Late summer I drove a customer from their new home in Beaufort to the New Bern airport; a 55 minute and sought after fare.

David was clearly British, intelligent and immediately likable; a combination of traits that evaporates time, leaves you more aware and a bit more refined, as if by osmosis.

Less than halfway to the airport and David was keen to exchange phone numbers and asked if he could make arrangements for a ride home upon his return.

I had become his driver.

David needed to travel back and forth to Dallas several times in the Fall, scheduling his trips around his wife’s medical appointments, health, and well-being. She was battling MS.

I drove David a couple more times before a third trip was postponed due to Kittie’s condition. I followed up with him mid-November by text asking how his wife was feeling and whether he had identified a new time for his trip?

My phone rang almost immediately – a call from David …

“Good day, Warren” he began … “You know, there are two types of people you receive texts from: The first type you brace yourself for what you are about to read … and the second type makes you smile.”

“You, Warren … are in the second group!”

“How kind of you to check in on me,” he said. “My lovely wife is improved; thank you. But not to the point I feel comfortable traveling away.” He continued, “I think there will be two trips I would like your help with – the one for me I think I’ll make in early December, and the second is to round up my kids in New Bern for Christmas and bring them from and back to the airport around the Holiday, please.”

We finished our easy conversation, as usual, and David said he would contact me when he knew more.

Today, it happened … A ride that was meant to be …

I was in the Airport Staging Area hoping for a good ride off the 3:30pm flight from Charlotte and then the app notified me of a ‘55 minute ride for Matthew.’ My eldest son’s name is Matthew so there was a brief burst of hope the ride could somehow be for him coming to visit, but staying at the beach somewhere, but when I pulled to the curb I could see there were 3 in the party; two ladies and a man, all in their late 20’s.

I met them with my usual greeting: “Hello folks, my name is Warren. Welcome home, or welcome to New Bern!”

Their response was somewhat muted. “It’s ‘welcome to New Bern’ but we’re here under sad circumstances … Our dad died suddenly … So we’re here to help our mom with arrangements because she has medical difficulties herself.”

I flipped back to the ride to check the destination address and was stunned to see the street address was David’s. I told the kids I had a private client that lived on the same street. Then I searched my contacts for the town of Beaufort … and only a few names came up. The kids saw the name from my contacts faster than I did … “That’s our Dad!”

David xyz …. Beaufort.

My heart sank in my chest. “Oh, no” I said. “I’m truly sorry you guys – I REALLY liked your Dad. He was a personal client and we had discussed me helping his kids when they arrived for Christmas. I guess this is that ride.”

The kids responded in unison … “A ride that was meant to be.”

Ride share drivers might be facing strong headwinds as the country’s inflationary economy transitions to recession and unemployment numbers seems destined to spike.

The Biden administration is nearly out of horn players as it works in vain to paint a miserable economy in the best possible terms.

October’s jobs report heralded the addition of 261,000 jobs, much better than the 193,000 expected by economists but understated was this fact: 60% of the job growth came from the lower paying services sector. That’s a problem called unhealthy job growth.

Lower paying services include retail, travel (including ride-share drivers) and entertainment – mostly because those are consumer-driven industries and consumers tend to be the last to recognize an economic hurricane before landfall.

Historically, whenever the lower paying services sector starts to account for 60% or more of the jobs being created, the labor market starts to sink shortly after. It happened in mid 2000 before labor tumbled in early 2001, it happened in early 2007 and by mid 2007 the once strong labor market was having its roof pulled away.

When the bulk of new jobs are low paying ones, the labor market is at risk of being swept away.

Just look at what is already happening at Amazon, Apple – who have both paused hiring. Twitter is very visibly reducing its workforce by 50%. Lyft just laid off 13% of its workers, and Coca-Cola is offering voluntary buyouts.

I can see further instability in my riders. They can’t afford … or find … a new or used car, so they are spending an hour of pay getting to work via Uber, and another hour of pay getting home; netting them 6 hours of pay … 30 hours net per week – that’s analogous to part time work.

Here’s to hoping we all prepare for the storm, save now … and weather the storm when it hits.

We’re in anything BUT a healthy economy.

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Vote.

Lyft’s partnership with Meals on Wheels has come to an end. So, Monday restarts life as a full time ride share driver without the safety net of 20 paid hours per week for delivering to MOW clients.

I’m nervous.

Napa has led the way reopening restaurants, and then winery tasting rooms, so Friday, Saturday, Sunday ride volume in that area has improved but not fully. Demand during rush hour periods is no where close to normal, so I expect to be hurt some this week.

