Hello you,
I have been an Uber driver in California's Bay Area for a few months now. I'm from the UK originally but now I'm a child of the world.
Since I began Ubering I've kept a journal in a closed Facebook group. Some of my friends read and enjoy it. Even when they don't click 'like' or comment, they tell me in person or by another means. I might turn it into a book.
I've always enjoyed writing but have never known what to write about. My time with Uber has opened a car door to my heart. I meet interesting people and have amazing adventures—the sort of adventures one could not have doing an office job or whatever. Perhaps even taxi drivers do not experience similar joy. They can choose their hours but have tied themselves to a taxi, rather than to their own, beautiful car that they can toggle at will. Moreover, many Uber drivers seem to lack enthusiasm for what I find a most rewarding endeavour.
Moremoreover, my posts are never really about Uber. They're about humans I encounter. About emotions I feel. About obstacles I overcome. One of my friends once coined a phrase for when you meet someone at a party, have an amazing conversation, then never see them again. He calls it a micro-relationship. That's what I have every day. Micro-relationships with my passengers. Actually, two have added me on Facebook, and I recently asked about a rider's website (see Uber Christmas Update). But I try to keep my distance. I try to stay professional.
I have chosen to remain anonymous at present. I'm not sure why. The more I write, the easier it will be for Uber to identify me. And even if they do, I think they'd be happy about what I'm doing. Uber has deactivated drivers in the past who have published negative things about the company. My only problem is the buggy app.
Apart from that I have only love. The issues I've faced so far have been mainly down to inexperience. I'm getting better. I'm learning the streets. I'm perfecting my strategy. It's like an awesome video game.
Who knows, one day I might reveal my given name, unless anyone can tell me why that's a bad idea. I'd love to hear your thoughts. For now, join me as we dive headlong into 2017.
Thanks for reading,
Lens König and Old Bluey (my car)