Uber Driver

I am an Uber Driver. And I love it.

How’d that happen?

First of all you know I substitute teach but as Alice Cooper sang,”School’s out for the summer,” and that J-O-B dried up. My wife said I needed something to do and brought up the fact that I also needed to get out of the house and suggested Uber. 

My first thought was,”Do I need a hat?”

After applying and giving them my license and make of car and my plate number and a photo of me (gasp gasp) I was good to go.

My first week was abysmal.

I made so many mistakes.

 See, the way it works is you get the app, go online and it dings if there is a rider. You can accept or not but if you do you’re in your car with the GPS guiding you to the pickup.

After picking up the rider the GPS guides you to their Dropoff location. Sounds easy right?

What I did wrong was you have to hit a certain button to signify the drop off of your passenger. I didn't do that so the first four rides were free. Not good. I learned fast, had to, so that whole thing was fixed toot sweet.

Since then? Smooth sailing.

Things I've learned by Mark McEwen. Some passengers don't say anything so as the driver you don't say anything. BUT.  Some talk and the conversations you have are just wonderful. “Are you from Florida?” Many are many are not. If not,” How long have you been here?” “Sure is hot.” “ What do you do?”

And on and on.

I get to say things like,”It’s real hot in the summer here but it’s fun watching winter on teevee.” That kind of stuff gets a chortle.

I’ve learned that the bigger the dollar amount the farther you drive. How’d I learn that? Picked up a big money fare and they wanted to go all the way to Tampa. Not only is it an hour and half drive, one way, you come home empty. You don’t want to do that.

You have repeat customers that you get to know like old friends. That’s cool. I’ve also been to the airport more times than I care to mention. I’ve also learned to, ahem, tinkle before I leave.

As they say in Shrek,”Better out than in.”

The things you learn.

My parents taught to me to be polite and taught me manners.

 Goes a long way.

I’d write more but my Uber app just dinged with a new rider.

I’m off.

#MarkMcEwen
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