Driving in London is no easy feat, but for Shakur Jama, it’s a journey of triumph. At just 26 years old, Shakur has achieved something many might consider impossible: earning £10,000 in just one month by driving for Uber and Bolt. Sharing his journey on TikTok, Shakur hopes to inspire others to see the potential in private hire driving despite the challenges.
Starting on June 21 and finishing on July 21, Shakur shared his excitement about reaching a total of £10,216. However, this accomplishment didn’t come without relentless dedication. With only three days off, he dedicated 12 hours daily to driving. This commitment underscores his determination and strategic planning, serving as a beacon of inspiration for others.
Shakur, who lives in East London, devised a plan to optimize his earnings. He avoided areas and times prone to heavy traffic and capitalized on significant events like the Euros, which saw an influx of people needing rides. His goal was to inspire young people, showing them that with dedication and strategy, significant earnings are possible. His story has sparked hope in many, as evidenced by the numerous messages he has received.
Shakur’s driving career began with delivery jobs for companies like Ocado and Hermes, now called Evri. When he turned 22, he shifted to driving for Uber and Bolt after realizing the potential for better income. His journey started with conversations with other drivers, which made him consider this career path seriously.
To reach his £10k target, Shakur adhered to a strict routine. He started his days early, around 6:30 am, and accepted trips throughout London and occasionally beyond the M25. His advice to fellow drivers includes targeting airport trips early in the morning when traffic is minimal, and fares are higher. He recommends focusing on local trips during rush hours to avoid traffic delays. After rush hour, he would return to airport trips, anticipating the demand for rides back into the city.
Shakur earned close to £500 on his busiest days, while slower days brought in around £200. Events like the Euros and favourable weather conditions significantly impacted his earnings. For instance, he made £445 during the Euros final, one of his highest daily earnings.
Typically, Shakur earns about £5,000 per month, which is impressive but still less than half of what he achieved during his one-month challenge. He uses Uber and Bolt apps simultaneously to maximise his earnings, choosing the most profitable rides. He notes that Uber is generally more lucrative, accounting for about 85% of his income, though Bolt can offer competitive rates, especially with surge pricing.
Shakur’s story is a testament to the potential of gig economy jobs when approached with dedication and a strategic mindset. His experience shows that achieving impressive earnings with the right approach is possible, and his journey inspires many.
