For the past decade, Lyft has provided the opportunity for people to earn money without the constraints of a 9-to-5 work schedule. Drivers have the flexibility to earn when they want while riders get access to reliable transportation to get them where they need to go. 

Being able to work while making your own schedule is a key reason why many people look to driving with Lyft: it's easy to get started; once approved, drivers can start earning right away (including 100% of tips); and driving on the Lyft platform offers flexibility so there's time to pursue other passions. No one encapsulates that drive to pursue their passions better than Ray Cook, a Maryland resident who also works as a part-time process assistant in addition to being a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader. Deemed the biggest “ray of sunshine” by his own teammates, Ray didn’t have a ton to cheer about with over $30,000 in debt. Over the past few months, Ray has been working with the team from the Crackle original series Going from Broke to get back to work and change his lifestyle in order to pay off his debt – including signing up to drive with Lyft. Lyft partnered with Going From Broke on an integration to showcase Ray’s journey to financial freedom in this episode.

“During this time, getting back on my feet and back to work without access to a car was a challenge, so I would take Lyft rides to commute to my job every single day,” said Ray Cook. “It’s truly come full-circle that now, I’m able to drive and earn on the Lyft platform. With every ride, I get the chance to meet great people and put a smile on their face. The insights and help I’ve received from this experience has really made all the difference, and I’m so thankful to everyone involved.”

Starting today, you can watch Ray’s journey to financial freedom in the full episode that streams on Crackle – and a special appearance by Lyft co-founder and president John Zimmer, who shares advice with Ray on how to get started and find success when driving with Lyft.

If Ray’s story inspired you to consider driving for Lyft, download the app and tap “Drive with Lyft” or visit www.lyft.com/drive-with-lyft to get started.