All told, the Pandemic has left me $2365 poorer versus my normal earnings rate since March 2d … equivalent to the net loss of a month’s pay for 17 weeks SO FAR.

The government’s $1200 stimulus plus 13 weeks of $600 provided $9000 of support, but my earnings shortfall has totaled $11,365 versus normal run rate, so far. It’s been brutal … but now the support has expired and I face testing the economy straight up this week.

Both Lyft and Uber require both drivers and riders to be masked, have a window open, and have no one in the front seat next to me … but everyday someone gets in my car and asks “do you want me to wear a mask?” It’s really hard to believe that’s still a question. And we wonder why results are spiking again across the country.

It’s hard to expect any different result for the USA given the ridiculously inconsistent messaging and worse behavior modeling by the President and those around him. As a result, more people are getting hurt in our country, and our world traveling citizens are beginning to be blocked from traveling around the world.

Maybe, just maybe … as US citizens find themselves ‘persona non grata’ maybe we will wake up.

“The only thing crueler than a cage so small that a bird can’t fly is a cage so large that a bird thinks it can fly.”

Caroline Kepnes, You

When the President signed the CARES Act into law March 27, 2020 independent contractors and others not otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance saw a light of hope dangled before them, labelled “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)” – a new and creatively designed benefit that offered a minimum of $167 a week plus an additional $600 a week from March 29 to July 25, 2020 to those who were unable to work as a result of COVID19, or whose earnings were impacted by the pandemic.

I’ve quantified in previous blogs that my earnings as a ride share driver has been brutalized by COVID19 (https://mycoachman.blog/2020/04/25/ride-share-earnings-in-san-fran-now-50-worse-than-the-first-3-weeks-of-shelter-in-place-order/).

I’ve lost the same amount as the government’s SINGLE $1200 stimulus check EVERY 10 DAYS for TEN WEEKS. It’s been brutal. I drive 11 hours a day, 7 days a week … trying to make ends meet, and trying to support 3 kids in college, but in an environment when everyone is working from home, or not working at all, the ride volume is scarce. Typically, I am now driving 15-20 minutes, unpaid, just to get to the next rider – who is usually an essential local worker or someone going to see a doctor … a 5-10 minute paid ride. The economics are horrible.

The promise that I’d be able to receive $167 minimum plus $600 a week through July 25th is enormously helpful, and would replace 90% of my lost wages for this defined period of time.

Problem is the EDD has done NOTHING to it’s website to accommodate this new benefit stream and claim process. So when you log in to UI Online, the system is quick to determine, in my case, “maximum benefits paid.”

I know that … BUT … there is this new program called PUA. Why doesn’t UI Online then ask “Are you a business owner or independent contractor?” Then, “Has your job or earnings been impacted by COVID19?”

I mean what’s so hard to understand EDD? Or EDD’s new Director Sharon Hilliard? Or Governor Newsom?

So people are left to phone EDD.

What a joke.

I have called 30-50 times a day for 10 weeks … and have gotten through twice!

Once on May 5th and the customer service rep said, the next step is to “put you on the PUA Callback list. You’ll be called in the next 2-3 business days”.

Think I was called? Hell no.

So I begin calling 30-50 times a day again after waiting a week and I finally got through a second time. It was like winning the lottery … until that days rep says “Mr Bishop, I don’t see you on the PUA Callback list!”

I mean, you have to be kidding me.

Then they say, “let me give you the number to call … it’s 866-333-4606 … and you want to EXTEND your benefits, then we can help you with PUA.”

I’m like shaking in hope as I dial … thinking ‘this is my big break, thank you Lord!’ Then the recording comes on …

“This number can NOT be used to extend your claim.”

You have to be kidding me.

I call EDD MORE THAN A THOUSAND TIMES … and get through TWICE. I am lied to once, and given inaccurate information the second time.

That’s cruel.

So now I’m back to calling EDD every day, and sharing this nightmare by tweeting the Governor, EDD, California’s 2 Senators Feinstein and Harris, and my congressman Rep Thompson … and documenting this negligent leadership here.

Ride Confidently.

