For many, losing a job can feel like hitting a dead end. But for Deeban, it became the turning point that changed the course of his life. Once employed in the oil and gas (O&G) sector after completing degree in Petroleum Engineering, the Johor-born professional never imagined that his budding career would come to an abrupt halt. Like thousands of others, he was retrenched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“For the next four to five months, I found myself trapped in a mental lurch as I was cracking my head over how to provide not only for myself, but for my family too. At the same time, I didn’t know what was the next step I should take in life. Though I had a vision of running my own business, I had no idea where to start,” said Deeban.
That uncertain period lasted for a few months, but rather than waiting for opportunities to come his way. Deeban decided to take action. What started as a survival move eventually became a multifaceted career.
The Road to Reinvention: Becoming a Rider
Inspired by a friend who worked as a food delivery rider, Deeban began researching the job, intrigued by its flexibility. In August 2020, he signed up with a food delivery platform and began riding through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, primarily serving the bustling Bangsar area.
“Most corporate jobs often require one to work at the office from morning until night, but that wasn’t something I was looking for. Rather, I was looking for a job that would let me strike a balance between my work and personal commitments. A friend who was working as a food delivery rider approached me and started sharing his experiences with me. As I had little idea about how it actually worked, I did my own research to get a better understanding of it,” he said.
Though often seen as stopgap job, Deeban found value in the discipline and structure it provided. He shared that the shift-based system pushed him to be more accountable, especially on tough days when the weather made working uncomfortable.
On average, he earns between RM100 to RM150 daily, sometimes more, depending on demand and how many hours he puts in.
To be honest, you can earn way more than this. But it all boils down to how hardworking and disciplined you are,” said Dheeban.
Beyond Deliveries: A Poultry Business and Kindergarten
While many would stop at one job, Deeban went further. With several friends, he co-founded a poultry business that supplies chicken to household and local businesses. Although he doesn’t handle the operations on ground, he manages customer service, takes orders, and coordinates deliveries.
At the same time, he assists in running a kindergarten in partnership with his mother, a former teacher. While she manages the curriculum and children, Deeban plays a supportive role in the centre’s daily logistic and management.
His delivery job, with its flexible schedule, makes it possible to juggle these roles without burnout. Still, he admits that it does require strict planning, early mornings, and mental endurance.
Finding Meaning Through Hustle
Despite managing three very different responsibilities, Deeban insist he doesn’t see his situation as a burden. He credits his support system, his friends and family for keeping him steady.
While he’s open to returning to the oil and gas sector if a compelling opportunity arises, Deeban is in no rush. Right now, he is more focused on building something sustainable through his current ventures.
An advice for those who are hesitant to explore new paths, Deeban has a simple message: Don’t Wait
“If there’s something you’ve been wanting to do your whole life, just go for it — no matter how small it may be. Don’t wait till you’re too old to act on it. Even if you were to fail, as least you’ve gained the experience along the way, which you can use as a ‘platform’ to improve and excel in other areas. If you don’t try, you’ll never find out if something works for you or not. So why not just try it out?” he said.
From engineering graduate to delivery rider, entrepreneur, and education assistant, Deeban is living proof that life after retrenchment doesn’t have to mean giving up—it can also mean starting again, this time on your own terms.
Sources: WeirdKaya
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