TOM HUTLEY: London taxi driver opens up on past quitting doubts and why he stayed on the road
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
A new video from London cabbie and YouTube creator Tom Hutley, also known as Tom the Taxi Driver, gives a rare and honest look into the mental and emotional toll of life behind the wheel.
In the 10-minute piece, Hutley shares the reality of being a licensed taxi driver in the capital. The job, he says, is far more than just picking up and dropping off. It’s a mix of long hours, unpredictable earnings, and emotional stress that often goes unnoticed.
Hutley doesn’t shy away from detailing his struggles especially during the difficult Covid pandemic times. He speaks openly about moments when he seriously considered leaving the trade. Factors such as burnout, passenger behaviour, and the ongoing pressure to make ends meet led to several near-quit points in his career. During those times, he questioned whether continuing was worth it.
But the video also explores what kept him going. For Hutley, the job offers more than just a living. He describes a the sense of freedom, independence, and occasional reminders that the work matters. These came in the form of brief but meaningful interactions with passengers, words of appreciation, and the quiet satisfaction of navigating the city he knows so well.
One of the more reflective parts of the video looks at identity. Hutley considers what it would mean to stop cabbing, not just as a career move, but on a personal level. The conclusion he comes to is measured: though the job isn’t easy, stepping away would have left a bigger void than he was prepared for.
The film ends on a forward-looking note. Hutley says he’s glad he didn’t quit. The ups and downs are part of the role, but sticking with it has allowed him to rediscover the value in what he does, both for himself and for those he serves.
Watch the video in full below:
