This post is sponsored by Uber. #WhereTo

In the 21st century, we are privileged to have so many options to create a career from, especially something that exist in digital formats, like blogs. It seems like everyone is an entrepreneur (long live the American Dream!) and with services like Uber, it helps young, aspiring individuals sustain their needs as they pursue their goals.

If you’re not familiar with Uber, it is a ride request app. If you need to go somewhere, all you have to do is open up the app and request for a ride. It’s available in over 80+ countries and 500+ cities around the world. The wait is fast, and the ride is affordable. Also, it’s exceptionally safe as Uber’s top priorities is safety and quality. In our experience, our Uber drivers have always felt like long lost friends whom we love to support and luckily the new tip feature can be done through the app without any exchange necessary, just good vibes!

From all of our multiple trips with Uber drivers from different cities, we met some awesome drivers along the way. One thing we realized what we have in common is being able to be your own boss – work at any time of the day and taking as many days off as we want! While we share something in common, every driver has a different backstory and reason why they became an Uber driver.

With that said, we got a chance to meet and interview one of the top Uber drivers on Oahu, Jennifer Reed. She shared with us as of why she started driving with Uber, what it’s like being self-employed and driving with Uber, and the great benefits. She even mentioned that as one of the top Uber drivers on Oahu, Uber flew out her kids to Hawaii from another state! Having great service to others will be rewarded and Uber went above and beyond for her and her family!

Meet Jennifer Reed – Oahu’s Top Uber Driver

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I wanted to be a princess. Totally kidding! I really wanted to be a nurse, that was my ultimate goal. When I was young, I always wanted to help people and do things for others.”

2. Why did you start driving with Uber?

“When my husband got orders to come to Hawaii, the job that I was in wouldn’t transfer me. So when we got here, I had no job and no idea what I was going to do. While we were in the hotel, I saw someone post on Facebook that Uber was looking for drivers. At the time, I was homeschooling both of my kids so I looked into it and it was the only job that was completely open to my schedule. I can work and still be able to be a full-time mom without taking away from my kids and their education.”

3. Do you do anything outside of Uber? If so, what’s your favorite thing about it?

“I do not have anything else outside of Uber. But my favorite thing about Uber is that I am able to meet people from all over the world. All day, every day, it’s never the same. It’s always interesting, exciting, and I really have fun with it.”

4. Apart from the earnings, what are the other benefits or rewards for Uber partners that you find most compelling?

“I use the fuel card! It’s a good thing to have if you really need it at the moment. If you’re short on cash and need to get gas, you can use the fuel card.”

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6. What were the biggest challenges you faced on your first few trips? Anything surprising or unexpected (good or bad)?

“Navigating. I knew nothing about the island when I started driving. We were living in the hotel for 43 days with no car, then we moved into our house and two weeks later, I started driving with Uber. I had to learn the one-way streets, and the Uber app is very clear with directions.

Also, if there are any problems with passengers or if they leave anything in your car that needs cleaning, Uber will help resolve the situation right away after it’s been reported.”

7. What advice would you give to another driver about getting started? Tips on taking their first trip?

“Stay calm, be relaxed and don’t stress. It’s not as bad as it seems. The passengers aren’t scary and they’re not out to hurt you. They just want to get from point A to point B with a happy and safe driver.”

8. How long did it take you to complete the on-boarding process, what would have made it quicker or easier?

“It took a few weeks but it was really easy. I signed up online, sent in all of the documentation, waited for my background check and driving record. It was easy peasy and took about 3 weeks total for Uber to get me on the road and ready to drive.”

9. What do you plan to do with the money you earned from driving with Uber?

“Bills, pay off debt, plan trips!”

10. What was it like interacting with riders at first? What is your approach to rider/driver interaction?

“At first I was nervous but quickly realized that making conversation is pretty easy. Sometimes passengers don’t want to chit-chat. But a simple Hi, How are you today? Starts pretty amazing chats.”