30,000 Trips. That is a significant number. 30,402, to be precise. I have only been alive for 23,725 days. There are only a few things, like taking a breath, that total more than 30,000.
Sometimes, while driving, I look in my back seat and recall that over 30,000 people have sat there. So what does it mean?
Besides being an excellent game to play in my car (“Do you want to guess how many rides I have given since I started in 2015?”), there have been many practical and life lessons. Allow me to share thirty lessons I have learned on my long journey with rideshare driving.
Background
I started in December 2015. I had returned from Thailand and wanted a job that would allow me to earn decent money but also would allow me to take off and travel whenever I wanted. Driving for Uber and Lyft fits the bill. Plus, I soon realized I enjoyed the work.
I drove full-time in San Francisco from 2016 through to 2019. I did not drive during the pandemic. I have resumed driving mostly on weekends in Sacramento since then. Quite a bit has changed.
However, quite a bit has also stayed the same. We still drive. We are still subject to the changes Uber and Lyft make. We still have the freedom and flexibility to work if and when we want.
The pay is less for sure. Still, it is not that much of a decline. I still manage to make $30 an hour gross.
So, what have I learned?
#1 Put In The Hours
You can try all sorts of techniques and strategies. However, the bottom line is you must work the job and make the money. When you put in the hours, you will learn how to do it better and better.
#2 Keep A Clean Car
You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. If your passengers feel like they are in a dirty car, you probably won’t get much of a tip, and you might get a low rating. Once a week, get a car wash and shake out your car mats.
Also, keep a bottle of air freshener such as Ozium handy. My passengers commented on how my car smelled so good. All it takes is a quick blast of Ozium every few rides.
#3 Drink Your Favorite Beverage
I used to hit Starbucks every morning for a cold brew. Now, I pour a generous cold brew at home with some Vanilla Collagen peptides added. It tastes delicious and has a nice bite. It also saves me the 15 minutes of going in and out of a Starbucks.
Occasionally, if I drive for a full day, I will still stop at Starbucks. Now, however, it’s a special treat.
#4 Use Rubber Mats
I had some excellent cloth mats for a long time, and they got trashed. Passengers get in and out of the car while depositing rain, mud, and dirt on my mats. With the rubber mats, I can shake them off and, when needed, hose them off, let them dry in the sun, and I am all set for the next day.
#5 Minimize Expenses
The first thing to do is find the cheapest gas you can. I prefer Arco gas stations, as they typically have the best prices for a non-membership gas station (Costco / Safeway).
If you are a full-time driver, consider leasing a car with unlimited miles. During my full-time driving years, I rented a Toyota Prius with unlimited miles and insurance included for $147 a week.
Although cars are more expensive now, there are still good deals on unlimited miles if you drive full-time.
#6 Drive With Two Apps
Demand is down. In most markets, one app won’t always keep you busy. This strategy has made a substantial positive impact on my earnings.
When you have both apps working for you, it is like fishing with two lines in the water instead of one. Sign up for Uber and Lyft if one app does not keep you busy.
#7 Drive Smart
If you are going to drive, drive smart. For example, late nights have high demand, and let’s face it, most drivers don’t want to deal with drunk passengers. Those drivers who work late at night can make some good money.
I like to drive starting at 3 AM, and few drivers are on the road. I am immediately busy, stay busy, and drive many folks to work and the airport. The more you drive with a passenger in your car, the more money you make. If you are the only driver working, you will stay busy.
#8 Smile
This sounds so easy, but it is not. We drivers get tired. I start to feel it after six hours. My energy falls, and I can get a bit snippy. The smile, like your car’s cleanliness, makes a first impression. Flash those teeth to get your rides moving in the right direction.
#9 Learn To Listen
This has been one of the biggest lessons I have learned. Each passenger is an opportunity to practice my ability to listen, to be compassionate, and to be empathetic. There are not enough of those qualities in the world.
It is a gift you can give to each passenger. To put it bluntly, no one cares what I have to say. They care about what they have to say and need someone to listen and acknowledge their words, emotions, and feelings.
#10 Take All Airport Runs
Taking someone to the airport is a joyous experience. The passenger is usually excited and happy about taking a trip. Over 50% of my airport runs pay me a hefty tip. Always take advantage of an airport run.
#11 Don’t Talk About Politics
Don’t open that door. I made that mistake a few times and had to listen to rants from both the right and left. People feel strongly about political issues. It won’t help you in any way to talk about politics.
#12 Don’t Talk About Religion
I can still remember how one young man tried to convert me to his religion, invited me to a meeting he was attending, and left my car very upset when I declined. Steer clear of any discussions of religion.
#13 Don’t Talk About Anything Of A Sexual Nature
I never bring up this topic. I have had passengers bring it up. I listen and nod. I don’t engage. I had one guy recently talk to me about an orgy he was attending. He wanted to know if I was into that sort of thing.
