RSG017: Why Baby Boomers Are Flocking to Drive For Uber and Lyft

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.  Going forward, I’ll be providing transcripts of each and every podcast for your reading pleasure.

I think I mentioned this on the podcast more than a few times but I love the way this interview turned out.  Originally, I had planned on bringing someone on to really appeal to the over 50 crowd and tell us what it’s like driving rideshare as a baby boomer.

But by the end of the interview, I felt like I may have gotten more out of it than just about anyone else will.  Rob was a great guest and the information he provided was invaluable on a rideshare level and for life in general.

One of the reasons why I love driving is because I am literally getting paid to meet people, talk to people and learn.  There are obviously some (if not a lot) of rides that don’t go according to plan.  But more often than not, I find myself really intrigued at what people do and hearing about their experiences in life.  I almost take it as a challenge to learn something every time I get into a conversation with someone and I feel like Rob really hammered that point home.  I loved his outlook on life and I think that there is a lot of knowledge in that brain of his that he graciously shared with all of us.  I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did.

By the way there’s a saying by Mark Twain that my dad used to tell me:

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.

Intro

  • Groove meet up in SF, Sunday April 12 from 6-8 p.m (sponsored by YourMechanic)
  • Vacation time and how to travel for free
  • An interview with Rob Saunders

About Rob

  • Retiree from the corporate world, rideshare driver, business owner
  • How driving benefits Baby Boomers
  • Shift in perspective from corporate world to flexibility of rideshare driving

Why Drive as a Baby Boomer?

  • Rob wanted a job with maximum flexibility where he could supplement his income and avoid touching his retirement until 59 ½
  • Ridesharing companies are open-minded about all individuals, especially those 50+ years old, which isn’t necessarily true in other 9-5 jobs
  • Baby Boomers have a unique advantage as drivers because they can demonstrate life experience to clients

Benefits of Driving for Baby Boomers

  • Never stagnant! Always meeting new people and learning new things from them. Interaction very important, particularly after Baby Boomers retire. Being a rideshare driver means you’re never bored
  • No boss to answer to. Hours are flexible and you can spend time with your family or take off for appointments without answering to anyone
  • Being on the ground floor of emerging technology is very exciting

Staying Healthy While Driving

  • Being healthy while on the road
  • Keep in mind REST: Stands for Rest (8 hours of sleep), Exercise (don’t sit for long periods of time), Save and invest for retirement, and Time (give your time to others by volunteering).
  • All about keeping your rideshare driving and life in balance by remembering to REST

Technological Challenges

  • While there is a learning curve, it’s not insurmountable
  • Most Baby Boomers can pick up the technology without help
  • Baby Boomers have been learning about technology since they were kids: this is just one more skill-set to add

Final Tips and Contact Information

  • Don’t be afraid to be a Baby Boomer rideshare driver. You can learn much from your passengers, and they can learn a great deal from you
  • Perfect job in terms of flexibility and supplementing your income
  • Keep in mind REST
  • If any drivers are interested, Rob and a friend of his will be having regular Bible study meetings. Email ocladriver@gmail.com if interested or if you have any questions

Outro

  • Feedback on New Year’s survey – large number of over 50 respondents!
  • In general, The Rideshare Guy’s demographics skews 25-34 years old, but there are rideshare drivers of all ages
  • The Rideshare Guy app is now live in for the iPhone and Android devices.

Show Notes

Drivers what do you think about everything we covered in the podcast?  Have you thought about REST and what benefits/challenges do you think Baby Boomers face with this type of work?

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.  Going forward, I’ll be providing transcripts of each and every podcast for your reading pleasure.

-Harry @ RSG