Why I Stopped Driving for Uber and Lyft

I haven't driven for rideshare (or a delivery service) in a hot minute and have taken a recent break from working to reflect on life and get back into a career track again. Having lived on my own for awhile without a job, in order to maintain independence, I had to do something. But what did I do? How did I survive without having a scheduled job for 2.5 years?

When I first lost my job, I had some money left in my savings account, as well as some remaining checks to receive from the job. While that was all dwindling away, my friends told me I could make a living driving for Uber and Lyft as my new fulltime job. I thought I was doing fine, but I was burning a hole through my wallet and then some. My car needed a lot of repairs and gas cost a pretty penny. Having to full up several times a week and taking away the value from my car, I wasn't aware how much I was spending. After awhile of driving, I also wasn't taking care of myself because I felt the urge to chase paper. By that I mean I was driving myself to exhaustion and driving for unsafe amounts of time to make as much money as possible. I also gained the 60 pounds back I worked so hard to lose. I felt like I was fishing for scraps and not getting anywhere. Rideshare was winning and I was losing...

Eventually, I decided I needed to cut back on driving. The amount of money I lost exceeded the amount I made and I needed to find other ways to make money while excessively job hunting. Job hunting sadly had no use. I would find some jobs I'd take in any respect such as data entry, dog walking, and verifying background checks. Sadly, I took all of those jobs for the money and not for the passion and lost them all pretty quickly. In the interim of many failed jobs, I would take a bunch of day jobs from people I knew (luckily I know a lot of people), doing crazy things such as working a street fair at a friend's Mexican food and ice cream stand, cleaning houses, working merch tables for music shows, hanging posters, delivery driving, helping people move, and much more. I also sold a bunch of my belongings for some spare rent money. Sometimes, a few people, including my parents, would throw me some financial bones, but not really; I did not depend on help from others. It soon hit a point where I needed to drive to a minimum...

Down the road towards the end of my pure gig shindig, I "did not want to drive no more" and needed to find something else to do. While continuing to job hunt and do odd/day jobs, I eventually discovered the world of gig apps. A gig app is a website that runs on a mobile platform (application) where you can look up and pick up day (or multi day) gigs by clicking a button. Some of these apps are Shiftgig, Jobble, and Wonolo. There are also companies (staffing firms) that host day gigs such as Arete. For awhile I was able to survive solely on odd jobs and gigs, but it is quite the unstable and not necessarily sustainable life. I was in a lot of debt, I needed help (I eventually sought help from a social services place) because I was barely getting by, and I was "making too much to receive government assistance". I also couldn't afford insurance or to pay my student loans back (they're in deferment). It was super lame. I'd get thrown a few financial bones here and there, but not really. I'm sure people were sick and tired of hearing about me struggling for so long. 

By the end of this stint, I was worn out, unhappy I had no stability, I gained a bunch of weight, I wasn't taking care of myself, and I eventually hit a dead end when the apartment I had got bedbugs. I completed a few endeavors in my field of choice, but most tasks I did were in the $11-15 an hour range, which isn't a ton of money. I eventually had to move back home, but could have continued to make it on my own had it not been for that. My rent was also extremely inexpensive. 

Would I recommend this life to other people? Not really unless you were an entrepreneur or did higher paying gigs that didn't send you into debt... But I survived and that's all that matters!

The Struggle is Real

Welcome to the 4am episode of Rebs's Rockin Rants! Because I can’t sleep!

The struggle is real... my slogan for quite some time now, especially as a young lady in her mid 20's wanting to be a full-time freelance gig master. As a full-time rideshare driver at 3am on a Friday night/Saturday morning, I should either be driving for Uber (or Lyft), sleeping, or going out. Instead, I feel like contributing to society by writing a story because I am way too physically and mentally exhausted to operate a car and don't want to hurt myself or others. If I could make money just sharing my stories or have this story turn into a million dollars, that would be awesome, but one can dream, right?

