As a caregiver, managing your time and responsibilities can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding ways to earn additional income. Dashing offers ample flexibility to work around your caregiver schedule. With dashing, you can choose when and where to work, making it easy to fit earning opportunities into your day without compromising on your caregiving duties. The following tips can help you maximize your time on the road, ensuring you maintain a balanced schedule while achieving your financial goals.
The importance of time management for caregivers
Many caregivers choose to dash because it offers the flexibility they need. For full-time parents who are caring for children or aging parents, dashing allows them to work around school hours or medical appointments, all while giving them the autonomy to earn on their terms. Dashers who work in healthcare also find dashing ideal as it can accommodate their irregular shift work schedules.
Dashing is a great way for caregivers to make extra income without the constraints of fixed hours or location. Caregivers can create a work schedule that fits their lifestyle and commitments by picking when and how they want to dash. It can also add variety and a change of pace to their primary caregiving responsibilities.
How to balance dashing with caregiving
Balancing dashing with caregiving isn't about fitting into a mold—it's about crafting a schedule that works for you. For many nurses, healthcare practitioners, and caregivers, shifts can vary widely, ranging from morning to evening, or even overnight shifts. By understanding that peak ordering times on DoorDash usually happen around lunch (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) and dinner (4:30 PM to 8:00 PM), these mealtime rushes can be ideal for fitting in a dash before heading to an evening shift or after morning duties.
Off-peak hours offer a unique chance to add dashing into your caregiving schedule without the rush of peak times. Whether it's an early morning dash before the day kicks off or a late-night run after caregiving duties wind down, options like Shop & Deliver, breakfast runs, or late night dashes provide the flexibility to earn steadily at times that may align better with your schedule.
To achieve a balanced schedule, use a planner or digital calendar to map out caregiving commitments and identify windows for dashing. This proactive planning can help prevent overcommitment all while maximizing your earning opportunities.
DoorDash scheduling tips for caregivers
Caregivers are known to have demanding schedules. That's why the scheduling features in the DoorDash Dasher app are thoughtfully designed to offer flexibility and support when planning around your caregiver schedule. Here are some tips that can help you maximize your time while dashing:
Schedule in Advance: If you already know your caregiving schedule, you can lock in your preferred dashing times in advance. Scheduling in the DoorDash Dasher app is available five days in advance beginning at 12 a.m. each day.
Flexible Start Times: Did you know you can start your dash up to 15 minutes early? If you happen to finish your shift early or find yourself with extra free time, this feature can provide you with a buffer in case your schedule changes.
Pausing Dashes: If unexpected caregiving duties arise during a dash, such as kids getting sick at school or medication being ready for pickup, you can use the pause feature to temporarily stop dashing for up to 35 minutes without ending your dash session.
Ending Early: In case of emergencies, you can end your dash early without being penalized, allowing you to attend to urgent caregiving needs.
Notifications: If your desired dashing time slots can't be scheduled in advance, activate your notifications so that you can be alerted if and when they become available.
Remember to take time for yourself
Caregiving provides invaluable support to those in need, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Remember that your wellbeing as a caregiver is just as important as the care you provide to others. Taking regularly scheduled breaks and recharging during your downtime can help you maintain a healthy-work life balance.
While dashing provides you with the flexibility to earn on your own terms, it's important to create a schedule that works for you – and one that also prioritizes self-care. By focusing on your health and happiness, you can make sure you're always at your best for yourself and those you care for.
Dashing unlocks new opportunities for caregivers
DoorDash empowers Dashers who are also caregivers to balance caregiving responsibilities with earning opportunities. By leveraging flexible scheduling, understanding peak and off-peak times, and utilizing the scheduling tools in the DoorDash Dasher app, you can create a rewarding dashing experience that works for you.
Ready to start dashing? Sign up today.
