Today is Sunday the 5th of May otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo. The plan was to have a job in April 2024 but that did not happen. The day after my car broke down
I put some of my things on eBay which I hated to do, but it was absolutely necessary. I put my zoom telephoto lens on there and ended up accepting an offer of $350.00
for it and I paid a little over $600.00 for it from Amazon in 2021, now eBay has altered the amount of their “Final Value fees” they used to take 10 % off the top and
now they charge 13.25% in addition to that if you really want anything to sell on there you have to list it as “Free Shipping” because people will overlook your auction if you charge for shipping. So that comes out of the final value fee also, which is cool I think, because eBay extends to sellers a discount on shipping, I imagine because they purchase in advance so much shipping in advance, it is just cheaper and easier. Also, I do not have any money right now in my Bank account so I like them to take everything out of the money that the buyer pays and
just give me the change, so that way, I do not owe anyone anything for that transaction. Ebay also transfers the money electronically to my bank account. I removed all of my UM coverage from my auto policy and that dropped the bill that was $372.00 down to 278.18 and that was due on the 05/02/2024 and then I altered the due date on my auto policy to 05/07/2024 to give the funds from eBay a chance to arrive before I had to give it to progressive. I also put on ebay my East Pack everyday backpack which I loved and paid over $300.00 for in 2021. I charged shipping for that one. Because that backpack is big and it takes up a lot of space shipping was almost $42.00 for it. It sold for like $117.00 with shipping, eBay charges their final value fee on the entire amount of $117.00 (not just the actual $66.00 that it sold for. I saw yesterday that eBay sent me a payout of like 30 bux for that pack. I calculated $117.17 – 13.25% – $42.00 for shipping should come out to $50.47. Ebay has some other way that they do math so when that money actually arrives in my bank account if it is not what I calculated I will contact them to find out why the money I actually received is so low. I also put up there my yeti rambler 64 oz which I have had since I started driving for Uber and it never leaked a drop (I kept it in that backpack) and all I ever put in there was water from my R.O. filter system. That sold for $26.00 and after shipping and final value fees Ebay sent me $15.20 for that item. I also put up there my Viltrox adapter that allows me to clip on EF style lenses on my M50 camera. The buyer that won the auction had a 289 rating at 100%. When I saw that, I just figured he was going to pay me. so I did the math and that came out to $29.5 to me. I paid 156.00 for it in 2021. I sent him 4 messages over 3 days and he just did not respond to me. I contacted eBay about that and I told them the story, and they told me they like to wait 4 days before canceling the sale and there would be no repercussions to me in anyway. They told me I could cancel and relist it right then
with no repercussions to me. So I waited to hear from that person until this morning and I heard nothing again, so I relisted it and the canceled the original auction. Ebay has gone through several changes over the years. The lady told me that my account is now over 22 years old, I created it when I was in college in 2002. The way eBay is now, is VERY hard to deal with. They used to be owned with or by paypal and when something was sold on eBay the funds would always go through paypal and then Paypal would transfer the money to your bank account. It is not like that now, eBay says if you want to sell ANYTHING on their platform, then they want your bank account numbers, If you do not have a bank account then you can’t sell anything on eBay and that is the end of that story. They are very straight forward about that. Also, eBay wants to charge for EVERYTHING and they do NOT want to refund you at all. Their marketing is very good too. They tell you in advance that there is an associated fee, for example if you choose to use the “Buy it now” feature there is a fee to the seller for that in addition to the final value fee that they charge. But there is no fee for setting an offer limit that you will accept. If you make a mistake, too bad for you then you get to battle it out with them and they usually already have your money, and they do NOT like to refund anything pretty much, even though they are huge and make a lot of money, they don’t care about much else than earning money hand over fist. So I lower my progressive auto insurance bill and got it extended from the 2nd of the month to the 7th, I also lowered my mint mobile package from unlimited to just 5GB of data per month with no Hotspot making it $82.00 instead of the usual $130 something and I also sold my Yeti Rambler and relisted the viltrox adapter for my camera. So that covers me until the 25th when my canca bill is due. Also Adobe extended to me 3 months with no fees for their all apps plan which was very awesome I love Adobe and Sue Keating donated to me $25.00 dollars which also was awesome. I haven’t seen her physically since we worked together over 25 years ago. Which was really awesome, now I just need to get through today.
