So I've quit my job in the advertising industry. "But why?" I hear you ask. "Wasn't it just so exciting being part of such a great undertaking as delivering catalogues? Wasn't it so fulfilling, bringing joy - or at least catalogues - into the hearts of so many people? Wasn't it good exercise?"
Well that last bit I guess, yeah.
To be honest, I actually quite enjoyed walking around suburban streets. It was nice - pleasant, even. Especially when I changed my region to one that was more shady and less uphill. What wasn't nice was the four hours of folding and collating that I had to do beforehand. And lugging the bag about wasn't that great either.
Also, I had a bit of an ideological problem with the whole idea. It wasn't just the massive waste of paper, though that was a big part of it. I received many more catalogues than there were houses without "No Junk Mail" labels, and all of those had to be returned for disposal. No, it's the fact that advertising as an industry is on the way out - or at least, undergoing a massive change. I don't think manual delivery of catalogues to anyone who doesn't actively opt out is sustainable in the long term, and I think it's going to take quite a while for the advertising industry to realise that.
Anyway, they say you should never leave a job without another one being lined up. Well, I didn't do that when I lost my job early last year. I have also been singularly unsuccessful at finding another job - I was once knocked back for a job as a shelf packer at a supermarket, which did wonders for my confidence and self-esteem. But I have finally got myself into another job.
I am a driver partner with Uber. If you don't stop me I will refer to myself as an Uberista.
Even this has been quite a struggle. I decided to apply to be a driver late last year when an organisation called Splend offered to give me a car. Well, not give. Rent, really. They would take a certain amount of rental out of my Uber earnings and in return they would pay for all insurance and maintenance on the vehicle.
Then there was the police check which happened at an unfortunate time - the Christmas period meant that it took a few weeks longer than it otherwise would have. Then Splend told me that the only vehicles that they had available were fully electric Nissan Leafs, which are not practical for me for a number of reasons.
In the end I was able to actually buy a new car. Thanks Dad. No seriously, my dad gave me money for a new car. It's the first new new car I've ever owned. It's a 2016 Honda Jazz VTi-L, and it's really nice. Like, really nice. Like, leather seats and keyless entry nice. With this, I was able to activate my Uber driver profile. It took a few days, but it's done. I will start taking fares tomorrow morning, since tonight I had to finish the last of my catalogue deliveries.
I don't have to pay rent or pay off a loan, but on the other hand I do have to pay for all maintenance, registration and insurance, because it's my car. Also, I get to pro rata any expenses as a tax deduction, since I will be using it privately as well as for business.
No, I do not intend or expect to be doing this for the rest of my life. But I really do like driving (especially in this new car) and the idea of getting paid for driving appeals to me a lot. I am still studying, and with any luck that will net me a higher-paying job in a year or so.
But until then, Uber ON!
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