What's my line

Have you ever wondered about the people who drive for Uber or other rideshare companies?  What makes them want to be at the beck and call of others? Driving strangers around, in their own vehicles even?

Like people who provide customer services in retail, restaurant and the like, Uber drivers come from a diverse backgrounds and economic levels.  Recently in an Uber forum the question was asked: "What did you do before Uber?" Sort of like a game of "what's my line" for anyone old enough to remember that game shoe.  Here are some of the responses without the names to protect anonymity.  Feel free to add your background / what you did before Uber in the comments :)

Navy Submarine service for 11 years, and Broadcasting Management Consultant for 14 years. I loved my job, but the older I get, the less I care about corporate America and people bossing me around. I love the freedom Uber provides. I just wish the money was better.

Struggled to make ends meet as a single dad on a teacher's salary. Now I have a good, flexible source of supplemental income and am working on paying off debt faster. Teaching is my passion, but driving helps fill the gaps.

Still doing computer repair... used uber money to start my own business... which I have done... still do uber to make a little extra money... 

Homemaker for 14 plus years.

I was going to school in San Diego, working on a Recording an engineering degree. My wife was living here in Tucson raising our two foster kids. When their case changed from foster to adoption, I had to move back home. With Uber I had no need to find a job. It's been supplying our needs and then some. Going on 16 months now. Gives me more time for my little one now. And the adoption will be finalized next month!

Shift manager at Pizza Hut.

Transportation Aide and back up bus driver for a retirement home. I still work there part-time. Look after my parents who live in the retirement home I work at. And babysit my granddaughter. I do Uber part-time between my other jobs. 

Medical social worker. Now, I'm fully retired with a retirement (disability) check; Uber is my second income.

Campus Security Supervisor at a middle school.

I still work full time in management I was looking for supplemental income Uber is perfect for me 

Project Controls for engineering and construction for #1 global firm. Last project was an oil refinery in Alberta Canada.

Litigation Paralegal and a Contract Negotiator. Was laid off.

Was burned out on a business I had for 15 years, started a new business but needed to fill in the gap until things take off. My daughter is in an expensive competitive sport so had to do something so she can keep doing her thing

Personally I hold 2 degrees, one in Psychology with focus on Human Factors and the other is Business Administration.  I also have almost completed a Masters in Management.  Why Uber? It's fun, I get to socialize and I'm in control of my schedule so I can work around family needs.

Your Uber drivers are a lot more than you see on the surface.  We work hard to help our families and accomplish our goals.  While we really enjoy Uber, most of us are disappointed at the way Uber has been treating their "partners."    In most cities we make less than cab drivers.  Some drivers are in situations where Uber has been a lifesaver, others have a "plan b" in case things don't work out.

If you love your Uber driver, let them know with 5 star ratings and tips when possible.  If you are an Uber driver - add your comments below!

Uber On!

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