I’ve always had bad insomnia, and back in the days when Lyft was still mustaches and fist bumps and front seats, I was all in - I would work at/on my startup du

I’ve always had bad insomnia, and back in the days when Lyft was still mustaches and fist bumps and front seats, I was all in - I would work at/on my startup during the day, and when I couldn’t sleep for a few hours at night (genuinely not tired, so not at particular risk of driving) I would drive for Lyft to meet some people. The people I met were absolutely fascinating. Some were the usual “get me to my place” and whatnot, but because Lyft had the vibe of “we aren’t Uber, we’re your friend with a car” at the time, I really got to chat with some incredible people. Plenty of kids done with partying for the night, but also the executive chef at Michael Mina at the 49ers stadium, some old folks with lots of crazy stories, etc. When Lyft turned into “also Uber” all of that was lost; introverts were thrilled at the ability to sit in the back and be chauffeured without ever having to say a word, but the vibe of what made me so interested in driving for Lyft was gone, so after a few rides in “the new system,” I quit doing it and started busking with my music instead. Then the pandemic happened and I’m still seeking a new outlet for that sort of “intentional” chance encounter. But I do miss those days.