COPING WITH THE DIFFICULTIES OF A PROTEAN CAREER: THE CASE OF UBER DRIVERS

Abstract

This research aims to understand the negative effects of a protean career and the associated strategies by focusing on the case of Uber drivers. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of the protean career and platform theory. 30 drivers working full time for platforms such as Uber have been interviewed. The analysis reveals a first movement. If, at first, the choice of this activity fits perfectly into a career choice and seems to respond very positively to it, disillusionment quickly appears. Four main strategies to deal with this disillusionment are identified. The driver will either continue this activity by engaging in deviant behavior, or think of another activity to meet his initial career wish, or return to his previous job with the intention of one day returning to that activity, or struggle within that activity to meet his initial career wish. These strat egies are linked to individuals and externals factors. These results highlight the difficulties encountered during a protean career and the balance of power in favor of platforms to the detriment of workers.