Extra Job – THE CEO DRIVEHER

DECLUTTER YOUR DOLLARS

DECLUTTER YOUR DOLLARS to be inflation and weather the financial storm that will take so many by surprise in the worst way.

Costs continue to skyrocket, inflation nowhere near peaking and already at a 40 year high (from the President Regan years), food & energy getting out of control, it’s time to DECLUTTER YOUR DOLLARS (new ebook coming out this week by CEO DRIVEHER). 🏦💵🕵️‍♀️👩🏾‍💻 The average American 🇺🇸 family has already seen a cost 💲 of living increase of $300 – $500 a month. I want to help you in more creative ways place a financial hedge of protection to offset rising costing. Some things we have no control over and will just have to fork over the dough, but if we creatively drop costs in other areas we won’t feel it as much. Here are some of the strategies, suggestions, and ideas 💡 to implement to minimize costs that make a massive difference!

1. Create milk routes! What do I mean by that? Maximize your time and energy by planning/scheduling shopping, errands, appointments, etc. We fail to realize how much time, fuel, and energy is expended from not planning our days. Take for instance you can plan to do all these things once a week on the same day! I’d suggest when doing this you start at the earliest time so you’re not fighting with traffic. Also set up a roadmap/list of all the stops and hit them up in a uniform manner so you’re not overlapping. I use to do this when I was an Uber driver and it works!

2. Cancel subscriptions that are of no value! If you never use them, ditch them. Learn to live without certain things. I don’t care 🤷🏾‍♀️ if it’s for $2 dollars if it fails to serve you ditch it.

3. Start a change jar placing all change in a 5-gallon water jug. Yo, trust me this works! You’ll be surprised what a full $ 5-gallon jug can save up. I had a friend that had $7,000+ in one of those and she used it as a down payment for a truck. She was a waitress in iHop and from tips always had changed.

4. Do laundry only 2x a month! Why? I’ve noticed people will wash 3 pieces of clothes use up a bunch of energy, soap powder, and water for a few pieces of clothes. You want to maximize your loads (not overstuffing), but get drear use of components. Y’all water, energy, and detergent are EXPENSIVE! Learn to reserve.

5. Cook at home with quality foods especially if you have children. People really sleep on this because they think paying less for food and eating processed low-quality food is better serving when in fact it’s not. Actually, it’ll cost you more eating CHEAP! Processed foods are filled with fillers that leave you satisfied for a minute, but due to being stripped of things like fiber you’re quickly hungry again. This is why kids eat so damn much. Cheap food goes right through them. Have a high fiber-based diet and fatty proteins to keep a longer-lasting sense of fullness.

6. Get an air fryer and large crockpot! Yo, you’ll barely use your stove or over which preserves fuel/energy costs. Plus you get the best damn food ever! My air fryer does the most it’s even a dehydrator. Next on my list is a bread maker and high-power mixer.

7. Get some weather stripping and insulate your doors, windows, etc. duh 🙄. Y’all with energy costs going up this should be a no-brainer! For less than a hundred bucks you can do this for your home 🏡 or apartment. These things actually work too good. If you have some old ones simply replace them.

8. By dry goods in bulk directly from the manufacturer or believe it or not Amazon. Learn to pay attention to the oz. and pounds on a box of food. It takes a little math, but due to “shrinkflation” grocery stores are making hand over fist and I get it, but if you have certain products you love, buy in bulk elsewhere. (And not always Costco 😒.)

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

I’ll have dozens more option in my upcoming ebook, but here’s a great start! One of my favorite economist is now shouting to the mountain tops on the incoming hyper-inflation. This is what we most definitely do not want, it could literally destroy America (which is the elites plan, to financially collapse our dollar so that we go to a global dollar, one world currency). Of all classes the middle-class will be the worse affected. The middle-class makes up the larger majority of our society as well pays the MOST in taxes. Remember inflation is a form of a tax. They seek to tax the hell out of us to keep us enslaved and co-dependent on big government. I strongly encourage you all to get in front of this, and a major way is by implementing a means to declutter your dollars, cut costs, and think of purchasing power on a macro-level.

