When I started driving for Lyft a little over two years ago, I knew pretty much what to expect when it came to the riders I’d be interacting with. There would be chatty passengers, nervous travelers on the way to the airport, and the occasional group of drunk friends. What I didn’t expect was all the ways Lyft would be a game changer for me. Read on to find out how driving for Lyft changed my life (and then sign up to start driving for yourself)
1. Getting My Budget Back on Track
As anyone with student loans will tell you, paying them off is the worst. I had been out of school for over 5 years and was still frantically budgeting to figure out how to make the payment each month. Once I started driving for Lyft, I not only had a cushion for my budget, I was able to actually get ahead of my payments. Other drivers I’ve talked to are taking a similar approach to saving for a house or a new car.
[pullquote]Once I started driving for Lyft, I not only had a cushion for my budget, I was able to actually get ahead of my payments.[/pullquote]
2. Earning Money Out of the Office
With Lyft, I get to set my own hours so I was able to work around my existing job. My work has more irregular hours, so sometimes I’m able to drive throughout the day. Mostly though, this means driving during the nights and weekends which tend to be peak times. I can just flip the app on and off, for as long as I want to. When work gets crazy, I don’t have to juggle another job’s schedule, its just mine. Even when I’m just looking to relax after work, I can pick up a ride on my drive home and hit the couch with a few extra bucks in my pocket.
3. The Icing on the Cake
On top of my base fares, Lyft offers the option to earn tips from riders (without me having to awkwardly solicit). For me, this prospect encouraged me to step out of my shell a bit and be more outgoing with my passengers. What started out a as push to maximize my earnings has turned into a great way to meet new people. Don’t get me wrong, the additional income is still great, but from being friendlier I’ve even kept in touch with a few riders with shared interests.
4. World’s Greatest Boss
NBC Universal
I can see the payoff from being disciplined and hitting the road even when I’d rather hit snooze. Now that I have the entrepreneurial bug I’m more motivated and can see this as a longer-term path for me.
5. City Slicker
From driving for Lyft, I now feel like a full-blown expert on Denver. Back roads and short-cuts? Check. Insider knowledge about the busiest times in each area of the city? Yep. New bars and attractions that I can recommend to friends and check out in my free time? That is one of the best perks out there. Highly recommend driving for Lyft to anyone who is new to a city or just looking to become the guru of their friend group.
Update: Get Started Today and Take Advantage of Lyft’s Sign Up Bonus!