Cuban Engineers and dentists who make more money with their start ups

[El Presidente]

An older article that I have previously missed. 

It warms the cockles of my entrepreneurial heart 

Makes me think of my good friend Carlos at the nacional who has gone from bartender to part owning and running one of the most successful paladars in old havana (El Rum Rum)

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/17/these-cuban-engineers-and-dentists-now-make-more-money-with-their-own-start-ups.html?slide=1

[Bartolomeo]

Reminds me of the multitude of conversations I have had w friends down there that went to school for something than ended up doing something else because of potential income

[Ken Gargett]

how many times do you meet taxi drivers or hotel workers who were once doctors or international airline pilots and so on? that was always compelling evidence to me that something was badly wrong - if you needed further proof.

carlos was already doing very well in comparison with most professionals there. he made enough from us - and certainly always looked after us - so imagine that multiplied many times from other visitors.

[Guest Nekhyludov]

15 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

how many times do you meet taxi drivers or hotel workers who were once doctors or international airline pilots and so on?

I recall meeting the Maitre D' at the San Cristobal paladar, who was very gracious and very gregarious, and shaking my head as he explained that he used to be an orthopedic surgeon, but quit so he could make more money. 

I marvel at how much talent, skill, and benefit to society is squandered while these folks serve food and drinks and drive cabs, just to have a better life for themselves and their families.