College graduates often struggle to start their careers. A lot of employers want to hire people who have more than just a recent degree. This can leave graduates strapped for cash and uncertain of how they will start their adult lives.
Instead of moving in with your parents or getting a minimum wage job, consider the benefits of driving with Uber. Here are three reasons Uber is a good fit for recent grads.
A Flexible Schedule Lets You Hunt for a Job
Image via Flickr by COD Newsroom
Starting a career takes time. Most graduates can expect to spend several months looking for jobs in their chosen professions. That’s a long time for a young person with over $28,000 in student loan debt.
There isn’t much that you can do to speed up the process. Driving with Uber, however, gives you a flexible schedule so you can concentrate on sending out resumes, networking, and exploring opportunities. Most drivers only work about 15 hours a week. Some weeks you may put in more time, while you spend other weeks focusing on your job hunt.
This level of freedom can also help you find a job that you really want. When you don’t have as much financial pressure, you can be a little choosier about the job you accept.
Make More Money
The average person driving with Uber makes more money than people who drive other types of vehicles. A driver can expect to make about $19 per hour while driving with Uber. Taxi drivers only make an average of $10.97 per hour. Even heavy truck drivers only average $18.37 per hour.
One thing is certain: you will make a lot more money driving with Uber than taking that unpaid internship!
If you want to spend less time making the money you need to pay your bills while you hunt for a job in your chosen profession, then Uber is the obvious choice.
It’s Relatively Easy to Drive with Uber
Driving with Uber doesn’t take a lengthy interview process that might not even lead to a paying job. Compared to most jobs that you can get right out of college, Uber has relatively easy requirements.
These requirements can vary from city to city, but generally you should have:
- A clean driving record and criminal history
- Up-to-date insurance and registration
- A four-door car that’s from 2000 or later (some cities require 2006 or later)
- An in-state license
You also need to be at least 21 years old. If you are thinking about becoming a driver, chances are that you already have these things.
If you want to drive with UberBLACK or UberSUV, you will need to meet stricter standards that include a commercial driver’s license and commercial insurance. Drivers in these categories tend to earn more money, though.
Graduating from college doesn’t mean that you need to immediately get a full-time job. Making money with Uber will help you take your time so you can find a position that will put you on a solid career path.