Originally published in the S.F. Examiner on November 7, 2019.

Winter is coming.

Some days it seems like winter is already here. Especially after a few unprofitable shifts in a row. Especially when those unprofitable shifts are preceded by a string of shifts that were absolutely gangbusters.

That’s the thing about cab driving. You just never know. One week you net a cool grand in three days, and the next, you’re just working for the company.

If you’ve been driving a taxi long enough, you do know those unprofitable shifts are only a small taste of what’s to come. Once winter finally arrives.

Of course, any sensible person would prepare for the inevitable loss in income, but with such unpredictable earning potential, it’s no easy task amassing a nest egg large enough to serve as a buffer during lean times. Because you’re never quite sure which week is the week you should sock away most of your earnings instead of, I don’t know, paying rent…

Read the rest here.

[photo by Douglas O’Connor]

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