(I originally posted this on medium.com so if there are any broken links or missing information this article can also be found there.)
I am an over 6-year driver for Uber. https://b0h2.short.gy/6 years with Uber picture In 2015 there were a lot of bad things happening in my life. I took a good hard look at all of those things that were happening to me, and I decided that they were happening to me because I in one way or another invited them all into my life. These things were happening to me because of the choices I made. There were a lot of things that happened to me because I did not know (Child Support) for example. So when my home got foreclosed on in 2015. I just decided to rebuild my life. I started then, and I told no one about my intentions very important). I was working in a call center in Clearwater, FL. when I started driving rideshare, I did some math and figured that it was going to be very close, but I could do it on the salary from Uber alone. I did that math based on the 68 percent that Uber paid to the drivers out of what the rider paid AT THAT TIME in 2018. I did that same math in July 2022 and that percentage has dropped down to 45 percent. Now I check the output from an Uber trip and they have completely removed the amount that the rider pays so that can no longer be calculated. Uber is a 130 Billion dollar company now. They got that way from a VERY good idea. Uber will continue to grow financially and very soon drivers will not be able to sign up for Uber to drive anymore. A passenger that I picked up once on St. Pete Beach told me that Uber is now charging USD 250.00 to drivers to sign up to drive for Uber. I searched (Uber and then Google I love the information age) and searched and could not find any evidence of that, so I do not know that is the case for certain. All I know is that when I signed up to drive for them in 2018, there was no fee at that time. So now since 04/09/2024, I have been unable to drive for Uber because of an even louder noise coming from the exhaust area of Ruby/My car. Here is a picture that I took yesterday of the odometer in my car. https://b0h2.short.gy/dCIAif That is the car I have always used to drive for Uber. www.ridesharedriver.blog has a maintenance log on it, containing everything I have ever done to that car since I have owned it. Every Oil change (every 2 weeks) tomorrow is the first Friday that I am going to miss an Oil Change Friday in the past 6 years. I did miss an OCF when Hurricane Ian made landfall in FL in September of 2022 because I had not driven for like a week, so I just did it on the following Saturday (The next day). Even though I haven’t really driven for Uber since 04/09/2024 (I think that is the day seems like a long time) I still do all of this each and every day.
(500 Milligrams) of Vitamin C (since about 04/01/2020 (the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in America)
1 X Metacaps (Metamucil Fiber capsules) (since ~03–20–2021)
~5000 IU of vitamin D (since about 04/01/2020 (the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic in America)
1 x Fish Oil triple strength from Amazon (since ~03–20–2021)
1 tablespoon of high-grade Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Amazon (since ~08/01/2021)
250 MG tablet of Magnesium that I got from Amazon which stopped me from being “tachycardic” in only 2 days. This was Magnesium Oxide and now this is Magnesium citrate which I learned is better from listening to Dr. Mark Hyman, I also do this each and every day. Things I do every day because I do not have health insurance (updated 12/2023)I exercise 1 x for 20 minutes in the morning and then 1 X for 30 minutes in the afternoon each day on the Peloton Bike Plus. I saved up my stimulus checks and purchased a Peloton in March of 2021 and it got delivered to me on 05/13/2021 (I ride it for 20 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon). Since I took delivery of it on 05/13/2021
I also do not eat before 11 AM (since ~03–20–2021)
I drink water only and fast for 3 days twice a year. (Every February and August) (Since 2016)
I have an R.O. Chiller and filter system which I drink from mostly.