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gaining time currency, A GIG WORKERS DAY OF SUCCESS

I am really big on those in the gig space that have an extremely flexible schedule to not abuse their flexibility. The human body craves structure and disciple. If you fail to train it, it will rule over you. Whelp, I fell off to some degree with my scheduling. Day after day though I have plenty of time to spare to the things I it still felt wasted. I soon recognized the common denominator was the times I was getting my day started.

How you start your day is one thing, but when you start your day is another! I know this to be true without a shadow of a doubt. I don’t care what anyone says, but starting your day early (considerably 5am – 8am) is simply magical. I easily am able to triple my workload and have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, smashing goals from left to right! Also tend to make the most money on those days in the weirdest way, it is as if you’re being rewarded for simply planning and doing with an organized construct.

Getting up early feels like a cheat code of sorts, as if you’ve got a head start on the world or something. The beauty of starting your day early is you can set the rules as you like and work it how you like. I personally like to start by lounging a little and moving slow, you don’t want to over stimulate your mind and body too quick when readjusting to the early morning schedule. I love to make a list of “things to do”, I suggest your list have anywhere from 15 – 25 things outlined that must be done that day. Place the most simplest tasks on that list and don’t worry about how perfect or in order the tasks must be (you can do these tasks randomly, but smash a bunch while early). I am all over the place with my list and put the most random things on it. Some of the tasks are menial while wedging in some larger ones. Here ‘s an example of that list:

Wash 1 load of clothes.
Hang up and fold all laundry.
Write 2-3 chapters in new upcoming ebook.
Send out coupons to email list.
Upload on vlog to Youtube.
Commit to at least 20 gig jobs today on the various platforms.
Hang up new pics in home office.
Walk at least 1 mile today.
Order ink off Amazon.
Don’t forget to journal.
Meditate for 30 mins (split the meditations into 2 session of 15 min.).
Be sure to send email to x, y, and z!
Draft new contract for clients.
Get oil change.
Call Uber in regards to a payment dispute.
Weave in 1 to 2 new types of gig apps.

I think you get the point. You can weave whatever into your daily list equation. the reason I say to create a high volume on your list is because even if you only get 1/2 of those things done, mentally when you check those items off, you will feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. You will also be able to see how to set obtainable goals daily, you will see if you’re an overachiever or just not doing enough. This will help you to calibrate yourself and self-manage on a daily basis!

Now, I use to do this same thing when I would wake up later and already feel defeated because so much of my day had been consumed with sleep. Getting up at 10am to 11am does not compare to the effective time currency you gain from waking up just a few hours earlier.

If you notice I primarily listed regular daily responsibilities, this was done because when home and regular life stuff is taken care of we can be more effective on the the gig platforms, working with less stress and anxiety. How often have you been bogged down in your head while working gigs thinking about things you must do at home. Or worst thinking of what to do and not forget to do while on the platforms? To keep this from happening when you make your list over your favorite cup of coffee of tea be sure to take a screenshot of the task and put it in your phone and reflect over it throughout your day.

So let us all win back our time not just on the platforms and left to feeling rushed to make a dollar, but by being responsible and training the body to work off the natural God given timeframe we ought to stay working within. Waking up earlier with our type of flexible schedules reduces our stress tremendously, we only get one mind one body, take care of it holistically my fellow gig workers.

WILL GIG JOBS FORCE VACCINATIONS ON GIG WORKERS?

To take the jab, or not take the jab. The latest trend on both sides I must add are shaming those that have or have not taken the vaccination. I will try to refrain from injecting my social political ideologies from this discussion, (“try” highly emphasized) and not be subjective on the matter, so my apologies in advance if I’m not able to.

Right now the trendy thing is to flash your vaccination card on social media or curled arm with kiddy sticker saying I got my shot. This is terrifying! Your medical records should always be kept private unless you really seek to bring awareness to a matter. With all the health discriminations from insurance companies, and jobs why on earth would you publicly speak on anything; as it relates to your health that can later be used against you? (rhetorical question)

Remember, these are still classified as “experimental drugs” that are NOT, FDA approved nor are any of the pharmaceutical companies held responsible / liable for any adverse affects of the drug. Many of the providers have been liable in pass time for unethical practices and issuance of drugs. Have you seen the late night commercials asking if you’ve been diagnosed with an illness or side-effect from a drug / vaccine between the years of 19XX – 20XX? Well, you get my point.

