While I wait to hear back from the school district about a job interview, I decided to take on DoorDash as a way to keep money coming in. What I thought would just be a simple side gig has turned into a real eye-opener about the work it takes to keep food moving—and how much wear and tear it puts on both you and your vehicle.

In just over a month, I’ve put more than 1,800 miles on my car. I’ve gotten to know my area in a way I never would have otherwise. From winding through Maryland back roads to crossing into Delaware and even dipping into Pennsylvania, some nights I’ll hit all three states before my shift is over. It’s definitely not the kind of job where you just cruise around casually—on most days, I rack up 100+ miles in a single shift.

There are challenges that I didn’t expect. Parking can be a nightmare, especially in busier areas where every spot feels like it’s already claimed or requires a fee. Finding customer locations isn’t always straightforward either – addresses can be unclear, and some people don’t bother leaving their porch light on when you’re delivering late at night. On top of that, bathroom breaks can be tough to come by when you’re constantly on the move, and with all the driving, I find myself at the gas station every three to four days just to keep up.

It’s hard work, and it’s not something I plan to turn into a career. But right now, it’s serving its purpose: paying the bills and giving me a way to bridge the gap until something more permanent opens up. And for that, I’m grateful.

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