“Why Do You Drive Rideshare?”
A Journey Through Stories
“Why do you drive rideshare?” It’s a question I’ve been asked countless times since I first hit the road in 2017. Each time, my answer shifts depending on the situation and the passenger. My journey through rideshare driving has been anything but static, evolving alongside my life’s circumstances. Here’s a glimpse into my reasons, and how they’ve changed over the years.
A Yearly Evolution
🎓 2017: Funding My Education
I initially started driving rideshare to pay cash for my bachelor’s degree. The flexibility allowed me to juggle classes and a second job, ensuring I graduated without debt.
💔 2018: Navigating a Divorce
The following year, my motivation shifted as I went through a divorce. Driving became a means to support myself during a challenging time, providing both financial and emotional reprieve.
💸 2019: Tackling Debt
In 2019, my focus was on saving money to pay off lingering debts. Every ride was a step closer to financial freedom, teaching me the value of hard work.
🤵♂️ 2020: Planning a Wedding
After remarrying, I drove to save for our wedding. Each passenger contributed not just to my savings but to a new chapter in my life.
👶 2021: Preparing for Parenthood
The arrival of my first child meant I needed to ramp up my savings again. Rideshare was a way to prepare for the financial responsibilities of parenthood.
🏢 2022: Quit the Corporate World
I left the corporate world during the Great Resignation to embrace full-time gig work, and driving rideshare became my new livelihood! This shift allowed me to take control of my time and explore a more flexible lifestyle.
🚗 2023: Saving for a New Vehicle
My 2013 Honda Accord was reaching the end of its road, constantly having issues. While I appreciated not having a car payment, which boosted my rideshare profits, it was finally time to say goodbye to my trusty Accord and welcome my new Tesla!
📸 2024: Planning a Disney Trip
Our first family vacation wasn’t going to be cheap! But it was so much fun telling each passenger that they were helping fund my daughter’s first trip to Disney World!
👶 2025: Preparing for Child #2
Kids can be quite an expense, especially when you have two! Every trip I completed helped boost my savings, which was essential as I knew I’d have less time to drive once my son arrived in the fall. Each ride became a vital step in preparing for our growing family!
Adapting My Story
While my reasons for driving rideshare are sincere, the way I share them with passengers can vary greatly. Context is key! Sometimes, I even like to tug at their heartstrings a bit! 🫣 It makes for a more engaging ride and connects us on a deeper level.
• Lighthearted Responses
If a passenger seems uninterested in a longer story, I keep it simple. “I’m driving to save for a family Disney vacation,” I might say, or share that “my wife and I just had a kid.” These statements are true but don’t delve into the deeper, more complex reasons behind my driving.
• Full Disclosure
On the other hand, if I pick up on a passenger's openness to deeper conversation, I gladly share my entire journey. These moments help build a connection, creating a comfortable atmosphere that often results in better tips!
The Chameleon Effect
The key to being a great rideshare driver lies in adaptability—like a chameleon navigating diverse environments and passenger personalities. I aim to create a comfortable atmosphere while also presenting myself as an engaging and entertaining driver.
• Understanding Passengers
Every ride is unique, with passengers coming from different backgrounds and having varied expectations for their rideshare experience. Because of this, I adapt my story for each individual. I paint different pictures based on who gets into my car, always aiming to enhance their experience and make it memorable!
The Ethical Dilemma
Is this approach misleading? Some might think so. After all, I’m here to serve and entertain. But in a world where bills are constant and life continually gets more expensive, I see it as essential to adapt my narrative with every rideshare trip. My story slightly changes with each opening and closing of my Tesla doors. But is the is the wrong approach? After all, I am here to create memorable experiences for my passengers!
Driving rideshare isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about connecting with people, sharing experiences, and sometimes, wearing a different hat. Each ride is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and thrive.
So, next time you ask a rideshare driver why they do it, remember that the answer could be as multifaceted as life itself. And who knows, you might just hear a story that resonates with your own journey.
