A lot of drivers do this job on top of other things. Whether it’s other lines of work, other rideshare companies or just spending time with family, there’s always a limit to how much you can and should drive. Today’s contributor, Aaron Pewtherer, is a long time reader and commenter, and he also falls into that category of drivers who do lots of other things. Aaron works full time in addition to driving and in this article, he shares some of his tips on how to manage it all without going crazy.
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The human body has a finite amount of energy that can be expended throughout the day. Eventually, the body requires sleep. For some people, this experience is similar to that of a falling tree, a “done for the day” moment that culminates into a collapse, upon arrival of the nearest bed. Others, can recharge with some caffeine, and squeeze out another few hours.
Regardless of your personality type, whether you are working full time, and/or looking to add some part-time hours, rideshare driving can be viewed as an option.
The benefits to a driver are well-known. Arguably, easy money can made at any time of the day. Set your own hours, and as some say, the office window is through your windshield. However, there are some considerations to weigh against as you make the decision to add time as a driver, especially if you are already participating in a full or hectic lifestyle.
Establish boundaries for your decisions, with the goal of reducing the chance for exhaustion. Poor strategy can adversely affect the quality of personal or work time in the process.
First Step: Planning
1: Time Management
> Set a maximum time to allocate to driving per timeframe. Remind yourself that this is additional responsibility added to your lifestyle. Let cooler heads prevail, by asking others to monitor your changes and check in regularly for fatigue. Maintain a positive interest level, by taking rest stops and snack breaks.
2: Budget
> Calculate a nice, round dollar amount. This can provide better scope about how much extra income you desire. Establishing a monetary amount can mean an early day, or the feeling of bonus time, when the amount is met.
3: Quality of Life
> Establish a set boundary for geographical range, time of day or other hard limits. You may hear from other drivers about better payouts within some criteria, and change your plan. Instead, decide early where/what you are willing to drive. Focus on a long-term strategy for strength and resiliency.
Second Step: Refinement
1: Research
> Driving strategies vary by community. Ask your local driver network about the good times that part-time drivers should work. Read about local events or find another driver as a mentor for a winning strategy.
2: Match Your Lifestyle
> Decide the best driving hours, and then consider matching them to what is already occuring in your life. For example, if you tend to work early hours, start driving at a similar time, and perhaps establish a week-long routine. Alternatively, trying to flip into different hours, then back again, may begin to wear on your mind.
3: Split Shifts?
> The best way to maximize profits during the prime-time shifts is to drive as many of them as possible. Historically, the morning and evening shifts are the most lucrative. If the interrupted sleep schedule is a possibility, try a mid-afternoon nap and drive both times.
Final Step: Achievement
Now that you have placed as many personal considerations into your decision-making process, also factor in time for car maintenance and maintaing its overall beautification. Plan early and often, focusing on any extra time needed to stay ready, starting when the driving day concludes, and especially as your time starts again. If your car is rarely used otherwise, check the day before that everything is ready to go.
In conclusion, part-time drivers are a great benefit to the rideshare driver community. They bring a fresh driver to the passenger experience, and provide a needed stability to the ever-expanding rideshare driver network. Drive smarter, not harder.
