A Philadelphia stay-at-home mother named Bree, who is expecting another child, has expressed concerns about her husband's plan to leave his salaried position. Her husband currently works as an assistant manager at a trucking company, earning $1,800 weekly, but is considering driving for Uber full-time after a friend suggested higher potential earnings.
"His friend at work told him that on Uber they can make $2,000 and more a week. So that's why he's thinking about it," Bree stated during an appearance on The Ramsey Show. To pursue this, the couple would need to replace their aging Lexus, which has engine problems, potentially financing a new vehicle using Bree's better credit.
Co-host George Kamel warned against the plan, noting the rapid depreciation a new car would face from intensive rideshare use. "He's going to drive that car into the ground and the depreciation is going to hit it so hard that you guys are going to be underwater on this car within the first week," Kamel said. The hosts advised the family, already carrying $40,000 in debt, not to take on additional loans.
Co-host Jade Warshaw suggested that while seeking a different job is acceptable, incurring debt for it is not. She recommended waiting until after their baby is born to ensure stability. Kamel emphasized that now is "definitely not the time" for income uncertainty, especially with the high costs of raising a young child.
The discussion touched on broader trends, referencing data showing gig workers constitute about 36% of the U.S. workforce. Reports indicate gig workers often earn less per hour than in traditional jobs, with some earning below minimum wage. Hidden costs for rideshare drivers include vehicle depreciation, maintenance, fuel, cleaning, and commercial insurance, alongside self-employment tax responsibilities and lack of benefits like paid leave.
For Bree's family, the advice was clear: avoid new debt, save for a reliable car, and focus on paying down existing obligations. "He's not going to be switching jobs," Kamel concluded. "He's going to be working extra."