Joy’s Story: Mum, grandma, mature aged student and Uber driver-partner.

Meet Joy.

After 37 years of marriage, Joy unexpectedly found herself starting a new life of her own.

“It was 2014 when I found myself alone. Without any income and little support, I was devastated – I didn’t know what to do. And that’s when Uber came about, it was a huge turning point in my life.”

Joy has a grown son and daughter, and two beautiful grandchildren. It was Joy’s son who suggested she sign up to drive on the Uber platform – offering his own car and a map to Uber’s driver support centre (or Greenlight Hub). Joy refers to this moment as a turning point in her life, and she’s never looked back.

“I have often thought of my car as being a mobile confessional box. I’m a real softie. If I can help somebody, I will. I wanted to dig in and really help people. So alongside driving with Uber, I started studying a Diploma of Community Services.”

“My journey with Uber has taught me to live life on my own terms. Whether that’s two in the afternoon, or ten at night – I can drive whenever I’ve got time. And if my daughter calls me saying she needs some help with the little one, I can just turn off the app and go. This is the best journey to be on. One where it’s my time, my life, with no restrictions.”

Joy is now a proud graduate of her course, has found a wonderful new partner, and has completed more than 2000 trips on the Uber platform.

“Through my community services there’s a lot of people who don’t have jobs. I tell them – Uber’s there! Get out – you don’t need a million dollars to start. As long as you don’t have a bad police record, and you have a good driving record – you can do it!

“To me, Uber is not only a journey between two destinations but it’s also been a journey to becoming a better person.”