If you’re a gig worker, there’s nothing better than being a rideshare driver. Of all the side jobs you could possibly get, driving strangers around in your car will give you the most freedom and entertainment in one spot.
Here are 6 reasons being a rideshare driver is the best side gig in the universe.
1. You don’t have to work set hours
Almost everyone dreams of working on their own schedule. Although you’ll need to be on time to pick up riders, as a driver you’re free to work the days you want and take any days off you need. The freedom to work when and where you want is worth the extra work, like getting the car insurance you’ll need to work for a company like Uber or Lyft.
Other side gigs can be equally rewarding in terms of freedom, like dealing in real estate part-time. You can get your real estate license online and take clients on a part-time basis. Real estate actually makes a great companion side gig because of the freedom. When you’re not meeting with clients, you can make yourself available as a driver to keep your income constantly flowing.
2. You get to meet interesting people
If you’re a social person, you’ll have a blast as a rideshare driver. Everyone who gets into your car may not be interesting, but you’re guaranteed to meet people who have interesting stories to share. Some people will make you laugh and others might make you question your choice to be a driver. However, in the end, the fun will outweigh the frustrations.
3. You’ll have fun stories to tell people
Driving strangers around town will inevitably get you some crazy stories to share with your friends and family. Anytime you’re dealing with the public, you’re in for an adventure.
One Uber driver told Business Insider they had a passenger who claimed to be a vampire, but worked as a bakery employee as a cover story. Another driver said a passenger asked them to fax a document for them. The document contained personal information about back taxes owed to the IRS.
There’s never a dull moment as a rideshare driver.
4. You’ll learn new things
People love sharing their knowledge and expertise and won’t be shy about sharing with you. Throughout your career as a driver, you’ll meet people who share things that add value to your life and you’ll learn new things.
You may end up learning something new about other cultures, pieces of history, or just random information your passengers feel like sharing.
4. You won’t need to watch television anymore
After being a rideshare driver for any length of time, you’ll get your fill of personal drama and won’t need to watch T.V. anymore. According to this article, rideshare passengers regularly share too much personal information.
Consider it entertainment when your passengers tell you about their dating lives, family drama, and talk about their next-door neighbors. You’ll probably never meet any of those people and your passenger probably just needs to vent.
5. Instant payments
Side gigs that require you to work with clients also require you to wait for payment, whether it’s a paper check in the mail or an electronic payment. Uber and Lyft both provide the option of getting instant payments to your account. The money you earn is available at all times and you can easily transfer it to your bank account.
Although instant payments generally come with a fee, the convenience is worth the fee when you need money immediately. Your other option is to wait until the end of the week.
6. You can earn money as a delivery driver
With Uber, you can earn money by delivering items to customers. For example, UberRUSH and UberEATS are two of Uber’s delivery programs that hire drivers to deliver all kinds of things to people. You don’t even need a car if you can get around on a bicycle or scooter. However, you must be at least 19 years old to drive for these Uber programs.
Don’t have a side gig driving yet?
If you haven’t started driving for a ridesharing company, don’t wait any longer. Driving for a company like Uber or Lyft will be the best (and most entertaining) gig you’ve had in years.