I am able to do all of this because of the lifestyle I live. I do not have any Physical friends or girlfriends (on purpose) So that alone frees up a lot of time for me as it is. That lifestyle is a double-edged sword, that lifestyle allows me to pay attention to only what really matters (me and my mother) but it also has downsides too. I am only able to learn new things from reading and watching YouTube video’s sometimes I learn things from the Passengers in my car. But other than that, there really is no place else for me to learn from and that is a HUGE problem for me. There are a lot of places to learn from online and I am very grateful for that. If it weren’t for places like YouTube and Audible oh I also love and learn a lot from podcasts too. I have spent a long time in the technical field and I have amassed a lot of technical certifications over the years several Microsoft certificates and I got a CCNP (routing and switching) some Comp TIA certifications and many others. But I have let them all expire. Now the only certification that I hold is a part 107 FAA cert to fly drones and get paid for. I have never gotten paid for flying my drone, but I try anyway. I have a website that hosts about 15% of the pictures that I have taken of various structures over the years. I am a photographer now and I take pictures and videos of things and edit them a little bit (I learned a lot of this while driving for Uber) and then upload them when I am done with them or store them. The drone I have now and have used for the past few years is a DJI mini 2 drone. I like them because I know I am going to lose them, so that is the cheapest drone I could find on Amazon and it is a lot more quiet than any other drone that I have had. I learned on a Phantom 4 pro and that was very loud. Also, anyone can purchase and fly them without a license because they’re under 250 grams. I sat/took and passed the Part 107 test in 4/2017 at SRQ airport and I just renew it every 2 years with the recurrent test (Which reminds me, I need to renew that certification ASAP because it is expiring on 04/27/2024) It cost nothing which is very cool because if there was a cost for it, it would be out of reach right now. I think that when I sat the test in 2017 there was a cost of $150.00 for it. So then in 2022, I needed it again and I sent an email to the place I used for training before, and they told me also about the part 107 recurrent test and that I qualified for it because I had already sat and passed the test once already. What the part 107 test and certification does is give a person the ability to accept money for any drone work that they complete. There is a question on the test that asks about that, even if a drone pilot is given food for their drone work it is prohibited if that pilot does not have a part 107 certification. I was like dang, I guess the FAA really wants drone pilots to be certified lol. So I left corporate America because of all the B.S. that comes along with it. Job interviews (Which I despise) and office politics are also bad, my boss was always an idiot (except for one) but they can never know that you think that about them. Then there are workers which will act like your friend but will not hesitate to throw you under the bus to save their own skin in a moment. Even your boss has a boss. That boss tells your boss to get something done and your boss has to actually have his or her employees actually do the work. All your boss knows is that it needs to get done, the people who actually are told to do it, think that they are getting singled out when in reality they are not at all, something just needs to be done is all. The actual corporate world is horrible but it is constant and stable. What I have learned from Uber driving is that an employee actually gets benefits and they are also getting paid when they are not working all they have to do to get paid is show up, sometimes that doesn’t even happen. With Uber driving there is no pay happening at all unless you are driving and even that is very risky. So when you are driving to pick up a passenger, there is no pay happening until you pick up that passenger. Then once you pick up that passenger the Uber insurance policy takes over completely. Which turns off your personal auto insurance completely. The Uber insurance policy carries no Uninsured Motorist coverage so the Uber driver can die or be badly injured and big bad 130 Billion dollar Uber doesn’t care at all about the driver. Here is an accident that I was involved in on 03/25/2024 which I have not gotten my deductible back yet. I had $50K uninsured motorists coverage on my personal policy from Progressive which was denied to me. They also hold and provide in Florida the policy for Uber and I was advised but did not know this. My personal policy coverage stops when an Uber passenger gets in my car, and the Uber insurance policy has no Under-Insured Motorist coverage at all (Which is a huge problem) AND their deductible is now $2500.00 (This was the reason I stayed away from Lyft