'Uncertainty gnaws at you': Uber driver earned only $80 in a week.

• In "Drive: Scraping By in Uber's America, One Ride at a Time," Jonathan Rigsby gives readers a firsthand look at what it's like to be a rideshare driver.
• "CNBC reported that Rigsby stated, "Working long hours at unusual hours and relying on bonuses, tips, and surge payments to earn a decent hourly wage creates uncertainty, which takes a toll on you.""

Few individuals are aware of the Uber drivers who transport them to work, school, and other destinations.

In "Drive: Scraping by in Uber's America, One Ride at a Time," Jonathan Rigsby reveals the struggles of being a Uber driver despite his job as a crime intelligence analyst for the state of Florida.

In 2016, he turned to ridesharing to make extra money after his divorce left him earning less than $25,000 a year, after taxes, alimony, child support, and other debt payments.

He eventually wrote his memoir about all that followed.

According to CNBC, Rigsby stated earlier this month that to earn a "decent hourly wage," one must work long hours at unusual times and depend on bonuses, tips, and surge payments.

Despite his goal of earning $250 a week while traveling, he only made $80 one week due to his car expenses.

"The uncertainty eats away at you," he said.

A representative from stated that the amount of compensation for a driver can fluctuate based on various elements, including local market conditions.

According to the spokesperson, the median Uber driver in the U.S. earns more than $30 per active hour, and the flexibility to work whenever and wherever they want is a key reason why many drivers choose Uber.

This month, Rigsby was interviewed by CNBC. The edited and condensed version of the conversation has been provided.

Despite having a job with the Florida government, you eventually decided to drive for Uber. What was the reason behind this decision?

After my divorce, I had to juggle numerous new expenses with limited resources. I had to pay alimony and child support, in addition to my rent and student loans. Although I was fortunate to have a full-time job that provided me with a salary and health insurance, the burden of all these new expenses was overwhelming. Many rideshare drivers are currently facing similar circumstances, without even the basic safety net that I had.

What was the highest and lowest amount you earned in a week while driving for Uber?

Halloween is undoubtedly the most profitable time for Uber drivers in my city, as people from Miami will travel to Tallahassee to party, making it more affordable. In 2018, I worked long hours during that week, driving for 30 hours and earning over $700. However, I used all of the money to pay off car repairs that I had to put on a credit card.

After students graduate and before summer classes begin, the town is deserted. I recall feeling anxious because I had only earned $120 in a week, which was before accounting for the gas I had used. After deducting my expenses, I would have made approximately $80 for 15 to 20 hours of work.

What is the process behind the payment a passenger makes for a ride and how it relates to the driver's earnings?

The percentage of the ride's cost that companies take for themselves can fluctuate greatly. Sometimes, the company takes 50%, while other times the driver earns 80%. Over time, companies have been gradually increasing their average take, starting at 20% and then rising to 22%, 24%, and so on. This trend has been aimed at reducing driver pay and pushing companies towards profitability.

While drivers may earn good hourly rates, the expenses of fuel, maintenance, and wear and tear reduce their earnings by approximately $4-$5 per hour, which often leaves them just above or below minimum wage. Only Uber's executives can benefit financially from this situation.

While Uber may not be your primary source of income, it is a significant source of income for others.

Although I am fortunate to have a salaried job, many people rely on rideshare and delivery jobs for their basic necessities. This precarious and stressful way of life forces individuals to work long hours at odd times and to depend on bonuses, tips, and surge payments to earn a decent hourly wage. The uncertainty of this lifestyle can be overwhelming.

What was your visitation agreement like after the divorce, and did driving for Uber affect your ability to spend time with your son?

Initially, our understanding was that I would spend Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Saturdays and Sundays with him. Despite the toughest circumstances, I never diverted from my commitment to him to drive. If I forsook my time with my son solely to work, then what was the purpose of all my efforts? Everything I did was for him. When I wasn't with him, I functioned as the 'taxi man' - the name he gave it - but I carried a stuffed bear in my car's cup holder with me. This was my way of taking him with me wherever I went.

What motivated you to conceal your poverty during your toughest times, when you had to make difficult decisions like choosing between washing your clothes or buying food?

Despite having a full-time job with health insurance and a retirement fund, I was destitute and at risk of homelessness. It's disheartening to believe that it's so difficult to make ends meet, and it's easy to blame yourself when the American ethos suggests that hard work leads to success.

What is the connection between driving for Uber and your drinking problem?

I would drive until 2 a.m. some nights and stay awake by consuming large amounts of caffeine. When I returned to my small apartment, I would become so energized that I would drink myself to sleep, only to repeat the cycle the next morning.

AN: How else did the work impact your health?

Long periods of sitting in your car can be extremely tiring. Despite taking breaks to stretch, busy nights can make it challenging to get out of the car. When you look at the clock, you realize you've been sitting in one place for five hours. You're hungry, thirsty, and need to use the bathroom, but the only places open are fast food restaurants. To get back on the road quickly, you eat cheap junk food. This physical toll can negatively impact your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, causing you to worry about blood clots.

How did the ridesharing make you feel lonely?

A single-use servant is summoned by people who tap on their phones, without the need for conversation. You transport them to their destination and they vanish. Occasionally, passengers are rude or cruel, leaving you with no choice but to endure it because you require the income. When you log on, you are alone, and when passengers disembark, you are left alone once more.

What does the fact that your relationship with another partner significantly altered your circumstances reveal about your story?

American life is becoming increasingly precarious, with many people struggling to make ends meet on a single income. However, having a partner can provide financial stability and ease the burden of living paycheck-to-paycheck. With a little bit of financial security, individuals can begin to think about the future and take calculated risks.

AN: Are you done driving for Uber?

Although my driving hours have decreased significantly, I still drive on Friday nights to earn extra income. However, I hope to quit driving soon and delete the apps associated with this work.

What has changed in your life since you were driving for Uber more frequently?

The most significant transformation was learning to prioritize self-care and pursue hobbies. I discovered how to paint by watching old episodes of The Joy of Painting on YouTube, and now my apartment is adorned with beautiful landscapes that I created. As a result, I am a healthier, happier individual and a more engaged father to my son. Although there are some scars, they serve as a reminder of my journey and growth.