Eye of the Beast: Finally Free from Uber's Standard Mode

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It’s been a wild ride lately, both literally and figuratively. After a rough start, I’m back on the road trying to get into the groove with Uber and Lyft, but Miami’s streets are determined to keep me on my toes. From camera issues to unexpected traffic cones, it feels like I’m heading into the eye of the beast every time I hit the road. At least I’m out of Uber Jail and back to juggling both apps, even though Lyft is throwing its own curveballs my way.

The day started with some technical hiccups, but I powered through, vlogging my rides and sharing my thoughts on everything from tipping etiquette to the absurdity of gated apartment complexes. It’s clear that not all rides are created equal, and some customers just don’t seem to understand that time is money—especially when you’re driving for a living. But hey, that’s all part of the game.

I also took some time to reflect on the changing dynamics of rideshare driving in Miami. School’s back in session, routines are shifting, and the demand is rising. The city is a mess of construction, traffic, and detours, but that just means more opportunities to make those dollars—if I can navigate through the chaos. And with the busy season on the horizon, I’m gearing up for what’s sure to be an intense few months.

As the day turned into night, I found myself dealing with everything from Lyft’s sneaky tactics to the never-ending maze of Miami’s roadwork. It’s frustrating, sure, but I’m learning to roll with the punches. After all, if there’s one thing this job teaches you, it’s resilience. And who knows, maybe I’ll even figure out this multi-app strategy and find that sweet spot where Uber and Lyft play nice together. Until then, I’ll keep grinding, keep vlogging, and keep sharing the ups and downs with all of you.

Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Starting the vlog after a tough day.
0:00:15 - Recalling yesterday's "horror show."
0:00:53 - Reflecting on life and missed opportunities.
0:01:19 - Camera issues and frustrations with autofocus.
0:02:15 - Manual focus vs. autofocus: The struggle continues.
0:03:07 - Yesterday was a bust, but I’m back at it today.
0:04:05 - Editing strategy for vlogs and splitting the day.
0:05:05 - Discussing Uber and Lyft cancellations and strategy.
0:06:07 - Setting a goal to make $100 before 5 PM.
0:07:10 - Importance of scheduling and routine after hip surgery.
0:07:16 - Lyft ride drop-off and the story of a frustrating cancellation.
0:08:07 - Thoughts on tipping and the value of even a dollar.
0:09:10 - Comparison of tipping habits on Uber vs. Lyft.
0:10:04 - Sharing a story about a customer’s lack of respect for time.
0:10:52 - Frustrations with customer expectations and cancellations.
0:11:16 - Another frustrating customer experience.
0:13:00 - Canceling a ride on a disrespectful customer.
0:15:58 - Continuing the day with Uber and Lyft active.
0:17:22 - Dropping off a customer in downtown Miami.
0:19:35 - Discussing the influx of tech companies in Miami.
0:20:53 - Multi-app strategy and learning the ropes with Uber and Lyft.
0:24:13 - The camera is still pulsating: More frustrations.
0:27:27 - Miami’s relentless construction and traffic chaos.
0:28:21 - Reflecting on financial priorities and the struggle with camera equipment.
0:33:05 - Balancing talk radio and customer preferences.
0:34:40 - Uber’s inconsistent ride offers during a surge.
0:35:07 - Lyft’s reliability vs. Uber’s unpredictability.
0:37:05 - Concerns about deactivation and the importance of multi-app strategy.
0:40:00 - Navigating the challenges of multi-app driving.
0:41:00 - The reality of Miami’s roadwork and endless detours.
0:47:19 - Reflecting on the seasonality of rideshare demand.
0:52:00 - Dropping off passengers in South Beach and dealing with traffic.
0:55:36 - Traffic nightmares and the frustrations of driving in Miami Beach.
1:03:02 - Ending the vlog with reflections on the day and the struggle to stay positive.