driving) what Uber driver has that kind of money just laying around? So Progressive repaired my car and gave me a rental car for a month under my personal policy, but denied my claim for my own Uninsured Motorist coverage here is the redacted police report from the Tampa Police Department that responded. The lady who struck me had a really dark window tint on her car/windshield and no valid proof of insurance (Both of which I have received citations for) I don’t care that she did not get in trouble for the accident, she didn’t even get a careless driving citation for causing this accident, she was allowed to do as she pleased and not get in trouble which is fine. But she still has not paid me my 1000.00 deductible back yet and it has been over a year. I could really use that 1000.00 about now too. But whatever. I have a few ways to donate to me that may keep our heads above water they can be located at all of my websites, I am pretty sure anyway. There are also ways to support me at www.rideshareseansupport.com I have learned over the years how to get by for a with a little bit. All I really have ever cared about is paying those bills when they are due. I have a total of 7 Maxed credit cards and I have been able to continue to pay them, this is the first month that has gone by in over 6 years when I have been unable to pay them. So I will publish this on Medium and see what happens I guess. I have been posting my resume on Indeed and Career Builder and other places reluctantly though, I have gotten a couple of “video” interviews and both times they were zoom meetings with a bunch of other job candidates and both times the same person “Crystel Roberts” was leading the pack. I thought this was an actual Job interview, I am not cattle lol. I just need a job this is a small incling of what I am about to enter into in Corporate America. So please help me to be able to afford to continue writing and driving for Uber because I do not want to work in Corporate America but I am the king of doing things that I do not want to do
In the vibrant rideshare landscape of Florida, where the sun shines bright and opportunities abound, selecting the ideal vehicle and securing comprehensive insurance coverage are paramount for drivers looking to thrive in this dynamic market. Discover why Florida stands out as the optimal state for ridesharing, and learn how choosing the best car and investing in commercial auto insurance can elevate your journey to success.
Florida: The Premier Destination for Rideshare Drivers
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the southeastern United States, Florida emerges as a beacon of opportunity for rideshare drivers. With its bustling cities, thriving tourism industry, and year-round sunshine, Florida offers a lucrative environment for drivers to maximize their earnings and enjoy a fulfilling rideshare experience. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Miami, exploring the theme parks of Orlando, or cruising along the scenic highways of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine State provides endless possibilities for drivers to connect with passengers and unlock their full potential.
The Best Car to Drive Rideshare within Florida: Efficiency Meets Style
When it comes to selecting the optimal vehicle for ridesharing in Florida, prioritizing fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and style is key. Embracing the state’s sunny climate, drivers can enhance their passengers’ experience by choosing cars with ample legroom, comfortable seating, and advanced amenities such as climate control and entertainment systems.
Popular models such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic, or Toyota Prius offer the perfect blend of fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, making them ideal choices for rideshare drivers traversing the diverse landscapes of Florida. Whether cruising along the iconic beaches of Miami Beach or navigating the vibrant streets of Downtown Orlando, these vehicles provide a smooth and enjoyable ride for both drivers and passengers alike, earning rave reviews and maximizing earning potential.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Rideshare Driver’s Best Driver Protection
In a state as dynamic and diverse as Florida, ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage is essential for rideshare drivers to safeguard their livelihoods and protect against unforeseen risks. While rideshare companies typically offer insurance coverage during active trips, gaps in coverage may exist during other periods, such as waiting for ride requests or personal use.
This is where commercial auto insurance shines as the ultimate driver protection solution for rideshare drivers in Florida. Tailored to meet the unique needs of drivers operating in the Sunshine State, commercial auto insurance provides comprehensive coverage for both personal and commercial use of the vehicle, offering peace of mind and financial security in the face of accidents, damages, or liabilities.
