If you own a smartphone and live in a city, chances are you're familiar with Uber, Lyft and similar "ride-sharing" services. These apps, which allow users to hail a cab and pay automatically, have skyrocketed in popularity lately due to their incredible convenience, not to mention the significant cost-savings over conventional taxi services.

Not unsurprisingly, while consumers and bar-goers the world over are singing the praises of these services, cab companies are viewing the intrusion of ride-sharing into their market share somewhat less favorably. 

This tension has recently come to a head in numerous places across the globe, with strikes, protests and even new laws coming out of the war between the cabbies. What's going on, and what might the future of everyone's favorite cab-hailing app look like?

Equalizing cab rides?
The purported benefits of services like Uber and Lyft swing both ways. Not only do commuters have reliable and cost-effective access to transportation without having to worry about having cash on hand, but these companies also offer enterprising individuals a chance to essentially work for themselves by turning their cars into their livelihoods. 

In fact, the popular ride-sharing service has grown tremendously even over the last year. According to Inc. magazine, Uber employed around 550 people in 2013 – that number was expected to jump by as much as 200 percent in 2015, and with the company expanding out from the Bay Area to places as far away as France, it's a projection that is likely very accurate.

This tremendous growth is facilitated by the fact that Uber jobs are remarkably accessible. According to the company's official site, prospective employees only need to be 21 or older. As long as they meet the age requirements, have a commercial driver's license (or equivalent) and have a recent-model car with up-to-date insurance, there's nothing stopping them from joining the Uber team.

What about the cabbies?
As is the case with anything that sounds too good to be true, Uber isn't without its share of hiccups. Cab companies all across the world are rallying to protest against the company that they claim is driving them out of business. In fact, a recent cab strike in France has set the stage for similar demonstrations elsewhere. Boston has become the latest city whose cabbies have banded together to try and regulate the ride-sharing giant, though Massachusetts and U.S. federal government officials seem reluctant to pass new laws restricting the operation of ride-sharing giants in cities.

While this may not be great news for conventional cabbies, it's an encouraging fact for anyone who may be interested in experimenting with a life on the road. Even those with pre-owned vehicles can be eligible to be Uber drivers, so long as their cars aren't too old and are kept in good condition.

If you've been flirting with the idea of being a self-employed Uber driver, let New Jersey State Auto Auction help. You'll find hundreds of reliable, Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful and accommodating sales staff ready to help you drive away happy.