With all that being stated, can and how will this effect our once somewhat protected private medical files? As an independent contractor, gig worker, freelancer, can you see how this degree of possible superimposed measure can lead to other infiltrations that can lead to discrimination? Are you in a financial position that if adverse effects occur you are medically covered or can take the time off needed to recoup? Will we have any financial help for any long-term effects? Most gig workers and freelancers I know do not even have medical insurance.

Who will protect us, and our rights? Right now, absolutely no one! You and only you is your first line of defense in this area. When it comes to gig platforms like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, TaskRabbit, Grubhub, etc. it will be interesting how this all plays out. Can they afford to force a huge part of their bottomline to be vaccinated (us the partners)? As independent partners can they in fact impose this being we are not traditional employees? What about ride-share drivers? If they are forced to take the jab would that not be a requirement of all parties that enter our vehicles? Can we impose that need too?

This is the slippery slop; I can clearly see in not only the gig economy but in all businesses of sorts. But, this is the biggest question; how and if this measure of action is infringing on our constitutional rights as American citizens? We all should have the choice, and each ones choice should be respected and honored! If forced to do this, do we have legal standing in the courts to holding these businesses liable for any affects?

FREEING YOURSELF OF THE GUILT OF MAKING MONEY IN THE MIDST OF CIVIL UNREST

BUSINESS GUILT IS A REAL THING

On today’s blog bleep I want to focus on something I have been dealing with internally as it relates to my business, while the world seems to be collapsing all around us. It is June 1st 2020 and without a shadow of doubt I seen this year to not only be my most profitable yet, but life changing. I see super-natural growth and expansion of my businesses and life like never before; but to look outside my door, chaos, death, and mayhem ensues.

At first a part of me wanted to scale things back and move cautiously, but something is whispering, do more, go harder, cause money never stops from moving. In this daily blog bleep, I want to encourage those that may feel confused and unsure, I need you to understand the world’s actions will not stop your flow, and there’s much to gain in this season of civil unrest. Your greatest challenge will be to move past your emotions, be firm on your goals, put on your blinders, and mind your own affairs. The world will work itself out.

Once I got the revelation of those that will make bank regardless if the world thrives or burn to ground I made the decision to do more in business, to structure my business, to conserve monies earned in my business, and move with a deeper sense of intentionality and purpose. At some point the rioting will stop, resources will dry up in certain sectors, they’ll be nothing left to destroy. Humanity can only take but so much of the destruction that is sweeping across this nation. So while others worry and fear, while people fight in the streets, we must not give into the chaos and mind our business. It may seem cold hearted, it may come off as too casual of a state of mind, but I strongly suggest that for your sanity you keep yourself busy with building your business. Be creative, be driven, do not be moved by this. Pray for the best, send out good vibrations, and remember when this all resolves you do not want to be among the mentally and spiritually paralyzed individuals. This will require willpower like nothing before.

So remember, money does not stop flowing, money does not disappear it simply flows in a new direction. Will money flow your way? Only you can determine that. Double down on the biz!

As a deep feeler and someone that wants to do her part in society these external factors have a great affect on my spirit, it hurts seeing others hurt and me feeling overwhelmingly obligated to help. I had to simply accept this is not my battle, I will help and do my part when the time comes. I will contribute to society by being someone that creates jobs, build up those that need help, and stimulate our American economy. I do not need a sign, I do not need to protest, I do not need to post every opinion I have, I only need to be productive and focused.

Do not feel guilty for earning a dollar, run that ad campaign, keep selling your products, do a flash sale, keep posting about your business, for my gig workers; get out there, be safe, venture out into safer territories, double down on getting them dollars. I dare to say we face the ability to make more money than ever in these times. I cannot fully explain it, but something in screaming on the inside earning potential will be extremely high for those that work and build businesses!

