Driving for the rich and famous: A chauffeur's perspective
I've always had a fascination with the lives of the wealthy and powerful. As a chauffeur, I get to be a part of that world, even if just for a few hours at a time. It's a side hustle that has become a necessity, especially in the current economic climate.
My story begins in Tampa, Florida, where I've been working in the film industry for about eight years. But when the pandemic hit and jobs in the film industry slowed to a crawl, I had to turn back to my old gig: chauffeur. It's a job I was familiar with, having worked in New York before, and one that I've relied on for extra income.
As a chauffeur, I drive luxury SUVs and sedans, dressed in professional black-tie attire. I work for a company that provides the cars and coordinates the rides, but I'm a gig worker, meaning I'm not employed by the company full-time. My passengers are mostly executives going to or from the airport on weekends, and I also pick up pilots who are moving between airports on weekdays.
The income from this job is significantly less than what I made in New York, where I drove stretch limos and earned between $1,000 and $2,000 on a weekend. In Florida, the company pays me around $40 an hour, and that's all I make. I don't get a breakdown showing how much of my pay came from tips and how much came from the company. This is a significant difference from my old job, where customers tipped me directly, and about 80% of my income came from tips.
I recently got a new job with a different chauffeur service, and I'm optimistic that I will make more money overall. The owner of this new company used to be a driver and was adamant that chauffeurs there get all of their gratuities. This is a stark contrast to my current job, where the company pays me the hourly wage and that's all I make. I think a lot of executives and others who take black-car services are under the impression that when they give a tip, it's going to their driver. That's not always the case, and I wish more of them understood that.
My goal is to find a way to do this gig where my skill set is valued. As a driver, you have to deal with people from all walks of life, and I want to be recognized for the professionalism and expertise I bring to the job. I believe that my experience and knowledge of the industry can be a valuable asset, and I'm determined to find a way to make that happen.
In conclusion, being a chauffeur is a fascinating and challenging job that offers a unique perspective on the lives of the wealthy and powerful. While it may not be the most financially rewarding job, it's a side hustle that has become a necessity, and I'm determined to find a way to make it work for me.