From liability coverage to protection against third-party claims to comprehensive coverage for vehicle damage and medical expenses, commercial auto insurance offers unparalleled protection and peace of mind for rideshare drivers navigating the bustling streets of Florida. Additionally, commercial auto insurance often includes additional benefits such as uninsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and rental vehicle reimbursement, further enhancing the safety and security of drivers on the road.
Conclusion: Driving Success in the Sunshine State
In the heart of the Sunshine State, rideshare drivers have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in a dynamic and vibrant market. By choosing the best car for rideshare and investing in commercial auto insurance, drivers can elevate their journey to success and unlock their full potential on the road.
With its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, and endless opportunities, Florida stands out as the premier destination for rideshare drivers seeking to maximize their earnings and enjoy a fulfilling experience behind the wheel. Embrace the sunshine, seize the opportunities, and embark on a rewarding rideshare journey in the Sunshine State today.
Completing two long trips for Uber today took me from Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to my favorite spot, Tampa International Airport (TPA). The pay barely reached $65—a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Uber drivers.
Since joining Uber in 2018, I’ve witnessed a steady decline in driver pay, with the company seemingly slashing wages at every turn. It’s a harsh reality that drivers like me have come to accept, but it’s disheartening to see the lack of compassion from a company that relies so heavily on its workforce.
Driving for Uber comes with its own set of risks, yet the compensation fails to reflect the dangers involved. And when issues arise in Uber’s system, such as incorrect toll reimbursements, drivers are left to bear the burden without any form of refund or compensation.
Despite my repeated attempts to address the toll reimbursement discrepancy with Uber, the problem persists. Even as toll rates increase, Uber continues to reimburse at outdated amounts, seemingly turning a blind eye to the financial impact on its drivers.
It’s frustrating to see a company of Uber’s size neglecting the well-being of its workforce in pursuit of profit. As Uber grows, it seems to forget the individuals who contribute to its success, leaving drivers feeling undervalued and exploited.
In the end, it’s a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in the corporate world. As companies like Uber expand, they often prioritize profits over people, leaving smaller players in the dust. But as drivers, we continue to push for fair treatment and compensation, hoping for change in an industry that seems content with exploitation.
As a rideshare driver navigating the bustling streets of Manatee County, Sundays have proven to be a lucrative day for me. While Saturday nights used to dominate when I used to drive in the Pinellas Market at night, Sunday daylight hours have emerged as a hidden gem for drivers in my market. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my Sunday routine, sharing insights into the challenges and rewards of being an Uber driver.
The Sunday Adventure Begins: This Sunday, I have a scheduled trip for a noon pickup to transport a rider to Tampa International Airport (TPA) via I275. TPA holds a special place in my heart, being my favorite airport among others SRQ and PIE. The journey is more than just a drive; it’s an opportunity to explore the diverse routes of Pinellas and Manatee County, aiming to hit the $100.00 mark for the day.
The Economics of Rideshare Driving: The rideshare industry, dominated by giants like Uber, has always been a double-edged sword for drivers. While the flexibility of choosing when to work appeals to many, the financial rewards often fall short. It’s astounding that Uber/Raiser, LLC. pays drivers so little, considering the significant risks drivers take each time they hit the road.
The Uber Attraction: Despite the meager pay and associated risks, Uber remains an attractive platform for drivers. The allure lies in the ability to work on your terms, making it an ideal gig for those who need to drive on their schedules. This flexibility has fueled the abundance of Uber drivers, making them readily available for passengers at any time.
The Never-Ending Cycle: One might wonder why drivers continue to join Uber, knowing the challenges they’ll face. The answer is simple: fresh meat. Uber’s constant influx of new drivers allows them to perpetuate the cycle of low wages. As they attract more drivers, they feel empowered to decrease pay rates, further exploiting the eager individuals looking to make a quick buck.
