77-year-old Uber driver struggling to get by shares how much she makes in a week
A 77-year-old Uber driver has revealed how much she makes in a week after admitting to struggle to make ends meet.
The cost of living crisis is hitting many Americans hard, as many take on extra work to even be able to afford the essentials such as food and drink.
Many decide to start working as a rideshare driver, with the likes of Uber being the most popular across the US.
However, one driver has said she actually loses money from working for Uber because of the cost of gas and repairs.
Advert
While Germaine would love to pack the part-time gig in, she is required to work at least part-time to supplement her Social Security benefits as she is only semi-retired.
Speaking to Business Insider, Germaine said: "I'm very disenchanted with how these rideshare companies are dealing with drivers.
"We have to pay our insurance, we don't get health insurance, and the benefits that they offer are really nothing I can use."
For the recent interview, Germaine provided just her middle name for the fear of potential punishments from Uber.
Germaine is driving six days a week for Uber, working four to six hours every single day.
Not only that, she also works other part-time jobs, including managing her own Etsy store.
She now earns around $300 a week, though that is down from $500-$600 she previously made from ridesharing.
These days, Germaine doesn't typically take longer trips to prevent more repairs on the car she owns.
Where the Uber driver is lucky is with location, as she resides in the popular and tourist-driven South Florida.
Despite that, she has since received a lot more competition since the pandemic, resulting in a far lesser pay for trips.
She told Business Insider that nowadays she earns as little as $2.60 for some shorter trips, with a previous minimum of $4 to $5 a few years ago now non-existence.
Germaine said: "Gig work is attractive in a way because it gives you the impression that you are your own boss because you can do it whenever you want, but at the end of the day, you're not getting enough in most cases."
The Uber driver has said the company has since paid her around $0.55 for each trip as a means of compensation for rising gas prices.
Despite that, Germaine claims it hasn't done much to improve the amount of dollar she's taking home.
UNILAD has reached out to Uber for comment.
Callum Jones