In today’s economy, for most of us having a full-time job isn’t enough to make ends meet. Or if it is, it doesn’t leave a lot of money left over for investing, saving, or side projects. This is one of the biggest reasons that people who are employed full-time turn to side gigs.
There are a lot of side gigs to choose from but not all of them are real money earners. Mystery Shopping, for example, while advertised as a way to “make money while you shop” usually involves your having to make purchases (and only get partially reimbursed) and the payout for each shop is usually low. Forex is another popular option but if you don’t know how to make trades or understand how currency conversion works, you could lose your shirt.
One of the first rules of side gigs is to explore them when you aren’t feeling desperate. If you’re desperate you are more likely to take on time-consuming and low payout projects. If you’re facing an emergency situation, you are better served taking out a loan–but stay away from payday lenders. Even if your credit is bad, there are plenty of alternative payday loans online for which you can qualify to get the funding you need.
If your situation is not an emergency, however, it is still important to choose a practical option that will actually be worth the time and effort you will expend. One of the best and most practical methods available today is ride sharing.
What Is Ride Sharing
For the few uninitiated among you, ride sharing is basically like being an independent cabbie. You pick people up in your own car and they pay you to drive them to their destinations. While you could try to do this all on your own, you are more likely to make money if you join a ride sharing program. The two most popular right now are Uber and Lyft.
Uber
Uber has come under fire because it removed tipping capability from its app. This means that passengers aren’t able to tip you through the app they use to book your services. They can still pay cash, but who carries cash anymore? Uber has also been in the doghouse for political reasons–it sent its drivers to fill in when taxicab drivers refused to service airports during the travel ban protests a couple of months ago.
Lyft
Lyft uses basically the same approach as Uber. They have an app that riders can use to book your services and then they pay you through that same app. The good thing about Lyft is that it does allow its drivers to accept tips and isn’t quite as vilified as Uber. The downside to Lyft, however, is that it is not as widely available and accepted as Uber.
How to Make Money
In many ways, making money as a ride share driver is about the numbers. The more time you spend in your car and driving around, the more money you stand to make. There are no caps or limits on how much time you can or have to dedicate to this side job. Beyond, that, however, you can increase your income by doing the following things.
- Make sure your car is clean on the inside as well as on the outside. Nobody wants to have to climb over your fast food containers or work materials when they get into your car. Keep your car clean and detailed at all times.
- Make sure your car smells good. Air it out as often as possible, especially during the warmer months when people are sweatier.
- Empty your trunk. Many people use ride shares when they simply have too much to carry to use public transportation. Do not make your passengers hold their bags on their laps.
- Choose neutral music. You don’t necessarily have to play classical, but stick to instrumental pieces. Or ask your passenger if they have any preferences.
- Help them with their stuff. Hold doors open, carry heavy things for them. Going the extra mile will increase your tips by 50+%
What’s your favorite way to earn money on the side? Have you tried driving for a ride share? Let us know!