Risk and Neglect: The risks involved in rideshare driving go beyond the road. Uber’s insurance policies reveal a stark reality. With a $2500.00 deductible for accidents, drivers are left in a vulnerable position, especially considering the minimal pay. The lack of underinsured motorist coverage also raises questions about Uber’s priorities, seemingly valuing passengers over their drivers.
The Autonomous Shift: In 2024, the looming threat of autonomous vehicles is palpable. Uber appears to view drivers as a temporary expense, with plans to replace them entirely. As we navigate the present, drivers are the backbone of Uber’s success, yet the company seems set on minimizing its role in the near future.
Conclusion: Being an Uber driver on a Sunday is a unique experience, filled with challenges and opportunities. While the financial aspects may be discouraging, the flexibility keeps drivers on the road. As we continue to witness the evolution of the rideshare industry, drivers must stay informed and navigate the roads with a clear understanding of the landscape they operate within.
Are you a business owner or an individual looking for reliable transportation solutions in the Sunshine State? Hiring a rideshare driver in Florida can offer a range of incredible benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top six advantages that make hiring a rideshare driver an excellent choice for your transportation needs. So, stick to it till the end!
What Factors Make Hiring a Rideshare Driver a Wise Investment?
Here you go!
1. Cost-Effective Commute Solutions:
Florida is known for its sprawling landscapes, and transportation costs can quickly increase. Hiring a rideshare driver provides a cost-effective alternative to owning and maintaining a fleet of vehicles. With rideshare services, you only pay for the trips you need, eliminating the overhead costs of owning a car.
2. Flexibility and Convenience:
Rideshare drivers offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Whether you need transportation for your business or personal requirements, rideshare services are available when you are in need. Enjoy the convenience of scheduling rides on-demand, making it easy to adapt to your changing plans or unexpected events.
3. Expert Local Knowledge:
As a trusted source of rideshare drivers in Florida, we are familiar with local routes, traffic patterns, and hidden gems. When you hire our drivers, you gain the advantage of their local knowledge. This local insight can be more valuable for businesses needing efficient transportation solutions.
4. Time-Saving Efficiency:
Navigating through Florida’s bustling cities can be time-consuming. The expert drivers use advanced navigation apps to find the quickest routes, saving you valuable time. Whether you’re a busy professional attending meetings or a business owner coordinating deliveries, hiring our professionals ensures efficient and timely transportation.
5. Safety and Accountability:
Safety is a top priority for rideshare services. Drivers undergo thorough background checks, ensuring passengers are in safe hands. Additionally, rideshare platforms have built-in safety features, including real-time tracking and driver ratings. This accountability guarantees a secure and reliable transportation experience.
6. Improved Employee Productivity:
Hiring this service can lead to improved employee productivity for businesses looking to streamline their operations. Instead of employees dealing with the stress of driving in traffic or searching for parking spaces, they can focus on more critical tasks during their commute. It can contribute to a more relaxed and focused workforce, positively impacting productivity. So, connect with our driver without a second thought!
Conclusion
Ready to explore the benefits firsthand? Contact us today and revolutionize your approach to transportation. If you need more details on our services or how we work, read our other blogs or leave a comment below!
In Florida, there is no inspection process anymore for vehicles. There
used to be. So really the only requirement for driving for driving for Uber
is a vehicle of course that is on Uber’s list of approved vehicles and a clean
background I do not know what exactly Uber considers a clean background.
They require the Auto insurance document to have your name specifically on it.
Other than that there is not much else really. It is pretty cool driving
whenever you want but the income is very bad. It took me a while to learn that
but it is very real. The income that you hear people earning by the hour is almost
always before expenses are removed and no one ever talks about the very serious risk
all Uber drivers take. For example, I was at a stop sign when this happened to me
and it was not covered at all. It does not matter if it is your fault or not.
Uber does not carry UM anymore and their deductible is $2500.00 now. There
is not any Uber driver that has that kind of money just lying around.
That was me that you heard say “Jesus”