We live in a culture where tipping feels optional, random, or worse—exploitative. Some people roll their eyes when they see the iPad flip around at a coffee shop. Others resent being put on the spot when it feels like prices should just include fair wages to begin with.

But here’s the part most people miss: tipping isn’t charity. It’s accountability.

If I won the lottery, I’d still Uber drive.

What I discovered was shocking: the passenger had been charged a hefty $165 for the ride, yet my earnings amounted to a mere $65. According to Uber, an additional $50 was attributed to commercial insurance and operational expenses—a perfectly round figure that struck me as questionable.

This is one of my favorite topics: maximizing your tips. Each trip we take is an opportunity to earn extra cash, whether it's with the highest—or lowest-rated passenger or on the shortest or longest ride. The key to success is having a strategy to increase tip potential.

Mastering your market is more than just knowing the city where you drive. It's about understanding the dynamics of three critical factors: location, time, and people. By breaking your market into these elements, you can develop a targeted approach to earning more efficiently and effectively.

Which rides to accept and which ones to decline. Some days, these decisions feel like they could make or break my day.

You and I know the cost of fuel and probably also maintenance. But still, there's a hidden cost that few drivers account for. It's called depreciation. Let me explain it in simpler terms. Think of your car as an investment; every mile you drive is chipping away at that investment's value.

I had a reserved ride scheduled at the airport, which usually means a decent payout whether or not the passenger shows up. If the passenger is late, I can often cancel after five minutes and still receive a cancellation fee, usually more than the fare. So, I arrived at the airport about 10 to 15 minutes early, expecting the typical pickup. But when I got there, I realized I wasn't headed to the usual terminal. Instead, I was directed to the private jet terminal.

Not long after, I got a text from the passenger: "Hey, we're running about 30 minutes late. The plane's going to land at four o'clock. Can you wait? I'll give you a cash tip."