Right now, the job market is a pile of poop for me. For reference, I graduated from college a few years ago with a Web Development degree, got a job in my field, realized it wasn't for me, left my sinking ship job, and am trying to switch career paths to something writing-related. I have had tons of trouble getting a new job or many freelance gigs. It may be lack of experience, it may be because I am a very eccentric person and need a certain type of environment to belong into, who knows. Either way, I have been incessantly job hunting since September, 2015 and in between jobs since the end of January, 2016. It is now just about August, 2017 and am still standing strong with no "actual" job. I decided not to count how many interviews I've had (because it's a large number probably well over 30 by now) and every rejection or not call back I receive, I throw it away and keep going. 

A quote I've recently written for myself is, "shoot for the stars, even when you feel like you're falling". Right now, I surely feel like I'm falling. I often post Facebook statuses of all of the rejections I've received for failed attempts to land a job, followed by a "hello world, help me find a job" post. I refuse to give up. The struggle exists of not being able to find a job in any field. The struggle exists because I am in between jobs right now, even though it was my choice and I don't have any regrets. I took a risk and I am currently living in it. With the job market being no good, I've been willing to have countless interviews for roles outside of my field of college studies (ex brand marketing, content writer, technical writer); I sit in a room being bombarded with questions and pray I am able project my best self to these people while dressed to impress.

The struggle exists because I now run into occasions where I wonder how I'm going to be able to pay all my bills... and somehow pull it off every time. I even had to ask my parents for help a couple times in order to pay my rent and health insurance. Thankfully, they were able to help me. If I was in the opposite money situation, I'd help anyone in a heartbeat. I hope to be able to return the favor to my parents soon, and I am working my tail off to be able to do so!

Even if I'm struggling money-wise right now, I am lucky to have a roof over my head. I am lucky to have my health. I am lucky to live with 2 people who give a genuine crap about me who I love to pieces. I am lucky to live in Chicago. I could go on for awhile, but I am still wealthy; I may not be wealthy with green pieces of paper that only represent a number, but I am rich with life experiences and knowledge. I still make time to perform and have "somewhat" of a social life. I haven't totally tossed all my hobbies to the side, even though I have had to make plenty of sacrifices lately. If you don't sacrifice, you won't win! However, if you have a roof over your head and loved ones who love you back, you are currently winning at life. 

In order to succeed, all you need to do is be a good person and be you. Do your best. That's all you can do! Driving for Uber isn't too bad anyways because the customers are nice, mostly talk to me, and I get to interact with people instead of being alone! A lot of them tell me their life story and I feel that's interesting because I gain knowledge of what the world actually is and means. As much as I dislike driving, I would rather do that than have nothing at all and lose my independence. I refuse to give up until I have what I want, but I also need to live in the present! In order to continue my winning adventures, I will remain thankful for everything I have! In due time, I will find my golden ticket job! Live with no regrets, and you will continue to win the game! Meanwhile, I'll keep on driving and find my chosen path!

Time to go to bed!

There is a video for this too, which I self-recorded on my computer. Enjoy the video too :)

Video Link: CLICK HERE!!!

Epic Uber and Lyft Ventures: 3 Months Into My New Life

It's about my 3 month aversary from being free from my corporate job and hitting the road. I surely took a leap of faith, but these adventures have surely proved to be worth it. The amount I've learned about myself and life is enormous.

I feel like I've had to do more adulting since pulling my parachute. Since I'm no longer employed by a company, that means I had to get my own insurance. We never learned any of this stuff in high school or college. To top it off, my parents didn't teach me either. I was all on my own, floundering cluelessly through the deep blue sea with some destination in mind. Several hassles and phonecalls later, I finally obtained an insurance which hopefully doesn't prove to be a piece of junk. It's definitely gratifying to accomplish these tasks on my own.

