Why Old Guys Like Me Love Rideshare Driving

Join RSG contributor Jay Cradeur as shares the benefits of rideshare driving for older people.

As the sun paints the morning sky with hues of gold and amber, I take a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent of gasoline from the corner Arco. With a cup of Starbucks in hand, I prepare for the day's journey. 

My name is Jay, and I am unabashedly a "Ridesharaholic." The road calls to me with an irresistible pull, and I am more than happy to answer. There's no remedy for this urge; it's a part of who I am. 

Ferrying people to the start of their adventures and witnessing the dawning of new days is a privilege that never grows old. But what exactly is it about us seasoned individuals that draws us to the driver's seat of Uber and Lyft so frequently?

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Background 

Let me share the milestone and the momentum. The odometer of my rideshare career hit the 30,000-ride mark not long ago, and before I knew it, I had completed another hundred rides. 

There's no desire to hit the brakes; if anything, the journey has become more compelling. The question lingers, "Why can't I quit driving?" But perhaps the real question is, "Why should I?"

Flexibility and Freedom

As we mature, the rigid structure of traditional work loses its appeal, making the flexibility of rideshare driving particularly enticing. Setting our schedules to choose where and when we drive offers a sense of liberation. 

It's a freedom that Henry Ford alluded to when he said, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black." 

While he referred to the Model T's lack of color options, it metaphorically contrasts the rigid work life with the freedom of choice we now enjoy as rideshare drivers. 

I recently heard an internet guru say, "Freedom and flexibility are nonsense!" I disagree. I can drive any time I like. I choose to drive on the weekends, early in the morning. I am a morning person. I only have weekends available to drive. 

That level of choice, by definition, is freedom and flexibility. I could drive at midnight if I wanted to make even more money. I don't want to. That is the freedom to choose. This is one of the significant draws of rideshare driving.

Social Interaction

Driving is not just a means of income; it's a social vessel. It connects us with a mosaic of stories and personalities. Much like the coffee shops of old, where people gathered for news and companionship, our cars become rolling social hubs. 

As the famous playwright Tennessee Williams once remarked, "Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going." Each ride is a collection of those fleeting moments, a chance to engage, listen, and share. 

I try to fall in love with a passenger each day. I try to learn something I didn't know from a passenger daily. And most importantly, I try to be inspired by a passenger daily. Opportunities abound.

Staying Active

The importance of staying active for older individuals cannot be overstated. Rideshare driving offers a task-oriented structure that engages the mind and body. 

As C.S. Lewis wisely observed, "You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new one." Driving allows us to continually set goals, meet new people, and learn new technologies, keeping our minds as active as our bodies. 

I am a better driver when I hit the gym five days a week. I am more alert, more relaxed, and much happier.

Extra Income

For many of us, rideshare driving presents an opportunity to supplement retirement income. It's not just about staying busy; it's about financial stability. Benjamin Franklin said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." 

The knowledge of the rideshare market, surge times, and customer service translates into a valuable investment that yields monetary rewards. We, the old guys, love the game of rideshare driving. 

We like to figure out the best way to make the most money. Uber and Lyft have gamified the experience, and we love it.

Familiarity With the City

There's a distinct advantage we hold—an intimate knowledge of the city's streets and shortcuts. This familiarity doesn't just make the job easier; it makes it enjoyable. 

We confidently navigate the city, often sharing our insider knowledge with passengers, enhancing their experience and satisfaction in a job well done. When I drove full-time in San Francisco, I took great pride in providing local knowledge to tourists. 

If they needed a restaurant recommendation, I had two. If they wanted to experience Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world), I would drive them there myself and even drive down the street if they wanted. I loved it.

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Key Takeaways

In the tapestry of life, rideshare driving has woven itself into the threads of our daily existence. 

It's not just a job; it's a lifestyle choice that offers flexibility, social interaction, physical and mental activity, extra income, and an opportunity to utilize our familiarity with the city. 

As we continue down this road, let's remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Life is a journey, not a destination." We're not in this solely for the earnings, but for the experiences and connections, we make along the way.

So, to all the "old guys" who love to drive and the young at heart just starting this journey, embrace the road ahead with enthusiasm. Let's keep the wheels turning, the conversations flowing, and the memories accumulating. 

After all, we're not just driving rideshare but steering our way through a rich and rewarding chapter of our lives.

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