A Day in the Life of a Rideshare Driver

About 40 million Americans have lost their jobs since the pandemic began. Are you one of them? If so, then you’re likely interested in learning about alternative ways to make money.

One way to make an income during this strange time is to become a rideshare driver. Not sure what a day in the life of a rideshare driver looks like? We’ve got you covered! Read on to discover what real rideshare drivers are saying about their job.

Flexible Hours or Expected Overtime?

One of the most attractive things about a job as a rideshare driver is the flexible hours! In theory, you’re able to go to work when you want, take breaks, and stop when you’re ready to go home. Even better, you can work around your children’s schedule or another job.

Sounds amazing, right?

Well, not so fast. According to real rideshare drivers, flexible hours often mean a lot of unpaid work. For example, drivers aren’t paid while they’re waiting around for a customer. They also aren’t paid to drive from where they are to the customer’s location.

This fact doesn’t mean that becoming a rideshare driver isn’t worth it. But, it’s important to take these factors into consideration before you sign up.

Interacting With Passengers for Good Reviews

If you want to be an Uber driver, then you need to get accustomed to the review process. After you give a customer a ride, they have the opportunity to review you. Good reviews mean better wages, while bad reviews can leave you without customers.

Managing Expenses

To be your own boss, you have to manage your own expenses. That means you’ll be responsible for your gas, car maintenance, and other costs. Be sure to account for these expenses when you’re calculating your income.

You’ll also be responsible for paying your own taxes. Don’t think you can avoid reporting your income as a rideshare driver.

Illegal Requests

As a driver, you expect your customers to be looking for a ride. What you might not expect is an illegal request. What should you do if a customer asks you to drive them to a drug deal? What if the person committed a crime and expects you to be the getaway driver?

These situations should get approached with care and grace. Let your customer down easy by telling them you won’t do anything illegal. You could even recommend alternative options for your customer.

For example, if your client asks you where they can get a bong, recommend an online headshop. That way, you’ve helped them while also avoiding the responsibility of taking them to a drug shop.