by Jason Tieri | Mar 1, 2024 | Blog
Top Dasher in 2024: Pros and Cons Breakdown
Want to be a Top Dasher in 2024? The job can help you earn more with some cool benefits. But, some problems come with it too. If you want to make a smart choice, think about its good and bad sides. Here are some things you need to know before deciding. Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
Becoming a Top Dasher in 2024
The Good Sides of Becoming a Top Dasher
Top Dasher status has some great things to offer. First, you get to pick your tasks before others. So, when there are too many orders, you won’t be out of work. Plus, you’ll get higher pay. This happens because you will be taking more orders and sometimes costly ones too. Also, feeling proud of your job and getting respect from others feels good.
The best part is, you can work on your terms. You can decide when and where you want to work. This means you can make the most money when it is a busy hour or in a crowded place. In the end, you can balance your work and personal life better.
The Bad Sides of Becoming a Top Dasher
Being a Top Dasher might not always be easy. You need to keep your customers happy all the time, which can be hard. Also, to stay a Top Dasher, you need to accept many orders. Sometimes, these orders might not bring a lot of money.
With too many people trying to be Top Dashers, things can get tough. You might have to work hard for the best orders. At the same time, having a Top Dasher title doesn’t secure a fixed income. The job demand can go up and down anytime.
Also, to be and stay a Top Dasher, you might need to work more. You might need to drive more too. This might not suit everyone’s taste.
About Gig Work Life
Weighing the Pros and Cons
A Gig worker’s job is about managing the good and bad. You need to think about the high income and better order access against the challenges. These might include keeping a good score and meeting the need for high-quality service.
You need to think about your personal and job needs. If you like working free and not having a boss, gig work can be a fit for you. But, if you don’t like income instability and the need to work hard always, you might need to think it over.
Remember, being a gig worker means you need to balance your job and personal needs. You need to take care of your well-being and job goals while managing the ups and downs.
Dealing with the Problems
Being a Smarter Dasher
You can be smarter to deal with the challenges. Improve your customer service skill and deliver faster to keep your scores high. Serve your customers and the restaurants well and timely.
As gig work can be unstable, having other income sources can help. Look for other gig jobs or part-time work to earn more. Join the Dasher community for help. Talk to other Dashers online to learn the best ways to do your job better.
Stay updated about the gig economy changes to plan your job strategy. This can help you overcome problems and do well as a Top Dasher.
Your Final Goal: Is Top Dasher Worth It?
To decide to be a Top Dasher, think about your ultimate goal. If you are looking for a high income and okay with hard work, you might want to go for it. The benefits of first-order access and better earnings are quite appealing.
But, remember the effort you need to give. You need to keep striving and handle the pressure of changing job demands. Think about how these fit with your lifestyle and job aims.
After weighing the pros and cons, if you still find it exciting, go for it. Remember, everybody’s job journey is different. Choose what goes best with your dream.
Should this guide prove insightful or if you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to us. You can reach us at our website and you can download the show anytime here!
by Jason Tieri | Feb 12, 2024 | Blog
Navigating the gig economy can often feel like a high-speed chase through a maze of ever-changing rules and rewards. For drivers in the ride-sharing world, companies like Lyft and Uber not only represent opportunities for earnings but also a battleground for fairness and transparency. In the latest episode of our podcast, we take listeners on a journey through the labyrinth of Lyft’s new driver benefits, and the opaque reality of “external fees,” and share an Uber cancellation story that is more complex than a simple ‘no-show.’
The gig economy is not for the faint-hearted; it demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to play by rules that can often change with little notice. Our hosts, Larry and Jason, discuss the intricacies of Lyft’s recent announcement to ensure drivers earn a minimum of 70% of rider fares after certain fees. While the promise of increased earnings sounds alluring, it raises questions about the clarity of these “external fees” and whether the actual payout is as lucrative as it appears. Drivers must constantly evaluate if the carrot being dangled in front of them is worth the chase.
