3 Reasons to Start DoorDashing

I started DoorDashing this year as a way to feasibly quit a side-hustle that was no longer working for me. I had been struggling with the chaos adding an extra job to my schedule created, and my energy levels were plummeting. DoorDash turned out to be the perfect solution for me, and here I am sharing three reasons why it just might be the perfect side-hustle for you too.

1. Flexibility of hours

Who hasn’t dreamed of being their own boss? To clock in and out when you feel like it, not when the time clock tells you?

Unlike most side hustles, with DoorDash you can pick what times work for you. There are days when my day job takes so much energy, the last thing I want to do is get back in the car to start a second shift. It is so nice to know on those days I don’t have to. Also, you don’t have to waste time waiting around, as long as you live close to a hub (read: in town), you can open the app and keep busy while you’re waiting for the orders to come in! Some weekends, I can smash it on the app and watch my bank account grow. Other weekends I have the flexibility to take a spontaneous trip (with that extra cash I’ve been earning!). Of course, there’s the fact that DoorDashing is at its peak during mealtimes, but this fits perfectly with the average 9-5.

Dashing doesn’t only happen around 5 o’clock, you will be surprised who needs a coffee pick-me-up at 10 am, or who’s ordering a burger at 3 pm. While your busy times can be predicted (payday, 6pm), your orders are by no means constrained to these times. In fact, DoorDash has included Walmart pickups, so you can literally dash all day. As you learn your area’s spending habits, you’ll be able to create your perfect work schedule.

2. You can accept or reject orders

Now, when you first begin, it helps to accept most orders that come your way. But as you get the hang of it, and have more experience with both restaurants and customers, you will start to lean into your ability to accept or reject an offer. Maybe an order will pay you $3.50 for driving 10 miles and you know it’s not worth the gas or your time. Or perhaps there’s this one restaurant that isn’t worth the extra hassle. Being a Dasher means you can veto going there. Now, tell me, what other side-hustle (or job for that matter) gives you the power to determine your own workload?

And they’re smart for that, because that means Dashers can do what works best for them and their customers. For myself, I definitely have that one place I avoid, and I have expectations for what my time is worth. These factors help direct me when decided whether to hit that “accept” button or decline.

A heads-up: It feels very intimidating when you first “decline” an offer, but remind yourself it's ok to set these boundaries.

3. Confidence building

It goes without saying that zooming around town delivering meals or groceries can have its stressful moments. But it gives hands-on experience navigating your area. I thought I knew my town, but my knowledge has grown exponentially since I signed up for DoorDash. It gives me the opportunity to find where I am going, and figure out faster, more direct routes. I don’t know about you, but that gives me a powerful feeling of mastery and accomplishment!

While I will say that DoorDashing is a great side-hustle for introverts, the interaction you do facilitate is an extremely valuable for learning good customer service—which is to be clear and friendly. It also helps with learning how to problem-solve (usually minor inconveniences). The total experience will grow your confidence, which bleeds into other aspects of your life.

For myself, I am more confident when navigating new places. And I don’t have so many reservations over whether I can effectively and efficiently communicate with other people in a professional manner. This has been a perk for both my private and professional life.

BONUS REASON: Extra spending money. We all know that is why we are all here. It’s nice to have that little extra cash in the bank to do something fun, save up for a vacation, or keep as extra padding. So, get on out there and start earning!