''Why do you dash?''
It's a question that many seasoned Dashers are asked, and their answers are always uniquely personal and inspiring. Sometimes, it's the flexibility of working on their own schedule. Other times, it's because their earnings let them focus on other passion projects and creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Sheila F. is a Dasher who calls the green hills of Arvada, Colorado home. A lover of the great outdoors and a humanitarian at heart, this grandmother of six has long worked to help others connect not only with the beautiful landscapes in their own backyards, but with the people in their local communities.
I follow my passion for helping
I have always taken pride in being a provider. The people in my community know that they can count on me, and that I will step up and show up for them in times of need. This is true not only in my personal life, but in my professional life as well.
In the past, my work has included caring for the elderly in their homes, as well as working with hospice patients. This is something I've had to do in my own home as well — my mother needed me to look after her after her cancer diagnosis.
My work has also focused on encouraging and empowering youth. One of my greatest passions has been running a summer day camp aimed at getting kids outdoors and helping them connect with nature. This has parallels in my personal life, since I'm the proud grandma to six amazing grandchildren.
To look after my mother during her final years, I knew I had to find work where I could earn while she was resting and be at home when she needed me. But having this type of flexibility became even more urgent when my son passed away unexpectedly from complications of COVID-19, leaving me to help provide for his kids.
It was during this tumultuous period that I discovered dashing with DoorDash. And though it came at one of the most difficult times of my life, it turned out to be exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it.
Dashing allows me to care for those nearest to me
When I was taking care of my mother during her illness, dashing allowed me to put my family first. Later, when I had to take responsibility for helping raise my grandchildren, it continued to be the right role for me. Here's why:
Flexibility
If you have a loved one who needs care — or kids who are at school or extracurriculars in the daytime and home in the afternoon and evening — the flexibility of dashing is priceless. But speaking from experience, it was also good for me; the ability to clock off and take a break when I need to has been critical for my own wellbeing.
Stability
As I navigated not only my own loss, but a global pandemic that was creating fear and uncertainty for everyone, my life was turned upside down. Having reliable work whenever I wanted enabled me to support myself and my loved ones financially when it mattered most.
Sense of purpose
Along with being a great way to maintain a steady income, dashing proved to be a grounding force in my life. It allowed me to preserve a sense of normalcy and routine, which was imperative for my mental health. And dashing is an inherently social activity. Getting out there, connecting with people in my neighborhood, and bringing them food feels like a natural continuation of the type of work I always loved doing.
Being a caregiver means giving back
This sense of purpose soon expanded beyond my daily dashes when I had the privilege of taking part in DashRoots, a unique initiative created by DoorDash. DashRoots is a program designed to empower Dashers like me to engage with community projects, and even participate in advocacy at a legislative level.
Being part of DashRoots allowed me to travel to the state capital, where I met with lawmakers and discussed bills impacting gig workers. These experiences not only enriched my understanding of the gig economy but also made me feel that my perspective is valued and my voice is heard.
It was also incredibly inspiring and motivating to meet other Dashers from across the country, share our experiences, and learn from each other. The initiative really demonstrates that DoorDash is committed to supporting the freelance workforce.
My advice for new Dashers
Thinking of working in the gig economy? Based on my experience and the experiences of other Dashers I've had the pleasure of talking to, dashing is a great way to earn income on your own terms. Here are three things to keep in mind as you get started:
Take advantage of the flexibility: The flexibility of gig work is one of its unique opportunities, so take full advantage. You may be balancing care responsibilities like me, or you may be pursuing personal goals, but the ability to manage your own schedule is unlike any other work out there.
Have a clear objective: Dashing can be so much more than a way to earn extra money — it can be a path to achieving whatever goal you want to achieve, whether that's covering bills, saving for a car, funding a personal project, or other ambitions.
Connect with people: Remember that every delivery is a chance to connect and make an impact, no matter how small it may seem. Stay committed and stay motivated, and you'll find that dashing isn't just a way to earn — it's a community that offers continuous growth and opportunities.
Pursuing a goal means nurturing hope
As I plan to restart the Arvada Day Camp this summer, I continue to appreciate the freedom and autonomy dashing offers. It ensures that I can continue to provide for my family while fulfilling my passion for enriching children's lives with outdoor adventures.
My journey with DoorDash has shown me that work can be more than a necessity — it can be a gateway to personal fulfillment, while helping others along the way. Whether it's putting a smile on someone's face with a timely delivery or shaping a child's experience at camp, I am grateful for the doors that have opened for me as I navigate the challenges and joys of my life's work.
Ready to be your own boss? Sign up to be a Dasher today.