Furthermore, the episode delves into the controversial subject of driver deactivation. The anxiety that comes with the possibility of being deactivated, often based on unverified complaints, can make gig work a precarious endeavor. Lyft’s promise of a 72% reactivation rate within 24 hours is examined, leaving listeners to ponder if this is a genuine improvement or a mere public relations move. The discussion also highlights the all-too-common practice of offering attractive driver bonuses for a high number of rides, raising the question of feasibility and true benefit to the drivers.
Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes that add color and context to the discussion. From humorous tales of inebriated passengers to tense confrontations with dishonest customers, the stories serve as a reminder that behind every gig worker’s steering wheel is a person navigating a complex web of customer interactions and company policies. The podcast doesn’t just count miles; it counts the human experiences that make up the life of a ride-share driver.
As the episode comes to a close, listeners are left with a better understanding of the gig economy’s challenges and the resilience required to succeed in it. The hosts’ stories and the episode’s deep dive into the murky aspects of driver benefits and tipping practices offer valuable insights for current and prospective gig workers. It’s an episode that doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of gig work, instead choosing to illuminate the hidden corners of the industry with candid conversations and expert commentary.
In conclusion, the podcast episode serves as both a reality check and a rallying cry for those within the gig economy. It’s a powerful reminder that while the roads may be paved with promises, it’s the drivers who must navigate the potholes and detours to find their path to success. For anyone with a stake in the gig economy, this episode is a must-listen, packed with stories and strategies that resonate with the real cost of life in the driver’s seat.
by Jason Tieri | Feb 5, 2024 | Blog
The landscape of the gig economy is ever-evolving, and as we bring this chapter for Jepser time on the podcast to a close, it’s only fitting that we delve into the current and future state of ride-sharing services and their shift towards electrification. As the sun sets on Jesper’s tenure with the podcast, we look back with gratitude for the connections made and the knowledge shared. r.
The world of Uber and its counterparts is one of constant change, a reflection of the gig economy itself. Recently, we’ve seen a significant focus on the introduction of government regulations that could reshape the way ride-share drivers operate. The prospect of minimum wage laws and restrictions on driver availability is creating waves of concern within the industry. The idea that a gig worker’s flexibility could be hindered by such regulations is a contentious one, with the potential to alter the very fabric of the gig economy.
Amidst these discussions of regulatory shifts, we find ourselves contemplating the role of electric vehicles (EVs) in ride-sharing. The environmental and financial implications of transitioning to EVs are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, the cost savings on fuel and the reduced environmental footprint present compelling arguments for their adoption. On the other hand, the skepticism around infrastructure readiness and the feasibility of widespread electric vehicle use remains a prevalent topic of debate.
Our exploration into the electric future doesn’t end with the practicalities of EVs—it extends to the human element of the gig economy. We recount an incident involving a Lyft driver and a D.C. Rabbi, which highlights the tension that can arise in the confines of a ride-share vehicle. Such stories remind us that while we focus on the mechanical and technological aspects of ride-sharing, we must not lose sight of the human interactions at the heart of the service.
As we consider the economics of being a gig worker, the conversation naturally leads to Uber earnings and the reality of unpredictable income. We discuss the viability of gig work as a sustainable livelihood, considering the challenges of maintaining consistent earnings in an industry governed by supply and demand. This candid examination of a driver’s financial landscape is essential for anyone considering or currently navigating the gig economy.
In a lighter vein, we entertain the notion of an ‘Uber Walk’ service with humor and a dose of reality. While the idea seems more farcical than practical, it sparks conversation about the diversity of services within the gig economy and the importance of aligning service expectations with customer experiences.
As we reach the end of our final episode, we invite our community to continue the dialogue in our Telegram chat, fostering a space where ideas and support can flow freely among gig workers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our listeners for joining us on this journey and encourage them to embrace the future with curiosity and resilience.
Looking ahead, the gig economy podcast may have a new voice, but the spirit of exploration and discovery remains. We stand at the threshold of a new era in ride-sharing—an era where electric vehicles may soon dominate the roads and regulations may redefine the rules of the game. It’s a future filled with challenges and opportunities, and we can’t wait to see where the road leads.
by jesper | Feb 1, 2024 | Blog
Hey there, folks! It’s with a bit of a heavy heart that I’m stepping away from the podcast. You know, Jason and I kicked off this wild gig economy adventure together, and man, it’s been an absolute blast – meeting all kinds of cool people and just having a ton of fun.
