Why Become an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Driver?

So you are considering becoming a Lyft or Uber rideshare driver. Perhaps in your area Carma or Sidecar is the primary ridesharing service so let's just talk about being a rideshare driver because the basics are the same for all of the transportation network companies.

These days, you don't need to own a car to travel from point A to point B. There’s no need to wait in the bitter cold or sweltering heat waiting for a cab to take you places. You can simply use your phone app to rent a car. It’s called ridesharing and it has revolutionized the private transportation sector forever.

Why become a driver? Are you curious about the benefits of being a Lyft driver or an Uber driver? Whether you are looking for a full-time or a part-time job, here are some of the reasons you should consider rideshare driving.

Easy Application Process

Each of the ridesharing companies has different guidelines that drivers need to meet to join the service. But registration isn’t complicated or lengthy at all. If anything, the process is straightforward. As long as you have a car, a driver’s license, and great driving skills, you are qualified for the job. Just present all the required documents. Once your application is approved, you can start accepting clients!

Flexible Schedule

Unlike ordinary day jobs where an employee is expected to spend 8 hours working, a rideshare driver has a flexible work schedule. You have total control over the amount of time you spend working. You can work as much or as little as you like. You choose when you want to work. You can squeeze your time working in between commitments. As long as the app is turned on, you’ll receive customers. Turn off the app and you get all the free time you need.

Discover Your City

There is never a shortage of great places to check out when you’re driving. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, working for Uber or Lyft, you’re going to discover new places as you rideshare drive. You’ll have a great opportunity to explore various parts of your city seeking out hidden gems where passengers are abundant at certain times of the day or night.

Low Stress

Since you have total control over your time, you can take breaks whenever you like. Now, some may perceive the downtime as a negative, but as long as you know how to manage your time well, this is definitely a unique benefit. Waiting for ride requests is an opportunity to slow down and de-stress. You can read a book, stretch your legs or enjoy a cuppa joe while waiting for passengers.

Be Your Own Boss

Hate being micromanaged? Tired of an overbearing boss who keeps breathing down your neck? One of the most important benefits of being a rideshare driver is that you are your own boss. There is no one who’ll tell you what to do or make you do things that you would otherwise not do. You are never stuck with an arrogant employer like your job depends on it. You handle the business the way you want to. Sure, Lyft and Uber have a driver manager but this is only done to ensure quality service. No one will boss you around. Dealing with difficult passengers isn’t easy but once they’re dropped off, you can move on.

Control over Your Earnings

Working flexible hours means you have total control over the amount of money you earn on a daily and weekly basis. For instance, you can drive part time when you need to supplement your usual earnings. Or you can drive full time while you are between jobs. You can also work for both Uber and Lyft at the same time to maximize your time on the road and gain twice the earnings! Taking advantage of the many incentives provided by Lyft and Uber is also a great way to boost your monthly earnings.

Meet New People

If you love meeting new people, being a rideshare driving is perhaps the perfect job for you! People use ridesharing services for many reasons. The job allows you to encounter all types of people, regardless of age. And every encounter is unique! By giving customers a terrific experience, you get a higher rating. In the end, you will reap the benefits of offering a great experience to customers.

Easy Operation

Ridesharing is easy! You don’t have to wait for a middle person to arrange trips for you. Every trip is booked using the rideshare app. From the app, you will see your passenger’s contact information including his or her destination and location. Since all the information you need is provided, there is little room for confusion or miscommunication. In the rare event that a misunderstanding between you and your customer crops up, you can set things right instantly, no need to wait for a supervisor to handle the issue.

Surge Pricing

Surge rides are rare but once special rates are offered, you’ll earn more money. The rates increase during big events and holidays or when demand for drivers exceeds supply. The special rates could give your usual income a huge bump. Learning to take advantage of surge pricing is one of the keys to success in the industry.

Tax Deductions

Driving for a rideshare company means working as an independent contractor. Since you’re not perceived as an employee by your rideshare company and the government, you get to enjoy tax deductions on common rideshare expenses. These expenses vary from car maintenance, car insurance and car loans to data use, fuel expenses, and snacks/drinks. Granted, the tax-deductible expenses are strictly limited to driving-related expenditures and maintenance costs. Still, you could earn even more by taking advantage of this benefit.

Discounts and Incentives

Uber and Lyft are always teaming up with different services to make their drivers’ lives easier! Weekly guarantees, streak bonuses, power zones, and power driver bonuses are just a few of the many bonuses and promos that Lyft offers to their drivers. In addition, Uber has teamed up with Verizon, AT&T, Auto Zone and even some health insurance companies to provide driver discounts and other freebies to their drivers.  Now imagine if you’re working for both companies, you get the best of both worlds!

What Are The Alternatives To Being a Lyft or Uber Rideshare Driver?

The food service industry is always looking for part-time and full-time workers. Restaurants and fast-food outlets offer jobs to both teenagers and adults. While food service jobs are great when you are a teenager, they aren't quite as appealing as an adult unless you can work as a manager. The pay for these jobs is probably going to be minimum wage and you can make considerably more than that driving for Uber or Lyft.

Another possibility for getting a quick job is the big chain stores like Target and Walmart. They are usually hiring part-time help to stock shelves and they pay better than the food service industry. Understand, however, that stocking shelves is done while the store is closed so these jobs will have early morning and late-night hours. Before taking one of these jobs make sure that getting up at 3 AM to go to work fits your lifestyle.

Wrapup

Being a rideshare driver has its challenges but it also offers numerous perks! It’s a terrific full-time job or a side job if you need extra income. You get total control over your work schedule and earnings. You get to meet new people and the pay is better than food service or shelf-stocking jobs.

The Accidental Rideshare Expert Blog at RideshareGuide