Madrid taxi driver Antonio reflects on retirement and night work

Antonio, a retired taxi driver from Madrid with 44 years of contributions, has shared his reflections on work and retirement in a TikTok interview that has resonated widely. After decades of long shifts, he now says he dedicates himself to 'doing nothing' while strolling through Plaza del Callao Source: Clarin. His working days were demanding: "I worked from seven in the morning to two in the afternoon, stopped to eat, and then continued until eight or nine at night" Source: El Confidencial. He only worked nights when he was younger, leading to his memorable observation: "The night is life, it's for those who live, for those who can live. The day is for the workers" Source: Clarin.

Career highlights

Antonio's long career brought encounters with notable figures, including a minister and many athletes. "I've even carried a minister and many sportspeople. When you spend a lot of time on the road, you meet a lot of people," he recalls Source: El Confidencial. While he enjoys retirement, he admits he sometimes misses driving, as the taxi was not just a livelihood but a routine tied to his memories Source: El Confidencial.

Broader context

Antonio's story reflects a profession where income depends on hours worked. In Spain, 6.6 million people currently receive a retirement pension, a number expected to grow as the baby boom generation retires Source: Clarin. Meanwhile, the taxi sector saw 1,415 new authorizations in 2024, reaching a total of 62,398, with many veteran drivers nearing retirement Source: El Confidencial.