Obtaining freelance gigs is rather slow, but I am being as persistent as I can. I've obtained some income from other sources and hope Senpai notices this blog. I haven't really seen any other people execute this idea and I'd like to be the first. A lot of people think it's impossible to make it as a blogger and solely an artist, but I want to make it as possible as it can be. One of my passengers told me how being a ridesharing driver can be the new waitress job. It sure feels like it! On the other hand, with being single and having more time to "follow my dreams" as they say, I've been able to feature at more places for my storytelling and now even my flow arts/dancey light shows. If anyone wants me to feature as a storyteller, flow artist, or motivational speaker, contact me at rebecca.duxler@gmail.com - also looking for freelance writing gigs too (copywriting, blog contributions, technical writing, user interface design, social media, and I can even cook for you!)

Time and money do not grow on trees either. I've definitely had to be more selective with how I use my time and who I want to be my friends. I luckily have 2 friends at home who I see virtually every day unless I'm out of town, so at least I'm never alone. I also have to make a schedule for myself instead of running from 9 to 5... it's still a work in progress. I don't make as much money, but I'm still able to pay my bills. Using my Uber driver code, mvsja, will help me get a few extra dollars. Liking me on "Your Friendly Neighborhood Uber Driver" will help Senpai notice me more. I've also had to really learn how to take care of myself. At least I've had time to do that with being single.

Not all riders are "bad" and I haven't had any issues with creepers. I've heard of a couple other people having that issue, but I guess my bubbliness keeps them away. Otherwise, I'll put my black belt on and sayonara. I have had a few sloppy people and had someone almost puke in my car. Thankfully, I knew how to abort that happening. The lesson learned was to never drive on drunk holidays. I should just celebrate them or drive earlier in the day to avoid sloppy o'clock. The gps craps out in the loop, but I always ask for directions. I've had a couple of negative passengers or ones who have fought with their significant others, but besides for one bad egg who was super drunk and yelling at me over the phone where two females walked into my car instead of the rude man, I've had few bad eggs. I've also had to go to the south side a bit, but at least I get to see the entire city while semi fearing for my safety at times. Never enough to make me afraid to drive. I always have my friend lifeline at home who drives for Uber and Lyft too. I've received a few tips, which make me smile at the appreciation I feel. The biggest thing I've learned is more humility, especially when dealing with people. I've learned about even more walks of life than I do when I engage in my nerdy activities. Not only that, but making less money and directly interacting with people motivates me to project a positive attitude onto others even more than I already do and constantly realize how we are all human and equal no matter how much money we make. I can definitely say my happiness is tenfold, but I definitely had to learn money management as well. Making less means spending less.

Change isn't easy, but necessary! I have no regrets career changing while having no family to take care of. My friends are like my family and I'm glad I have a large support backing for my decision to shift gears!

All in all, I'm still making it with a smile, semi gracefuly adulting, and spreading the love with my stories and light shows. Happy almost May Flowers everyone! You can do anything you put your mind to. In the end, I will always be the brave warrior!

Life As A 20-Something Rideshare Driver

Ranting, the verbal activity I seem to do the best at… but it sometimes annoys my friends, so I generally keep it to myself.

A common theme that comes up in my life is how to find yourself as a twenty something and function as an “independent” adult. Something you unfortunately need to do as an adult is pay bills. I left college with almost zero knowledge of money management, a skill I wish was taught in a remedial college course.

When I graduated from college, I thought I wanted to be a Web Developer, get a job, stay there forever, move up in the ladder, and go from there. Not so long after I started my job, I was certain I was a bit too free spirited for Corporate America and needed to be in a place where I’m able to create. I did everything in my power to keep the job alive, but my will caved and I decided to jump out the window, with my parachute in tact, thankfully knowing where the ground was. I knew I was going to get screwed over at my job and marked on my calendar the day I knew would be the end of the road. Leading up to that day, I did everything in my power to get a new job. With no luck, one of my dear friends I live with told me my car would pass an Uber inspection and criteria and should become a driver. As reluctant as I was to do so, I did my research, gave it a test run, and felt decent. A few days before my “doomsday”, I knew being a driver and a free bird were in my fate, and handed my manager a 2 weeks notice letter.

