It’s been a while since my last post on side hustle ideas, but I’ve got a fun one for you today. If you’re curious about becoming an Uber driver-partner, keep reading!
I recently interviewed my friend Harry, who drives for both Uber and Lyft. Here’s what he shared:
To start, can you explain your side hustle? Who do you drive for?
I’m a rideshare driver with Uber and Lyft.
For those who don’t know, rideshare is a way to request a ride using a smartphone app. There are thousands of drivers like me who have full-time or part-time jobs. Whenever we want to drive, we just turn on the app and get matched with passengers. The whole transaction is cashless and handled through the app.
Why did you choose this as a side hustle?
I’ve always been good at making money, and I love gigs that align with my hobbies. I enjoy driving and meeting new people, so this seemed perfect. Plus, the flexibility is great. You can set your own schedule or take a month off, like I did when I got married. Not many decent-paying gigs offer that kind of flexibility.
How long have you been driving for extra money? How many hours do you drive each week or month?
I started with Lyft and signed up for Uber about a month later. I usually drive around 10 hours a week and try to drive during special events or holidays because that’s when you can earn more.
How are you paid? Is it cash or electronic?
Everything is handled through the app, and you get paid via direct deposit weekly. Some customers tip in cash, but most transactions are cashless.
What are the costs involved in being a driver? How much do you spend, and what are the expenses?
Startup costs are minimal if you already have a car and a smartphone, but requirements vary by city. Lyft requires cars to be 4-door and from 2000 or newer, while Uber requires 4-door cars that are 15 years old or newer. Drivers have to cover gas and maintenance costs, but I usually don’t spend more than a few dollars on gas per hour. The biggest hidden cost is probably car depreciation.
What do you like and dislike about this side hustle?
I love getting paid to drive people around. It’s also a fun way to meet new people since I don’t go out as much as I used to. The downside is that rates have changed, so I don’t earn as much as I used to, but there are still plenty of opportunities.
Do you have any interesting or fun stories to share?
Definitely! One of the coolest experiences was picking up a former professional basketball player. I’m a huge basketball fan, so we talked a lot about the sport. When he got out, he left me two tickets to the next night’s game. It was the best ‘tip’ I’ve ever received!
Harry Campbell is a full-time engineer and rideshare driver. He also runs a blog and podcast for drivers at TheRideshareGuy.com.
Interested in becoming an Uber driver-partner?