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Comment by ma2rten | Hacker News Reader

I think the most valid complain about Uber as an employer is that it is advertised as well a paying job but that there are hidden costs that most drivers won't consider.

It's similar to how programmers often look at consulting rates, but don't factor in non-billable hours.

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And there are just as many hidden benefits that many people don't seem to realize. I've taken hundreds of Uber rides and always chat with the driver on their experience with it: many of them love the flexibility, extra income (which is really what this is, not a FT job), and it keeps them busy when they otherwise have nothing else to do (lots of retired people).

Agree to an extent, although I'd add that it's also similar in that people looking in from the outside frequently neglect to factor in the flexibility premium -- programmers who do consulting work frequently do so because they either enjoy or need to be able to set the amount of hours they work and when. Similarly, lots of Uber drivers seem to do it because they can just sorta fit in hours whenever they feel like it, without having to follow a manager's schedule.

There is an option to lease a car[0] with no limit on mileage at a fixed price/week which imho covers majority of maintenance charges also. Yes, there is a risk attached if the driver doesn't get enough rides.

[0] https://www.uber.com/p/carousel-vs-2/?exp=xcl_t1

Does Uber have substantially more hidden costs than, say, a pizza delivery driver.

Nobody looks twice at the car the pizza is delivered in. Pick up a few riders in a car that smells like pizza, and you'll no longer be an Uber driver.

So keeping a clean car is one of the hidden expenses?

I'd say keeping a care desirable to warrant a 5-star rating is, or any upkeep cost you would have to pay that Uber does not subsidize. I'm not a driver so I can't comment on specifics, but I doubt Uber pays for fuel, unless you're a full-time driver.

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