Fast forward 8 months of being an Uber Driver and I am officially ready to throw stones and look for something else. The first thing is I feel like is slavery still exists. I don’t mean the stuff you saw 100 years ago; it’s more under the table. People are so damn greedy; the head honchos only want money and productivity. If you’re not wringing everything out of yourself and not making enough money, you’re not doing well enough, was a major theme of my last job, and even ridesharing. For starters, I have to pay for my own gas and repairs, as well as they take 25% of my fares right off the bat as a “commission” to them for using their service. Lately, I’ve had days where I’ve made as little as $7.50 per hour, which is less than the legal Chicago minimum wage. Thankfully, that’s pretty rare, but I’d drive overnight, drive myself into not sleeping, drive myself into depression and isolation, and drive my knees and energy down the toilet. I’d be out as many as 29 hours at a time, just to make sure I “make it” to my next bill payment and have a little extra for groceries. I have to wear a knee brace while driving because with my car, you have to push harder on the gas pedal; lately, my other knee has been starting to give me trouble too. I have barely been able to see my friends lately, including the ones I live with (it’s been a bit more under control now though). Those I am close with, I would bombard them with texts of how tired I was, how shitty I felt, or some sort of stress or anxiety-related thing was bothering me. Thanks for bearing with me, guys! I’ve had to decrease my attendance at open mic nites, karate classes, my “nerd” group called, “Belegarth”, everything, just to pay my bills and get by. I even created an “emergency fund” when I knew I was forsure going to leave my job, which I recently exhausted all of it.

But here I am. I am still willing to search for a better opportunity for myself, still willing to drive and do what it takes to make money (and still paying all my bills on time), and I am even here today. For that, I am successful!

Where is Success When You Can't See It? Life as a Twenty Something

Ranting, the verbal activity I seem to do the best at… but it sometimes annoys my friends, so I generally keep it to myself.

A common theme that comes up in my life is how to find yourself as a twenty something and function as an “independent” adult. Something you unfortunately need to do as an adult is pay bills. I left college with almost zero knowledge of money management, a skill I wish was taught in a remedial college course.

When I graduated from college, I thought I wanted to be a Web Developer, get a job, stay there forever, move up in the ladder, and go from there. Not so long after I started my job, I was certain I was a bit too free spirited for Corporate America and needed to be in a place where I’m able to create. I did everything in my power to keep the job alive, but my will caved and I decided to jump out the window, with my parachute in tact, thankfully knowing where the ground was. I knew I was going to get screwed over at my job and marked on my calendar the day I knew would be the end of the road. Leading up to that day, I did everything in my power to get a new job. With no luck, one of my dear friends I live with told me my car would pass an Uber inspection and criteria and should become a driver. As reluctant as I was to do so, I did my research, gave it a test run, and felt decent. A few days before my “doomsday”, I knew being a driver and a free bird were in my fate, and handed my manager a 2 weeks notice letter.

Fast forward 8 months of being an Uber Driver and I am officially ready to throw stones and look for something else. The first thing is I feel like is slavery still exists. I don’t mean the stuff you saw 100 years ago; it’s more under the table. People are so damn greedy; the head honchos only want money and productivity. If you’re not wringing everything out of yourself and not making enough money, you’re not doing well enough, was a major theme of my last job, and even ridesharing. For starters, I have to pay for my own gas and repairs, as well as they take 25% of my fares right off the bat as a “commission” to them for using their service. Lately, I’ve had days where I’ve made as little as $7.50 per hour, which is less than the legal Chicago minimum wage. Thankfully, that’s pretty rare, but I’d drive overnight, drive myself into not sleeping, drive myself into depression and isolation, and drive my knees and energy down the toilet. I’d be out as many as 29 hours at a time, just to make sure I “make it” to my next bill payment and have a little extra for groceries. I have to wear a knee brace while driving because with my car, you have to push harder on the gas pedal; lately, my other knee has been starting to give me trouble too. I have barely been able to see my friends lately, including the ones I live with (it’s been a bit more under control now though). Those I am close with, I would bombard them with texts of how tired I was, how shitty I felt, or some sort of stress or anxiety-related thing was bothering me. Thanks for bearing with me, guys! I’ve had to decrease my attendance at open mic nites, karate classes, my “nerd” group called, “Belegarth”, everything, just to pay my bills and get by. I even created an “emergency fund” when I knew I was forsure going to leave my job, which I recently exhausted all of it.

