

Low eventually left his 14-year career as a software engineer and made the switch to become a taxi driver.

He now makes three times less than before, but has the flexibility to spend time on what matters — his family.

Low told his story in an National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) article.

Making time for his family

Low's wife lived with mitochondrial disease, a genetic condition where the body's cells are unable to produce sufficient energy.

At the same time, he had to care for his ailing 83-year-old mother and 10-year-old son with autism.

He tried flexible work arrangements at his old job, but some workdays still stretched till 3am to 4am.

"I was tired and I somehow also felt I needed to be around them more," Low said.

In May 2024, Low made the switch.

Changing circumstances

He left his 14 years as a software engineer behind and became a taxi driver.

While Low had intended for the taxi job to be temporary while he explored jobs in another industry, he had to reconsider due to his mother's care needs.

On his last day at the software engineer job, Low's mother suffered a blood clot which cut off circulation to one of her legs.

This warranted an amputation.

Apart from his mother, Low's wife also needed more care.

Hand tremors and mobility difficulties made everyday activities, like holding a spoon and fork, difficult.

Flexibility with time

Given these needs, driving a taxi gave Low flexibility in more ways than one.

With the job, Low had a car which he could use to take his mother to her medical checkups, as he continued to make an income.

"It made more sense for me to drive a taxi," he said.

"I have the car to bring them around. I have the flexibility. I can come back at a moment's notice," he also explained.

The career switch was not without trade-offs.

Low estimated that he made three times more as a software engineer.

Low's priorities did not change, however.

"It was quite an adjustment having such a huge pay cut," Low said.

"But I could be there for my family physically. It's just about finding the right balance between work and family, but family comes first," he added.

Low's mother passed in July 2024.

His wife passed this year, aged 47.

The right balance

While some of his family circumstances have changed, his need to provide for his 10-year-old son remains.

Today, Low plans his schedule around picking up his son from school, lunch, and rest time.

"Monday to Friday, I pick him up from school. Then we go home and have lunch together," the 49-year-old shared.

On the weekends, Low sets aside time to spend with his son, such as going grocery shopping together or swimming.

As a ComfortDelGro driver-employee, Low gets a basic pay, CPF contributions, and benefits like medical and annual leave.

ComfortDelGro's driver-employee scheme is part of NTUC Women and Family's C U Back at Work programme, which helps individuals with caregiving responsibilities transition back into the workforce.

Low drives full-time from Monday to Thursday, and rents the car at a subsidised rate for the remainder of the week.

All told, the career switch and flexibility of his current job allow Low time to spend with his family while providing for them.

"With the right support, I don't have to choose between providing for my family and being present for them," Low said.