At Solo, we take pride in highlighting the remarkable individuals who form our vibrant gig worker and content creator community. Our “Friends of Solo” series celebrates the unique journeys of those who seamlessly juggle gig work, personal goals, and creative passions, while inspiring others along the way.
This week, we’re thrilled to feature Pedro Santiago, a dedicated rideshare driver and content creator, who has found a way to balance his gig work, passion for YouTube, and personal goals, all while staying grounded and focused on what matters most: betting on yourself!
How It All Started for Pedro
Pedro’s gig work journey began with a simple yet motivating goal: to save money for an upcoming trip. Like many who juggle full-time jobs and side gigs, Pedro initially started driving for Uber part-time while still working a traditional W2 job. The flexibility and earning potential of rideshare driving caught his interest, and soon enough, he was hooked.
What began as a part-time venture to supplement his income quickly turned into a significant part of his life.
He recalls, "I started driving part-time to help pay for a trip. It wasn’t long before I saw the benefits of this work—flexibility, control over my schedule, and the ability to earn while still having time for other pursuits.”
Balancing Gig Work and Content Creation
Pedro’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at driving. Like many in the gig economy, he saw an opportunity to share his experiences and insights with others. Inspired by other content creators in the gig community, Pedro launched his own YouTube channel, Bet On You.
His channel is a resource and source of entertainment for those navigating the world of gig work. What started as a one-year experiment has now turned into a thriving platform three years later.
"I watched others before me teach and entertain on YouTube, and I thought it could be a fun project to try for one year. Now, three years later, we're still going strong!" says Pedro.
Through his content, Pedro offers a behind-the-scenes look at the gig economy, sharing helpful tips, tricks, and personal stories.
His advice for newcomers to gig work? Try as many apps as you can, and stick with the ones you enjoy and that pay you fairly for your time. This advice comes from his own experiences of trial and error in the gig economy.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
With the rise of gig work, the line between professional and personal life can often blur, making it difficult to maintain a healthy balance. For Pedro, it’s all about setting boundaries and sticking to them. He has a unique strategy to ensure his work doesn't take over his life.
"I give myself hard stops. When it hits 3pm or 5pm, I stop, go home, and put my phone away. My motto is ‘my head is where my feet are,’" Pedro explains. This intentional separation of work and personal time helps Pedro stay grounded, ensuring that his mental and emotional well-being are never compromised.
Memorable Moments on the Road
Pedro has had his share of interesting encounters during his rideshare journeys, but he shared one experience that definitely stood out for him.
While making a delivery, he was met by an elderly woman who was so grateful for his help that she asked if she could give him a hug.
"I could tell that she probably doesn't see people that often. It made my day," he recalls. These moments remind Pedro of the personal connections gig workers make, often impacting lives in ways they may never fully realize.
Why Solo is Essential to Pedro’s Workflow
As a seasoned gig worker, Pedro has tried various tools and apps to streamline his work, but Solo stands out as one of his most valuable assets. He finds the app’s features particularly helpful in tracking his earnings and taxes.
For Pedro, the Tax Info and Automatic Mileage Tracking features are the most valuable features of Solo. He loves how the app simplifies his tax preparation, allowing him to focus on what matters most—his work.
Solo takes care of “[tracking] my miles, income, and prepares my estimated taxes,” Pedro shares
Fun Facts and Tips from Pedro
Beyond his work, Pedro has a creative side that many may not know about—he used to act in plays and still harbors aspirations of acting in the future. It’s a fun fact that adds a layer of personality to Pedro’s already fascinating story.
As for his gig work setup, Pedro’s top recommendation is simple but effective: invest in a good cup holder. It may seem like a small thing, but to Pedro, it’s a game changer for staying organized and efficient during long shifts.
"Very simple—get yourself a nice cup holder. Thank me later," he jokes.
How Pedro Stays Motivated and Pumped
Like any job, gig work has its ups and downs, and slow weeks can be tough. But Pedro stays motivated by reminding himself that everything evens out eventually.
On slow days, he turns to his favorite pump-up music to keep his energy high. "I listen to DMX when I need some motivation!" Pedro shares, emphasizing the importance of keeping a positive mindset.
Words of Wisdom from Pedro
Pedro’s journey is a reminder of the importance of setting goals, staying flexible, and betting on yourself—principles that resonate with both gig workers and content creators alike.
As he says, "Just remember to bet on you, set goals, and take it one day at a time."
We’re proud to have Pedro as a "Friend of Solo" and appreciate the wisdom, creativity, and hard work he brings to the gig economy.
Whether he’s out on the road or sharing his journey on YouTube, Pedro continues to inspire others to make the most of their opportunities!
Stay Connected with Pedro
If you want to follow Pedro's journey or learn more about the gig economy through his eyes, be sure to check out his YouTube channel Bet On You. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned gig worker, you’re bound to find something valuable from his content.
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