Be safe and with much love I pray you all nothing but abundance and success!

GIG RIGGED THE NEW PROFITABLE NORM IF DONE RIGHT

I will keep saying this and shouting it to the top of my lungs, but we’re living in the best of times as independent contractors, self-employed, giggers, side-hustlers, small business owners, etc. It is as if this time was created specifically for us all and though this time of opportunity is abundant it does come at a cost and readjustments.

For well over a year or two I have been speaking of the importance of gig workers establishing LLC’s. of their own and building a “gig business” of their own. I foreseen the need of the gig economy growing immensely. Some times thinking my calculations may be wrong I always ended up back to the the reality that the gig economy is here to stay and will be the new norm! Now, with Covid-19 my predictions reigns even more true!

So what is the cost of all this? The cost is moreso of an internal one causing for a mental shift and acceptance of this type of work life. As a gig strategist and gig coach the biggest thing that get in the way of most giggers is their need for immediate gratifications and lack of creativity on the platforms. They don’t see all the various aspects of the gig economy that can make them even more profitable, the great thing about this is many of them are exiting the gig economy in droves! This great exodus will become another profitable factor for those of us that do see the massive opportunities within this sector of work. We will begin to see a massive infusion of the professional turned gigger!

In many of my other writings I spoke of mainstream traditional employers embracing the template of the gig economy here’s how/why:

Contracting / Outsourcing employees (in high demand).
Less financial risk with contracted employees.
On-boarding process is quicker.
Doesn’t have to provide traditional incentives for employment.
Serves as a trial run for potential hiring on employees full-time.

Why many contractors are taking advantage of the gig economy:

Flexibility! This is a major one,
Less commitment.
Earn more upfront and use the money to pay into outlets of their choice i.e. retirement, assets, healthcare, etc.
Many can work from home or remotely in the field.
Less demand from authorities and oversight.
Work freely.

The gig economy is not to be limited to delivery services of food and goods, nor limited to rideshare. The gig economy is made up of software engineers, truckers, administratives, virtual assistants, bookkeepers, etc. Covid season has proven this. With the majority of employees working remotely from home this proves to be true. So with this being the case why wouldn’t a business or corporation take this opportunity to minimize costs such as overhead, pay employees more, but as independent contractors? Is this possible? I think it is and know it is! Though with traditional employees still wanting employers to offer great health care options, 401k, and retirement types, that incentive is dying out massively; and employees are preferring their money upfront with the choice of purchasing their own options.

There will be a learning curve and many adjustments as this progress, but I believe if one educates themselves on these options and embrace the gig economy right, they can become highly profitable and more in control of their lives and earnings. The gig economy has a sexiness about it that can catapult you into abundance or serve as a great destruction. What is key is discipline, money management, and creating safe holdings of finances for unexpected issues.

side gigs the new permanent employer

“THE GIG LIFE IS REAL LIFE MONEY”

The gig economy has gotten the recognition and promotion it so desperately needed, it wasn’t a matter of when but how it would come about. So many ups and downs, lawsuits, and confusing legislations “giggers” were left in limbo until this covid-19 season awaken the lack of identity and purpose in the gig world. One minute you’re classified as just some Uber driven, next you’re an essential worker! What, well how I see it we’ve always been essential, no we do not have a fancy title, no we’re not like our awesome military and law enforcement officers guarding our communities, no we’re not like the nurses working endless days under stressed filled hospitals, but we are serving in an odd capacity that awards some appreciation.

Now, I am no way trying to glorify and gas up us as rideshare drivers, delivery persons, and freelanced digital nomads, by no means, but more-so wanting to highlight how the gig economy worker contributes to society in an unprecedented way. The state of gig work is woven now into our lexicon or way of life; it’s a real thing a real task, so real that well over 57 million individuals partake in the gig economy on some level in the United States, that’s massive, that is over 1/3 of our current workforce. We now see the importance of a virtual workforce, a workforce I seen long ago emerging out of the shadows. With this unfortunate event employers are going to jump on this opportunity to taking their business virtual in every capacity we will see a digitalized brick and mortar and they’re justified to do so.