But here I am. I am still willing to search for a better opportunity for myself, still willing to drive and do what it takes to make money (and still paying all my bills on time), and I am even here today. For that, I am successful!

The Not So Glamorous Life of Being a Rideshare Driver

My apologies for not being able to post for awhile. I have recently had my entire savings wiped out (by me to pay bills) and have been so busy working I haven't been able to update. Fortunately, I still share my love to passengers by informing them of my blog, have my "advertisement" on my back window in pink chalk marker, have been sharing ridesharing stores in some of my latest storytelling performances, and I still am consistent about updating the Facebook page (click here to see and like the Facebook page)

A lot of the time when I'm driving, I am asked how much money I can make, if I drive full time or part time, and if I am able to make a sustainable living.

I am on month 8 of driving for most of my moneys and at this point, I average about 40-55 hours a week depending on my schedule and energy levels. A lot of people when describing what they do usually omit talking about what's "not so good", but honest Rebs is about to be honest. I have uncovered a variety of reasons why I'd like to throw stones at being a rideshare driver.

1. Driving between 10am and 2pm on a weekday (especially earlier in the week) is the worst time to drive. I feel like I get barely any rides during that time. An instance of such I'll share in another bullet, but yesterday (Monday, September 12, 2016), I made about 75 bucks from driving between 10am-5pm (had to stop at home because I finally sold a few things on craigslist). You don't always make that little money, I promise, but it happens sometimes.

2: Tuesdays are the worst day to drive, period, from my observations!

3: Now that there's no guaranteed fares, with this new "oh so lovely" formatting of "paying their drivers less money while still reaping 20-25% of your fares", if you don't get rides, you don't get paid.  If you're picking up someone and it's a 10 minute venture to them, you don't get paid for that 10 minutes, as well as the time you wait for the passenger. As someone who likes sharing optimal customer service, I'm more generous than the average driver with waiting for someone in most situations. If you get canceled on, you don't get paid either.

4: I just had another episode of no rides for an extended time of 40 minutes this morning (Tuesday, September 13, 2016) before I said "fuck it" and went home. After about 25 of those minutes of waiting around with no rides incoming, I told myself if I can drive to Dunkin Donuts (about a 6 minute drive from where I was) and get coffee in the drive through and come back without receiving a ride, I'm calling it quits until after my doctor appointment. Surely enough, me and my "deeeenken deeeenets", as I'd call it in my made up lingo, parked my car next to my apartment, without a ride, turned my app off, and went inside. At least I'm not in money emergency mode right now!

5: Fact -- you can still make a living with Uber (and not live with parental units), depending on your situation and how many (outstanding) expenses you have. You have to be strategic though and go at ideal times (morning rush hour and weekends all day/night are the most lucrative times from what I've found). You also have to be willing to put in the time!

6: Other fact -- you have to be willing to accept there's going to be bad days where you make shit for money or "slave wages" as I'd call it (less than $15 dollars an hour, or even sometimes less than the legal minimum wage). I had a day last week where I ended up making equivalent to about $6.50-$7something an hour before overhead expenses. It was probably a Tuesday. I don't know how people said they've made $1000 dollars a week driving full time, because my biggest haul has been > $750 and I was probably out 40-55 hours. I have seen (real) screenshots of people who have made between $1600 and $1950 IN A WEEK driving for Uber full time. It may have been when there were the "guaranteed fares", because I'd want to see how much I would end up making if that policy was still in existence. I've never worked this many hours in my life, but I'm thankful to still be standing and affording rent!

Happy Driving, Y'all! Here is a picture of my distaste face with a pumpkin macchiato from Dunkin Donuts!