Peter Frampton once sat on a beach dotted with palm trees, pen and paper in hand, intent to find the lyrics of a new song from within the corners of his mind. As the hours passed, and the sun moved across the sky, the palms stood tall and still, but their shadows stretched across the beach and his paper. That day, it was his power of observation that produced the song … “Baby I Love Your Way” which begins:

“Shadows grow so long before my eyes And they’re moving across the page Suddenly the day turns into night”

COVID19’s shadows are also subtly changing our behaviors – like our frequency and regimen around hand washing, or using gloves or some type of protectant as we interact with pin pads or tablet surfaces in public use. Watch how fast “contactless pay” takes hold through the balance of the year! Americans purchase of hand sanitizer spiked 73% according to Nielson, sales of thermometers have climbed 47%, and aerosol disinfectant purchases rose 32%. Business travel will yield to telework and videoconferencing, and we will certainly buy more of our groceries in bulk, and make more purchases on-line going forward to cut down the frequency of trips to crowded stores. Amazon and Costco, and those like them are going to benefit.

We’re also spending more time as a family, aren’t we? I’ve seen complex puzzles being solved via photos on Facebook and a lot of shots about “what’s for dinner!” This dynamic may be COVID19’s best legacy. We’re connecting more.

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

Ronald Reagan

Let’s hope Ronald Reagan is correct.

“Trust is like an eraser; it gets smaller and smaller after every mistake.”

– Magazinebank.com

Of all the things a customer could say to their ‘coachman’ / driver / delivery person that would convey their trust, confidence and satisfaction in their driver’s dependability, the words … “I knew you would come!” … has got to be pretty high on the list.

The other day, I was fielding Lyft and Uber rides between 5 and 9 am before reporting to Meals on Wheels for my daily 10am-2pm service to 30 of their clients in the Oakland and Hayward areas … when for the first time since California’s Shelter at Home order has been in place, I got a lengthy (and lucrative) ride to Napa.

A Lyft driver doesn’t know where they are going until the rider is in your car, and you begin the trip. So when that big reveal was a 45 minute trip to Napa, I was at once both excited for the fare, but anxious because I knew this trip would now make me late for my time commitment to Meals on Wheels and my regular customers. So once I was en route and had a better feel for how late I’d be, I called the Meals on Wheels office and updated them.

The office was fine that I’d be about 45 minutes late, but that still left the 30 elderly customers I deliver to – who while they are not given set appointment times, come to expect you around the same time each day as a function of route regularity.

I knew they’d be waiting, so I hustled up to Napa and back … and then on the route to make up as much lost time as possible. Lord knows, I needed the exercise! I started off the conversation at each delivery stop with an apology and brief explanation of why I was a little late. Every body was gracious and understanding.

Then I arrived at Leola’s home … who politely allowed me to state my well rehearsed apology and excuse, before calmly and warmly saying; “Warren, I knew you would come.”

Well, knock me over with a feather.

My burden was lifted. Her words at once relieved and redeemed me. She knew she could count on me. She knew I’d get there. She knew I would do my best to overcome obstacles.

What a fine compliment to extend to your regular delivery driver. I thanked Leola and told her how her words calmed and restored me.

It was also a teachable moment for me. The Pandemic we are mutually navigating has so many people seeking to serve others for the greater good. I believe one positive by-product of our situation is the new eyes we are using to see and recognize the many service industry workers putting it on the line each day to make our lives better, and even possible.

Is there an opportunity to convey, “I knew you would come!” to someone serving you? If so, I’m fairly sure it will make their day.

Ride Confidently.

What began as a -40% impact to weekly earnings in the first three weeks of California’s “Shelter in Place” order has now eroded to a -65% weekly earnings impact; a current loss of $825 per week.

The $1200 government stimulus payment was welcome relief, but replaced just over 25% of lost earnings for the first 7 weeks of the pandemic and I’m currently losing $1200 every 10 days! I realize many people have faced more substantial impact … my intent is to quantify the impact of our situation to those working in the ride share industry.

The fact is the ride share platform is a form of ‘Russian Roulette’ for drivers and passengers. We both have no idea who we are riding with or anything about the other person’s health history. Since drivers are transporting a passenger with an essential need to move, they are most often a healthcare worker, home care provider, elderly, or ill. That’s not an insignificant risk drivers are taking to make a difference and make a living.

Both parties are now wearing masks, and I’m working throughout the day to keep the car clean and disinfected. When I have had the rare ride of taking someone to the airport, I’ve been offering them a disinfectant wipe to take with them – to help them ride confidently, even in the air.