Now, why do I say side gigs are the new permanent employer I tell you why, because if you do not mind the risk, the ability to manage yourself as a gigger, and be open to temporary assignments then your’ ability to virtually be employed be-it for yourself as an independent contractor or employee, it will be endless. With this said, I warn of those within the gig economy getting to comfortable with 1 or 2 gigs, my philosophy is to incorporate and build a rapport with as many as possible (gig platforms that is). You do not want to get trapped as the employee, spread yourself thin and diversify outside of rideshare and deliveries as gigs.

More employers are seeing the added benefit cost wise in outsourcing various tasks that once would require staff, even teams of staff. A virtual assistant, virtual bookkeeper, software engineer that can remotely handle IT issues is a sure win! Less cost in overhead and expenses, mind you often not having to pay into various payroll taxes and incentives. Both sides has its losses, but for many it’s a win win!

There’s nothing really knew about the gig economy, it has been around for decades, but what it new is how its viewed and what exactly it entells. People like myself see endless opportunities and possibilities within it. From Lyft drivers to Doordash delivery person, to virtual handymen, to online medical services the gig economy takes the win for years to come!

The photos you see are from my ebook written earlier this year titled GIG ALERT, whereas I dive in deep on the various aspects of the gig economy and especially a chapter dedicated to businesses to see its ability to maximize its earnings as well as savings by incorporating the gig business model. For purchase be sure to visit my website at https://www.ceodriveher.shop click on the ebooks tab and purchase among many of my other reads.

HIDDEN WEALTH IN THE GIG ECONOMY IN COVID-19 SEASON

The gig economy is in a great place of opportunity for both platforms and independent contractors.

I want to be the first of those within the gig world to declare that we all are on the brink of the greatest transference of wealth like never before! Unfortunately many giggers, independent contractors, freelancers, and those self-employed will fail to take advantage of all the assistance, loans, grants, and opportunities made available by our current administration.

I have been warring internally as a gigger and entrepreneur, I’ve continued to work within the gig economy focusing primarily on deliveries for Ubereats, DoorDash, and Roadie with far and few rideshare opportunities. I found myself doubling down in this “Covid-19” economy and though it’s been sort of a sharp shift I am earning maybe just 20% less working the same amount of hours in not less as well, but nowhere near as hard. I’ve taken this opportunity to learn different strategies, studying the market, seeing how deliveries are thriving, and how patrons in this downtime are still spending lots of money. Our cities are ghost towns but the virtual online world is booming with business!

As a gig strategist this time of work is providing me with great data and an inside look into the human condition through my work in the gig economy. My finds are amazing and I will later in the future share those findings with you.

But back to my internal war, on one end I struggled with should I allow myself to be susceptible to this climate of uncertainty, I definitely don’t have personal health insurance and the last thing I need to be is sick. As a freelancer, self-employed, gigger, etc. we aren’t allowed sick days, hell we barely take off any days from work, so am I being negligent? On the other hand I have a strong work ethic, and fear comfortability, I seen the possibility of serving within this time and what it may bring about in the future, and that future in my opinion is bright!

As I scroll through online posts and videos I see so many bragging about the “free money” they’re opting in to receive. People are actually excited about the $1200.00 stimulus check and the unemployment insurance. I do believe many people need both of these and should take total advantage of this provision, but as for us giggers, self-employed, entrepreneurs, etc. I dare to second this amenity. I am the owner of numerous businesses as well as work various other gigs that are app based, the last thing I want or need to do is collect unemployment. The unemployment wage is peanuts compared to the SBA grant which is provided on http://www.sba.gov under the disaster relief tab. They are offering a forgivable upfront $10,000.00 grant advance that doesn’t need to be paid for regardless if your loan is approved or not! Now I am not a mathematician, but I easily crunched the numbers in my head and clearly seen the win factor in selecting this over unemployment.

