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How do people choose their careers in Cuba?

by Brock
(California)

According to this website, there doesn't seem to be a significant difference between the salaries of anyone that works in Cuba. What would be the incentive for someone to choose a more challenging career like a chemist or an engineer, as opposed to a taxi driver or even working at all?

ANSWER by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com
In fact there's no incentive to choose a career as chemist, doctor, engineer etc. There's a limited free choice, students are (gently) pushed in some directions like the medical sector or sports etc. There are several idealists among them, but also academical skilled people that prefer to drive a taxi for the higher salary (tips). The best paid jobs are in the military and the police. A physician earns 25 USD, a policeman 50-100 USD.
This is a tragedy for Cuba, a smart guy (hustler)can earn more on the streets than a doctor's salary.

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How do people choose their careers in Cuba?

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Dec 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Highest paid career in Cuba.
by: Anonymous

The best paid job in Cuba is taxi driver....not a doctor, not a policeman. I was in Cuba 2 tears ago. The proscribed rate for a "real" taxi (government-owned, and bearing blue license plates) was 70 centavos per kilometer.
Here's a typical example: I asked at the hotel desk how much it was for a taxi to La Casa de la Musica (4 kilometers away). I was told 3 pesos (4 x .7, pretty close). When the taxi arrived, I asked the driver how much the fare would be, and he said 5 pesos.
Then, when I got in the taxi, the driver never turned the meter on. So, the taxi driver doesn't own his cab, doesn't pay for the gas and upkeep, keeps the government's fare, bumps up the price to make even more, and then if you're generous enough to give a tip.....,then they still get their meager $12-$20 per month pay......if I ever move to Cuba, I'm going to drive a cab.
Some advice......If you ever take a taxi in Cuba, make sure the license plates are coloured light blue.....that's another story.

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