Jay Mandel's professional background is marked by leadership roles in prominent corporations, including heading global social media initiatives at Mastercard and holding positions at IBM. Additionally, he has taught at the college level and cultivated a substantial career as a marketing consultant. Despite this extensive corporate and academic experience, Mandel has recently taken on a distinctly different role — working as an Uber Eats delivery driver in New York City.
Mandel attributes the inception of this major career change to advice he received from his therapist. Initially reluctant to pursue gig work, he resisted the idea due to his academic credentials, including a master's degree from Columbia University, and the perceptions of those close to him who felt such work was beneath his qualifications. Yet, financial necessity became a compelling force as his consulting and teaching roles failed to generate sufficient income.
In October, Mandel embarked on his first Uber Eats delivery. The transition has been both eye-opening and humbling. He describes an early experience where he spent 20 minutes sorting out a cake substitution for a customer after a mistake with an order, only to be met with indifference — no tip, no words of thanks, just a blank stare. This contrasted sharply with his former professional environment, where above-and-beyond efforts usually garnered recognition.
Despite these challenges, Mandel uses the modest earnings from his delivery work to provide his children with enjoyable experiences during weekends. His involvement in Uber's service extends beyond food deliveries to its Uber Courier offering, through which he transports items such as backpacks and chargers between individuals. Mandel has expressed a desire for the company to broaden this non-food delivery service.
While the job presents difficulties and moments of invisibility to those receiving deliveries, Mandel finds value in the work. He strives to maintain a positive attitude, aiming to brighten others' days. The role also offers him opportunities to explore new eateries and neighborhoods in New York City that he might not otherwise visit. This practical engagement grounds him amid financial uncertainty.
Reflecting on his situation, Mandel does not judge his current circumstances as personal failure but sees them as symptomatic of a larger economic transition. He points out that traditional unemployment statistics fail to account for individuals engaged in gig work like himself. Mandel acknowledges that he had not anticipated such financial struggles given his educational and professional history and notes that many of his friends appear to be confronting similar challenges.
In light of these realities, services such as Domain Money have emerged, providing support for professionals who, despite respectable incomes—often exceeding $100,000—feel economically precarious. These services connect individuals with certified financial planners to help them navigate financial planning during times of uncertainty.
Mandel is also actively developing his own company, using the time behind the wheel as a reminder that career shifts often lack glamour but are increasingly prevalent and necessary for many.