Yes, this is a bold assumption and I totally understand the uncertainty in this current state of affairs, but what do you have to lose that you already haven’t. Most Americans cannot afford to go a week without a paycheck being we live paycheck to paycheck in addition less than that have $1000 or even $300 in a savings account, but if you’ve noticed people are not in the streets starving, there isn’t any rioting, and I’ve not heard of anyone being evicted. We all are managing somehow which is actually quite odd considering the majority of Americans are not working or earnings are significantly lower.

I believe it is because of the guaranteed provisions in place to protect most Americans. Now I’ve heard of some municipalities violating federal and state orders to not shut off utilities, etc. but those stories are far and few. Right now cellphone companies have deferred payment of bills out anywhere from 60 – 90 days, all you have to do is call and ask. Utility companies are ordered to not disconnect essentials such as water, gas, and electric. Cable companies are deferring payments as well. Landlords of both commercial and residential properties are ordered to not pursue any evictions for if I’m not mistaken 60 – 90 days; in addition there are provisions for them for earnings lost due to not meeting their business costs too. So in short the buck has been passed and the majority of cash flow is on pause. With the being said what an awesome opportunity to invest in yourself, your business, your future to ensure you’re never in a situation whereas you do not have access to capital. I believe that time is now upon us and with all the available grants, loans (at low interest), deferment of student loans, and debt. forgiveness please take advantage of this! Also right now online courses, business kits, and resources are extremely cheap. Online sellers are itching to move product and selling things at awesome bargain prices, prices that I don’t think we’ll see again for a long time. You can actually purchase your blog website through WordPress for $1. I myself have invested in 4 kits/business courses to help me in this downtime to reshape, restructure my businesses and mindset. Some of the riches things of value come in the form of information and tools, especially as a business owner!

So giggers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, contractors, self-employed etc. seize this moment of hidden wealth, double down on the opportunity of “club quarantine” and maximize your earnings by acquiring knowledge and investing in your business(es). We literally have a break from most bills and have the opportunity to still make money. Don’t allow the immediate gratification of sitting at home to just collect an unemployment check fool you to thinking you’re fulfilled and getting over. I assure you if you do so you’ll later regret your actions. Take advantage of the unemployment if you must, but remember it’s for those that need it not those seeking to abuse the systems or get a break from work. For us blessed with able bodies and employment keep doing so until the well dries up, unemployment is available until the end of 2020 so you have plenty of time to determine if its actually needed.

For my coaching, consultations, or any of my other services please visit my website at http://www.ceodriveher.shop and I’d love to help you in learning how to fund your dreams.

YOU MUST BE YOUR OWN PRIORITY: PROTECT YOURSELF WOMEN DRIVERS OF UBER & LYFT

I am not going to hold back on this, I don’t care about your views on guns and non-violence, I don’t care that you think it is the job of the employer to protect you against predators; what I care about is you always being prepared for the worse case scenario in any event whether at work or not. Understand that bad things happen, there are evil doers in this world, and these evil beings are opportunists. What you are to do is minimize the opportunities for these bastards to victimize you. You want to make them think twice about trying you!

At the end of the day ladies you want to be the one going home. The rideshare gig in my opinion is not for fair hearted weaklings, you gotta have some balls to be willing to use your personal vehicle (POV), pick-up strangers in sometimes the most conspicuous places, drive them to an unknown location however far away at all times of the day. If you are reading/watching this to consider doing rideshare and you’re easily fearful this may not be the gig for you and that is alright, but for those of us that are using these various gig type jobs as leverage to building our brands and companies to fund our dreams I encourage you to watch my vlog. My YouTube channel is CEO DRIVEHER, and continue reading this blog.

Now, here is my disclaimer please read all rideshare and gig job rules and requirements and abide by them on all platforms you use, but also learn and know your city and state’s laws that justify actions taken by you if ever in a position you must protect yourself. I am not suggesting violating any of these platforms rules but there are some gray areas you can use to your advantage. I have a law enforcement background of almost 15 years, I am certified through the state of Georgia in a number of areas and having hundreds of hours of training in self-defense, criminal studies, firearms, etc. I started out driving primarily working late nights sometimes till 4am which are seemingly high risk hours picking up and dropping off in some “risky / questionable” areas. My fear factor is not high and I believe I’ve minimized the chances of me being victimized is due to my background and being able to do some of the things I am about to share. But let us first discuss what you are not to do under any circumstance:

