SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —Uber driving has gained popularity worldwide over the years. This side hustle has helped many people earn quick money to support themselves and their families.
One Syracuse native, Stephen Depaulis, is particularly pleased with his experience as an Uber driver. Depaulis, who began driving for Uber as a side job to assist his family financially, has found the role to be both fulfilling and beneficial. He and his wife were planning to settle down in Syracuse when he decided to give Uber a try.
“My wife and I were looking to buy a house, and I figured I would do it one summer to kind of speed up the process for a down payment,” Depaulis said. “Here I am six years later, still doing it as a side hustle.”
Depaulis quickly realized that the income from driving helped his family secure their home and manage emergencies. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with a younger crowd on the weekends, often picking up patrons from bars or social events.
While some Uber drivers may complain about late night shifts, Depaulis values the chance to engage with his passengers. He can usually tell if a rider wants to chat or prefers quietness. His respectful approach has earned him a 4.99-star rating out of 5, with more than 7,000 trips over the past six years.
In addition to driving for Uber, Depaulis works in social services for Onondaga County, specializing in housing emergencies. His background in dealing with diverse people has helped him understand the importance of respecting people’s personal space while ensuring they reach their destinations.
Though Uber driving is just a side hustle for Depaulis, he appreciates the break it provides from his regular job.