I have had a few women approach me to meet after work. Decline. Nod. Don’t get into it. Fortunately, since I don’t drive late at night, it does not happen too often.
#14 Never Inquire Into Any Passenger’s Personal Life
This has become even more important with the MeToo movement in full force. I don’t ask passengers where they work anymore, and I don’t ask anything that could be construed as an “uncomfortable” question. It is better to say something about myself and then let the passenger reply.
#15 – #18 Enjoy The Moments: Special conversations
Sometimes, and it does not happen often, we drivers can experience a conversation that will impact us profoundly. Driving someone to a funeral, driving someone to a job interview, and driving someone to work at 4 AM are moments to be inspired, educated, and awed.
While you’re at it, learn to enjoy these other tender moments:
- Sunrises
- Sunsets
- Animals
#19 Improve Yourself
You rarely can work a job and have many opportunities to learn, grow, get educated, and laugh. Audible books and podcasts make this a reality for rideshare drivers. Here are some of the podcasts that I listen to between rides:
#20 Don’t Drive Dog Tired
Back between 2016 and 2019, I regularly drove 10 hours a day. Some weeks, I would work seven days a week. Looking back, I was careless. I was lucky and never had an accident. But now, I can feel when I need to stop. It’s usually at the six-hour mark.
When I drive tired, I am not a pleasant driver. Not only does my ability to drive safely suffer but so does my attitude toward passengers. When you are exhausted, stop.
#21 Use Destination Filters To Manage Your Time
When Uber and Lyft launched destination filters, they were such a blessing. Before destination filters, getting home was a challenge.
I had to turn off the app and go home. There was no certainty of getting a ride toward my house.
We only knew the destination once we started the ride with the passenger in the car. I use the destination filters anytime I am a long way from home and when I am ready to end the driving day. I use the Uber and Lyft filters at the same time.
#22 Drive With A Purpose
I have found it valuable to have a reason for driving. At first, my purpose was to make good money and travel.
Then, it became a way to fund my next business venture. And now rideshare driving is a way to get out of the house and integrate with human beings in person rather than through a screen.
#23 Carry The Bare Essentials
I always have a spare phone charger and tissue. That’s it. Over time, that is all I need.
#24 Feed The Ducks
Sometimes, I need a break. My old sales manager would often tell me to feed the ducks. He meant to stop, take some time, and enjoy myself. If I just had a lousy interaction with a passenger, instead of feeling bad, I would take a break and relax.
Reset. Revive. Begin again.
#25 Put Your Ego In Check
Always make your passengers feel superior to you. In the past, a passenger would talk about a vacation, and I would share my experiences, which were often better. That made the passenger feel less good. There were no tips. I should listen, be enthusiastic, and cool my jets.
#26 Be Grateful
I appreciate the opportunity to work and get paid, and I don’t have a boss. It is good to remind myself of this often.
#27 Learn From Your Passengers
I have learned so much from my passengers. Lately, I have been learning more and more about Alzheimer’s from passengers who work in Memory Care units.
In addition, I have been struck by how hard people work and the challenges we face as Americans. Every passenger has a lesson to teach me.
#28 Set A Specific Attainable Goal For Each Day
This is something I always do. It pushes me to be my best. Typically, I strive to earn $150 per day. Ideally, this takes five hours.
Above, you can see I achieved my goal. Rarely do I stop driving until I have reached my goal. Some days, it may take me four and a half hours, and some days, it may take six hours. Regardless, it feels good to achieve a goal before heading home.
#29 There Is No Value In Complaining
It is easy to bitch and moan about how bad the rideshare industry has been to drivers. Gone are $500 a week bonuses. Gone are time and distance payment structures. I get it. There is a lot that seems unfair to drivers.
My lesson is that I need to look at the benefits and be grateful for the opportunity. I have learned to adjust and adapt to the changing environment. Regardless of what happens, there is always something for which drivers can feel grateful.
For example, I feel thankful for The Rideshare Guy. How cool that we have this community to share. I am also grateful for the extra $300 a weekend I can earn while wholeheartedly enjoying myself. Life works best when I feel thankful!
#30 Get To Work On Your Plan B
For most of us, driving is a short-term career goal. It is something we can do while we are working on something else.
My main gig is now day trading. It has been for the past two years. Above, you can see my logo for a new coaching business I am creating to help people learn to day trade from home on their laptops with very little investment.
What is your Plan B? How can you use your money as a driver to further your bigger life goals? As soon as possible, turn your Plan B into your Plan A.
Key Takeaways
If I lived to be 82 years old, I would have lived 30,000 days. That puts my number of trips into perspective. Will I hit 40,000? No way.
Next year, I plan to live outside the country more permanently, so driving won’t be possible. I will miss it. I will probably drive every once in a while when I return to the United States.
However, for now, I will keep moving on the weekends because it is good for my mental health. It’s good to get out and interact with other human beings, especially now when so many people bury themselves in their smartphones.
Drive on! And be safe out there.