Don’t go Rogue: never do cash rides never never never do it, at least the app serves as some form of accountability. If a rider suggest you taking cash instead of using the app be prepared to deal with the consequences.
Don’t give Personal data: unless you are certain that the connect is legit and you can vet the person, just don’t do it. I’ve had many men call me through the app after a trip or try to contact me for dates which is just creepy.
Don’t be a Sucker: some folks are just gullible and naive, don’t believe them no matter what they offer you, I’ve had men offer hundreds of dollars to hang out or come up to their place for drinks and small talk (again creepy). The attention and flattery can be alluring, but don’t give in to it, always remain professional and professionally declining their offers.

So I am going to litely to go over what I outlined in my YouTube vlog as some things I strongly suggest you do to ensure you are protected and confident enough whether in rideshare or any other place of work to take control of a matter that may be a threat to you. As a jailer for many years serving in various positions and ranks as an officer I studied “criminals” from afar. I watched how they preyed on others, I listened to their phone calls, I’ve read and studied police reports of how some of these criminals viciously carried out their crimes, particularly crimes against women. My father who is currently a high ranking officer serving as a Captain over criminal investigations always insisted since as a little girl that I protect myself and always be aware of my surroundings (known as situational awareness). As times get worse in the world I become more and more cognizant of always being on guard. Listed below are some of my suggestions to minimize being a victim.

Set the tone and be able to vocalize your contention in a matter you’re not comfortable with. Instincts are everything, don’t doubt your gut. It’s okay to be frightened and have fear, fear is simply a gauge that allows you to calibrate and make a judgement call in a situation. Instincts can save your life, stop sparing people’s feeling and be upfront if you disagree with something like allowing the passenger to sit in the front seat, or making you drive in unfamiliar area that is not on the navigation, or sexual advances; speak up!
Eye contact allows entry into the soul; vet the individuals and drop off location. Make strong eye contact, it is a proven that it can ward off predators, they don’t want the nightmare and constant reflection of themselves in your eyes. Criminals don’t like eye contact plus they don’t want you to be able to identify them if need be. I force strong eye contact for a few seconds and while confirming the drop off location again I make eye contact.
Toughen up mama! Don’t be passive aggressive! Set strong boundaries for yourself. As a life-coach I pride myself on teaching this, if I may I want to encourage you to literally write down your boundaries that you don’t want violated and repeat them to yourself daily. This will allow you to stay true to them and not compromise. Your body, your space, your car, your rules!
Your body and and spirit’s disposition is key. Have a strong presence and voice. Don’t be timid in your speech, be confident. You can be personable and nice yet assertive. This includes how you’re dressed and how well you’ve maintained your vehicle; if you look and feel respectable most people will honor that in return and as we say in the streets “they won’t try you!”.
Part-take in some form of self-defense on a weekly basis and workout. This will build your confidence and prepare you for those moments of if and when you’re in flight or fright mode. I also suggest carrying a weapon of some form (I will discuss this more in detail in another blog, but as a disclaimer please follow the guidelines in regards to weapons of whichever rideshare platform you’re using.) A weapon can be anything *side smirk* if you know how to use it to save your life! I still suggest firearms training reason being is firearms are not just learning how to accurately shoot on target, but how to possibly disarm an individual or if they drop their weapon how you can use it against them, etc. It is highly informative and can allow you to react quickly in the unfortunate event a firearm is pulled out on. I also suggest training on the use of knives, but some self-defense classes incorporate this being rape predators tend to arm themselves with them.

Whelp I hope I haven’t scared you off and you see my position. As a driver for the most part I feel safe and I haven’t had a lot of incidents reason being I possess various skills that I feel grants some securities. Should these platforms do a better job at vetting riders? Yes. Should these platforms how riders accountable for inappropriate actions towards drivers? Yes. Should the bare the responsibility of protecting drivers? Damn right, but they just aren’t. So in the interim and as legislation forces their hand in various matters you must bare the responsibility yourself ladies or just opt out from this type of gig.