3 Benefits of Being An Uber Driver

If you've ever needed a ride in a hurry, you know the benefits of using Uber. This service is practically the reason ridesharing has become a widely-known phrase. It's also not too difficult to become an Uber driver yourself. You need to have been driving for at least three years, be at least 21 years old (older in some cities), have a good driving record, pass all the background checks and have a vehicle approved by Uber. Whether you are a mom looking for a solid part-time gig for when the kids are at school, or a college student looking to make some money between classes, here are a few benefits to consider:

1. Make Your Own Hours

We imagine that this got you excited. So many people feel restrained and drained by the requirements of their work schedule. They'll have to go in every day from 9-5. Or maybe it's 10 at night to 5 in the morning. They find themselves going through the motions and acting like zombies. It can also be incredibly difficult to make time for things like your children and spouse. You have to work your personal life around your work schedule.

With Uber, you can work on your own terms. If you have things to take care of, such as chores at home, you can take care of them in advance. Should you be driving people around for several hours but then realize you have to get to the post office right then, you can sign off. If you fancy yourself as being more of a night owl, you can schedule your shifts for the evenings. You might also like your weekly job but want something more exciting to do on weekends. One of the biggest joys of being an Uber driver is that you make the final call about when you work. It's a much bigger pleasure to know that you're making the decision about when you work.

2. Meet New People

It's easy to feel restless if you're working in a job where you see the same coworkers day in and day out. They might be people who you are totally fond of. However, you might learn just about everything there is to know about them in a week or less. This could lead to feeling like you're just having empty conversations. While work should be about work, there's also something to be said for learning from other people and their experiences.

Being an Uber driver is a huge treat, because you never know exactly who you're going to meet. Each passenger is a potential new conversation. You don't have to do any massive psychoanalysis either (many passengers would prefer you don't). You can just ask them casually about where they're going. For instance, you might be taking them to a neighborhood or nearby suburb that you aren't familiar with. You can ask them about what's going on. If they're going to a restaurant, you can ask them about what kind of food they serve there. You can also introduce into the conversation gradually. Bring up experiences you've had that are relevant. Just make sure that you aren't commandeering the conversation.

If you've been feeling lonely or wanting to connect with others more, becoming an Uber driver is a good solution. You should make sure that you're not just using Uber to escape from your negative feelings. If it's especially serious, you should seek out therapy. However, this can be a good way to remind yourself of how you can learn from and connect with others. Let yourself take each ride as it is. Appreciate your passenger and the value of their company.

3. Practice Driving

So many people think only to practice driving when it comes time to get their license. Once they've been certified, they might think that the rules don't apply to them quite as much. They might not be speeding or drinking and driving. However, they might be glancing at their phone or not signaling properly. Unless given a citation or license suspension, they might not think to change their dangerous ways. They might also just not be very focused or confident in certain situations when driving.

With Uber, you need to become the best driver possible. Since you're going to be driving for a living, you have to be focused, not just for yourself, but also your customers. They're going to be the ones making the call about whether you can keep driving. If your driver rating starts falling, it's a sign that people aren't satisfied with your performance and that you could be kicked off the service.

If you have the means to, you should be driving as much as possible. You should also be challenging yourself. Accept rides to places that you don't have much experience driving. You want to prove you can handle different territories. Whenever you're driving, whether with a passenger or not, ask yourself if you're acting like a responsible driver. Any act that would be considered remotely irresponsible, such as speeding, texting, or not signaling properly when changing lanes or turning.

Should the idea of meeting new people, making your own schedule, and honing your driving skills appeal to you, you should consider becoming an Uber driver. You need to make sure of a few things. First, you need to make sure that you have a vehicle that will be up to snuff for Uber. Look for a car title loan to purchase a new vehicle if necessary. You also need to make sure that you are willing to take on the responsibility of driving people in a variety of situations. Additionally, you should be able to keep yourself accountable. Make sure that you're driving as often as possible. This will make you more skilled and help your earn even more.