Driving for Uber and Lyft as a Medical Student: A Profitable Illusion

In an unexpected turn at the start of 2020, I embarked on my medical school journey. Life, however, threw a curveball my way.

After my grandmother, who had been my caregiver, passed away, I found myself in a new role supporting my grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, alongside my adult brother who requires special care.

Last autumn, the thought struck me to join the ride-hailing service, hoping it would financially support my academic pursuits and family responsibilities. This venture, however, failed to meet my expectations.

I'd heard glowing reports of drivers pulling in thousands each week. Unfortunately, prime driving periods often conflict with my study schedule, like evenings when demand peaks.

In my early days of driving, I rented a car with Lyft, incurring a hefty $300 weekly charge, excluding additional costs like deposits and insurance. Consequently, I shelled out over $1,000 monthly without owning the vehicle. With fares sometimes as low as $2 to $3, the economics didn't pan out. This financial burden prompted me to purchase my own car earlier this year.

Despite dedicating up to 55 hours some weeks just to get by, I've logged roughly 1,400 trips with Uber and 500 with Lyft. I've paused my studies temporarily but plan to return and finish my last year soon.

As I prepare for a career in medicine, the driving habits I've witnessed raise alarms. Similar to my experiences, many drivers cut into their rest to work extended shifts, heightening the risk on the roads, particularly at night.

Sitting behind the wheel far more often than I did when I was in school, I've noticed its toll on my health. I'm exploring ways to bring more physical activity back into my life.

Over time, I've come to see that ridesharing doesn't provide the stability I need. I've sent applications to various jobs with little success. To manage, I've taken on delivery services with companies like Instacart and DoorDash, but substitute teaching has been the most fruitful alternative.

Despite the relentless effort, the gig hasn't offered the ease and reliability I once counted on. The search for a side job that truly fits my life continues.