This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Anja Holthoff, a ride-hailing driver in Atlanta. Business Insider verified Holthoff's earnings through screenshots she provided of her payments. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Ten years ago this month, I lost my corporate job . I was in customer service. At first, I sent out hundreds of résumés , but I thought I was being low-balled on pay — if I even got a response. So, a few months later, I started driving for Uber