I Spent My New Year's Eve Sick, Stuck, and Surging

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Happy New Year! If you’re wondering why I sound like death warmed over, it’s because I’ve been sick for nearly a week—perfect timing to ring in 2025. I talk about pushing through fever sweats and chills just to hit $100 a day so the whole week doesn’t go to waste. I share my frustrations with Uber’s ever-changing surge pricing games and their ridiculous reservation system that somehow always keeps me outside the surge zones. Despite the chaos, I manage to rack up $213 by midnight and even take a moment to scope out Coral Gables’ fireworks before deciding the night—and my energy—are officially done.

I also vent about driving while sick, the insanity of New Year’s Eve traffic, and why Taco Bell might be permanently off my menu after tonight. From coughing between drop-offs to dodging bad drivers racing to countdown parties, this vlog is equal parts grind, gripe, and grit. Whether it’s battling surge baiting, fending off Uber Pets without proper bookings, or questioning whether shared rides are even worth it, this vlog gives you the full breakdown of what it’s like to hustle rideshare on the busiest (and craziest) night of the year. Happy New Year, everyone—let’s hope 2025 is less stressful than this one!

Timestamps:
0:00:00 – Starting sick on New Year’s Eve—flu symptoms and $100 goals.
0:01:08 – First ride of the night—$5 surge and mixed expectations.
0:01:46 – Feeling doubtful about Tuesday being a strong party night.
0:02:40 – Complaints about Uber’s reservation system and lower payouts.
0:03:54 – Reflecting on the ups and downs of 2024, including surgery recovery.
0:04:40 – Wishing for Uber’s area filters while cruising South Miami.
0:05:04 – Picking up an $11 ride—Gables by the Sea.
0:05:16 – Coughing and questioning whether it’s COVID since everyone’s sick.
0:06:01 – First ride involves passengers with a dog—no Uber Pet booking.
0:06:42 – Complaining about surge zones disappearing as soon as I arrive.
0:07:17 – Surge baiting conspiracy—always outside the red zone.
0:08:00 – Calling out Uber’s mind games with surge activations.
0:08:33 – Fever, fatigue, and frustration—pushing through sickness.
0:09:22 – Ranting about constant declining and ridiculous trip requests.
0:10:00 – Rejecting long-distance reservations—no patience for games.
0:11:37 – Hoping for short house-party trips instead of chaotic events.
0:12:08 – $16 Coral Gables ride—finally a good one.
0:12:51 – Venting about Uber keeping drivers frazzled and chasing surges.
0:13:40 – Staying local with consistent rides—avoiding highways.
0:14:14 – Dropping off a $14 ride and hitting more red zones.
0:15:10 – Rejecting absurd Boca Raton ride offers—too far and not worth it.
0:15:38 – Diamond Transition—resetting my mood for the night.
0:16:42 – Working sick—acknowledging the grind even with sniffles.
0:17:03 – Hitting $128.65 by 10:30 p.m.—but still frustrated with payouts.
0:18:07 – Declining Uber Pool rides and questioning surge bonuses.
0:19:02 – Taco Bell regrets—swearing off greasy tortillas for good.
0:19:45 – Planning to avoid countdown craziness and possibly return after midnight.
0:20:17 – Observing terrible drivers racing to parties—dangerous roads ahead.
0:21:18 – Missing bonus payouts due to long trip times—Uber’s tight timing.
0:21:40 – Declining long trips to North Bay Village and focusing on local fares.
0:22:12 – Complaining about Cutler Bay’s ridiculous 3-minute ride request.
0:23:09 – Venting about Uber’s endless hoops and bonus games.
0:23:27 – Final rides and debating whether to keep working or call it a night.
0:24:09 – Breaking $213 by 11:30 p.m.—mixed satisfaction and exhaustion.
0:25:07 – Passing by the Biltmore to watch fireworks but too tired to stay.
0:26:01 – Wrapping up sick, frustrated, and ready to end the vlog—Happy New Year!