Interestingly, it's still the case in modern communist countries such as Venezuella or Cuba. There's a paralel economy that's almost always underground with a p

Interestingly, it's still the case in modern communist countries such as Venezuella or Cuba. There's a paralel economy that's almost always underground with a paralel exchange rate using a real currency (the US dollar). In Cuba, if you aren't good enough to become a taxi driver (and maybe get a tip in US dollars from a foreigner) your next best bet is to clean hotel rooms. Then for those who failed at both, it's to become a doctor. Fascinating societies.