Cabs Are Like a “Real” Job
I never felt like anything but a drone driving for Uber and Lyft. With Lyft, it was even worse because they made it out like we were all friends, but in reality, they’d deactivate a driver without hesitation over any infraction just like Uber. They both claim it’s not supposed to be a job, just a paying hobby to make some extra money. That’s Uber and Lyft’s narrative. But they both offer incentives to drivers who log in more hours. After 10 months of driving for Uber and Lyft, I’ll take my corruption straight up, no chaser, thank you very much.
I know that with taxi, I am choosing one devil over another, but I find one less deplorable. Uber and Lyft are morally corrupt and hide behind the facade of innovation. I always felt isolated as an Uber/Lyft driver. But with taxi, I have friends. We all communicate through GroupMe, a texting app, where we can talk to each other about road hazards, which venues are letting out, where to find fares and anything else that’s pertinent.
Cab driving is more like a real job. I have a schedule. I’ve been a 1099 freelancer for over 15 years as a personal assistant, a graphic designer, and an online bookseller, and the lack of stability can be frustrating and scary. I actually prefer the regularity of a set time that I have to be somewhere after all those years of setting my own schedule.
Given the opportunity, I would definitely prefer to be an employee rather than an independent contractor.