Lyft called and asked if I’d be interested in driving for Meals on Wheels for part of my day, to help and stem a portion of lost income. I’m so glad they did. I now deliver meals to 30 people a day who are either elderly or in great need. It’s been heart warming, purposeful, and more exercise than usual. I checked this morning and I’ve lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks! 🙂

I have a 90 year old lady on my route named Melba. The first day I delivered, she was surprised to see someone new, so asked my name. I introduced myself and explained I was a Lyft driver helping out. She’s greeted me enthusiastically by name every day since. Two days ago, I stopped on my way and purchased a white lily to give Melba as a gift. When I arrived, she was laying down in a side room and sore from a slight fall. I gave her the lily and told Melba the lily reminded me of how she made me feel every day; standing a little taller and shining a bit more brightly. Yesterday, that lily was on the middle of her kitchen table, where I usually find her when I arrive. It was clear it lifted her feelings a bit, which felt wonderful to see.

As difficult as this time has been, haven’t we all seen a bit more humanity entering our lives? A lily here, a song there, photos from our windows on Facebook, cities cheering healthcare workers from their windows, and greater connection with our loved ones. We all want the virus to go away, but I suspect we want to keep some of our new outlook and behavior as we move forward. Let’s think some about that.

Ride confidently.

There was a lake next to our neighborhood where I grew up in New Jersey. One of the things we did to pass time in the summer and create a bit of adventure was build a stepping stone path across part of the lake where the water was low. The process was iterative and progressively more difficult as you had to find yet another suitable rock, carry it across the steps you had to that point, without slipping, and then throw it ‘just right’ so that it landed on the flattest side only a couple of feet away so it could be easily reached, and without either losing your balance or getting drenched by the splash. The pay day of fun was enormous when you got to the other side.

There is a lot of similarity today to that construction effort as the country and world work to get to the other side of this pandemic, one stepping stone at a time: social distancing, hand washing, facial masks, respirators, PPE, a vaccine, tests and testing for the virus and antibodies, etc. The work is hard and slow but we’re making progress.

The same thing is happening financially across our homes and businesses. Retooling, adapting, the wait for stimulus checks, etc.

God has been good to me, placing a couple of needed rocks on the path forward.

Lyft called and asked if I’d like to drive delivering for ‘Meals on Wheels’ who is experiencing a tremendous increase in demand. So it looks like I’ll be able to do that 4 hours a day for the next 5 weeks. A stepping stone!

• 

When Meals on Wheels stops, I have a second opportunity lined up to assist with the delayed US Census. Another 7 weeks of work – a stepping stone.

Everyday I see more examples of people helping each other through this crisis. Its so American! We’re going to get across this mess if we keep that up, and keep lifting our eyes up – to the One who loves us all.

Ride confidently.

Ride share volume has continued to be half of normal. I’ve been struck visually this week that Spring has vanished. Riders have disappeared and so to have all the flowers. We’re 3 weeks into Spring and there is hardly color to be found. Mother Nature must have received a ‘Stay at home’ order just like the rest of us.

“Nature is wont to hide herself.” – Heraclitus

I must say, the Bay Area is taking COVID19 seriously. I haven’t had what appeared to be a frivolous ride since this started. What I am seeing is repeat riders. So of the 8 million people in the Bay Area that could hail me as their Lyft or Uber driver in any given week, I find I’m taking Kevin to his dialysis treatments 2-3 times a week, Renetha to her Security job, and Cheri has been a ‘no show’ for her scheduled ride twice this week.

People are also being careful. They’re wearing masks in the car and appreciative of the Hand Sanitizer that Lyft equipped me with. People are taking this seriously and the curve of new hospitalizations in California is showing promise. We have to keep it up!

We’ve still got plenty of race left so let’s settle in to a sustainable pace and see the finish line together.

EVERYONE is waiting on stimulus checks in hopeful anticipation. It’s hard out here and I’m seeing plenty of rocks in the economy’s river now that the water has been damned up. Navigating is getting treacherous – for most people.

Two days ago I had a younger woman in the car who works as a bar tender in the Jack London part of Oakland. She hasn’t been paid since March 8th … so 4 weeks without money. I could see the veins of tension in her eyes and hear it in her voice. As we pulled up to her stop, I grabbed a $20 from my wallet and offered it to her – a clear prompting I wanted to be obedient to. I think she was stunned for a moment, but I explained I had been blessed by a group of life long friends recently, who used Venmo to extend a hand to me financially, which has sustained me during this crisis…and this was a small chance to pay it forward. She accepted as both hesitated to touch our face and wipe the tears away.

We may be in isolation, but we’re never alone. Help your neighbor and if you’ve got to ride;

Ride confidently.