I'm delivering for Uber Eats after decades in corporate marketing. It's helped me make money — and stay humble.
Throughout my professional journey, I've predominantly been immersed in the corporate landscape of America, focusing on digital marketing.
My career reached a significant pinnacle during my eight-year tenure at MasterCard. There, I climbed the corporate ladder to become the vice president in charge of global social media. Additionally, I had a stint at IBM. In more recent times, I've taken on roles as a marketing consultant and an adjunct professor. However, these endeavors haven't been sufficient to meet my financial needs. At present, I'm actively seeking funds to establish my own business.
The concept of engaging in gig work was initially suggested by my therapist. She believed that experiencing the daily lives of others would be beneficial for me.
For several months, I resisted this idea. After all, I'm a Columbia University graduate with a master's degree. When I discussed it with my loved ones, they echoed similar sentiments, saying, "You shouldn't have to stoop to this level."
Nevertheless, in October, I took the plunge and delivered my first Uber Eats order.
In the gig economy, putting in extra effort doesn't always pay off. Early on, I felt like I was invisible to most people. For instance, once I had to pick up a cake for a customer. It turned out the bakery didn't have the exact cake requested, so I spent 20 minutes on the phone with the customer, coordinating with the bakery to find a suitable alternative. When I finally delivered the cake, the customer greeted me with a blank expression—no words of gratitude, no additional tip, nothing. In my previous jobs, going the extra mile usually led to some form of recognition. But in delivery work, such appreciation has been rare.
Then it dawned on me that these delivery companies charge exorbitant fees for their services. It shouldn't fall solely on the customer to provide a tip.
Moreover, I often feel like I have little say in which orders I accept. There are times when picking up or dropping off in the Bronx isn't feasible for me, and I generally avoid taking McDonald's orders.
I've also done deliveries for Uber Courier, which involves transporting items between regular individuals. Once, it was a backpack; another time, it was a charger. It's a truly valuable service, and I wish Uber would focus more on these types of deliveries.
Uber Eats helps me make ends meet, but I lack a sense of control. The money I earn from Uber, often a few hundred dollars a week, ensures that my kids can enjoy a great weekend, like dining out.
Overall, working for Uber Eats has been a humbling experience. I don't consider myself superior to other delivery workers. I strive to smile and be a positive presence in someone else's day. I also enjoy the adventure, getting to explore new restaurants and neighborhoods I wouldn't otherwise visit.
It's challenging to gauge how common my experience is among those who turn to gig work to pay the bills while still pursuing professional goals. The unemployment statistics don't account for people like me who engage in gig work. I never anticipated facing such financial struggles, and it seems that many of my friends are in similar situations.
I don't attribute my current employment situation to my own actions. Whether it's working for Uber Eats or teaching as an adjunct professor, it's all part of a larger system over which I have no influence.