“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.
ChrissyHQ is a Dasher who hails from the Twin Cities area. Chrissy has been a Dasher for the past three years, delivering to many hungry students in the University of Minnesota area and families in the suburbs of Woodbury and Oakdale. A true multi-hyphenate, Chrissy is a full-time content creator, streamer, online boutique owner, photographer, and film editor.
Why streaming inspires me
I’ve always loved video games, but I only got into streaming at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also had spinal cord surgery around the same time, which made it so I couldn’t really go anywhere. At that point, I thought, “Why not take streaming seriously and see if I can make something out of it?” It allowed me to stay home and not be in any physical pain. Video games also made it possible for me to communicate with people, and that’s what got me started with live streaming. I fell in love with it, and now I’m a full-time content creator and streamer. A lot of people think streaming is just about playing video games. But it’s so much more than that. You have to be able to build your community, establish your brand, and make it into something that people want to join. That’s why individuality is huge because everyone’s running the same game.
How I found success as a Twitch streamer
Streaming is a very big but risky industry. You’re not making money on Twitch or any platform if people don’t tip, subscribe, or gift. So, if you want to get paid to create content, creativity is important. You need something to help you stand out, and you need to keep growing your community. In less than a month, I was able to hit the affiliate level— which is a paid streaming tier. I’ve also done a lot of unboxings and some other big brand deals. Having a dream and following it is easier said than done. However, the ease and flexibility of DoorDash have definitely helped me live this self-employed life.
Dashing helps me pursue my goals
I was working at a fast-food chain restaurant when I discovered DoorDash. My former colleague would dash on the way home after a shift, and that was interesting to me because I thought: “He just finished making money, and now he’s making more while he’s heading home!” It just made sense to me.
I already drive everywhere all the time, so I figured I’d try and do it on my own schedule. Dashing also made it easy to get out during the middle of the pandemic and after surgery. That was the beginning. I was doing delivery drop-off, which let me get some walking in while making a living for myself.
With dashing, you can do what you love while earning. When I was working nine to five and just starting as a content creator, there were days I’d be too tired to shoot content after a long day at work. With dashing, you can do it at any time. I could leave at midnight and still get orders.
With DoorDash’s ease and flexibility, you’re your own boss. You do it when you want to do it, and you have that freedom. DoorDash really helps keep options open for people who are on the creative path – you don’t feel restricted. But being self-motivated is key. Just like streaming, no one is telling you when to clock in except yourself.
What I’ve learned from dashing
Is DoorDash a good side hustle? Definitely. If you’re thinking of becoming a Dasher to make some extra income, here’s my advice.
Be patient
Restaurants can get backed up with orders, which is stressful for them, and it can affect you and the customer waiting for their food. But patience helps you become more aware and compassionate. Being stressed about something you can’t control doesn’t make anyone move any faster.
Say hello
It’s easy to drop off someone’s delivery without saying anything to them. Making a small effort to say hello, commenting about the weather, or simply connecting with the customer as you’re giving them their food makes that exchange extra special for both of you.
Have a good attitude
Don’t let anyone ruin your vibe. Sometimes, you drop off a package, and that person might have had a bad day, and they could take it out on you. Just remember you have no idea what happened to them that day or what they’re going through – so do your best not to let it affect you.
How to pursue your dreams
If you’re ready to take the next step and embrace your passion full-time, these are the two most important things I’ve learned from my own journey.
Surround yourself with community
Sometimes, you can feel a lack of motivation, and that can really weigh you down. I know that if you don’t have a community or good people to help encourage you, you can get in your head. It happens to everyone, but it’s important to not let it hold you back.
Be open-minded
Check-in with yourself about where you’re headed and what you want. It’ll help you keep your milestones in mind. You have to have priorities to keep yourself on track so you can get where you want to be. Really take advantage of an opportunity because you’ll never know what it can lead to, and you certainly won’t know if you don’t try.
Taking on new challenges
I’ve also been inspired to go back to school. I’m currently studying computer science at UAT (University of Advancing Technology), and I love it. I hope to get into programming and eventually maybe come out with a video game someday. Ultimately, I’m looking to get more into the tech industry since I’ve always loved computers and gadgets.
Outside of the tech world, I also have this dream that someday I’ll play with an esports team. I’ve joined a few tournaments, and I’m getting better. There’s a difference between esports players and people who have just gamed their whole life. I’m not there yet, but I’d love to be part of an esports organization— even as a content creator. I’d love to make funny clips and edit the teams’ awesome shots. That’s up my alley.
Be open to trying different things. Otherwise, you can quickly get stuck in what’s comfortable for you and only stay in one lane.
Ready to be your own boss? Sign up to be a Dasher today.
You can follow ChrissyHQ on Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, and more to catch her in action.