So, during the day, I’m a web developer, and recently, I took the plunge and snagged full ownership of the company I started back in 2005, Engine Web Development and Digital Marketing. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m loving every minute of it, but it’s also eating up most of my time.
I used to get a kick out of hitting the road, enjoying the freedom of gig jobs, but lately, I’ve had to pump the brakes. Running the show at Engine is a full-time gig in itself! I’m missing the driving but right now, I’ve got my hands full steering the ship of my company.
Sure, it’s a bit of a bummer not squeezing in those gig adventures but my time keeps slipping away with other responsibilities. I have truly enjoyed the entire experience of part time gig work, the podcast and especially the people I have met along the way.
Signing off!
by Jason Tieri | Jan 29, 2024 | Blog
In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the often unpredictable world of the gig economy, a realm where independent contractors, freelancers, and part-time workers navigate through the challenges and opportunities presented by app-based services. The gig economy has expanded dramatically over the years, encapsulating everything from ride-sharing and food delivery to bike-sharing and beyond. With a rise in such services, we witness a diverse landscape that requires not only agility but also a strategic approach to make the most of it.
We kick off the discussion by highlighting the latest policy changes by Uber regarding background checks and their associated costs. It’s a topic that affects thousands of drivers who rely on the platform for their income. As gig workers, the financial burden of such requirements can be substantial, leading us to question the balance between safety and profitability. Additionally, we can’t help but chuckle at the extreme loyalty displayed by some for their preferred delivery service—yes, we’re talking about those DoorDash tattoos. The commitment to a brand is one thing, but permanently inking it onto your skin is quite another level of dedication.
Transitioning from the absurd to the more serious, our conversation takes a turn to Lyft’s investment in bike-sharing programs. Here, we analyze the potential profits versus the financial risks involved. City bike systems have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation, but the economics behind them can be as complex as the gears on a bicycle. We weigh in on how urban taxpayers benefit from these systems and the intricacies of private versus public management of such ventures.
Taxation is another area we cover, specifically addressing the tax implications for gig workers. There’s often confusion between gross and net income, and how fees taken by platforms don’t accurately reflect the money that actually reaches a driver’s bank account. The need for meticulous record-keeping and the importance of professional tax advice is underscored, particularly for those who are navigating the independent contractor status. Misinformation on social media about tax practices is rampant, and we emphasize the importance of seeking expertise rather than relying on hearsay.
Moreover, we explore the role of technology in optimizing gig work through apps like Driver Utility Helper and Maxymo. These tools can set preferences for jobs and manage tasks, which is especially beneficial during busy seasons or inclement weather. A story about the difficulties of food delivery during a snowstorm exemplifies the challenges faced by drivers and the heightened expectations of customers.
As we wrap up the episode, we provide a sneak peek at upcoming interviews with creators and influencers in the gig economy space. These conversations promise to be enlightening, offering personal insights and experiences that can inspire and guide those navigating this dynamic industry. It’s not just about the journey; it’s about the people we meet and the stories we share.
In conclusion, the gig economy is a vibrant and ever-changing environment that demands adaptability and a keen understanding of the marketplace. From policy changes and taxation to loyalty tattoos and the hidden costs of convenience, our podcast episode covers a wide array of topics that will resonate with gig workers and enthusiasts alike. Join us as we continue to explore this fascinating sector and provide a platform for discussion, education, and a bit of humor along the way.
by jesper | Dec 21, 2023 | Blog
The article explores the harrowing experiences of female delivery drivers in Mexico, shedding light on the pervasive issues of chlorine attacks and daily harassment they face. The female delivery drivers, exemplified by the case of Berline Augustin, are organizing in response to the alarming frequency of misogynistic aggression. The absence of meaningful support from companies adds to the challenges these women encounter while performing their jobs. The piece delves into the broader context of gender discrimination, the need for non-judicial remedies, and the racial, ethnic, and caste dimensions of the problem.
Read entire story here
Photo by Jun Hong Tan on Unsplash
