Building a Community in the Gig Economy: An Unexpected Perk

 

Building a Community in the Gig Economy: An Unexpected Perk

When I started gig driving, I never expected to find a sense of community. As an introvert, I tend to keep to myself. I’m polite and friendly, sure, but initiating conversations or building connections with strangers isn’t something I naturally gravitate toward. Yet, over time, a small community of fellow drivers formed around me—and it’s been one of the most surprising and rewarding parts of this journey.

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Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Early on, I made a conscious effort to push past my introverted tendencies. I decided I’d greet people, use their names, and try to remember details about them. It wasn’t easy—socializing takes extra energy for me—but I wanted to be more intentional about connecting with others in this extroverted gig world.

When I started driving for Walmart Spark, I noticed the same drivers showing up at the store repeatedly. There were three women in particular who often stuck together, chatting in the store or in the Subway restaurant inside Walmart. I’d see them and offer a simple hello out of courtesy. One day, one of them approached me to ask about my routes, and from there, a friendly rapport began to develop.

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Sharing Knowledge and Breaking Barriers

That initial connection opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The woman who approached me didn’t just stop at small talk—she shared helpful tips, including how to get started with Amazon Flex. She wasn’t gatekeeping the gig economy; instead, she offered advice that helped me level up.

When I first started Amazon Flex, I was taking whatever route I could get, stuck in a “poverty mindset” of desperation. On one of my shifts, I ran into her again. She saw my long route and immediately gave me advice: Don’t take that load for that pay. It was an “Auntie moment” that made me realize I didn’t have to settle for less. That conversation shifted my perspective, and I started being more selective about the routes I accepted.

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Expanding My Network

Later, when I began working with Better Trucks, I encountered her again. By then, I was also talking to other drivers about routes, pay, and tips for making deliveries more efficient. The shared experiences and collective wisdom of these interactions were invaluable. I learned new tricks that saved me time, improved my earnings, and made the job feel less isolating.

While I’m not someone who chats on the phone with fellow drivers every night, the connections I’ve built have been a game-changer. These casual but meaningful interactions have created a network of mutual support. It’s a give-and-take dynamic where we share tips, tricks, and experiences to help each other thrive.

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The Power of In-Person Connections

Online communities are great, but there’s something special about in-person connections. Seeing someone face-to-face, knowing they’re navigating the same challenges you are, and sharing advice in real time has been an unexpected but welcome benefit of gig work.

I didn’t go looking for a community, and I wasn’t actively avoiding one either. It just happened naturally as I opened up and made an effort to connect with others. Now, I’m learning from people who’ve been in the game longer than I have, and I’m better for it.

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Building Your Own Community

If you’re a gig worker, I encourage you to try building your own little community. It doesn’t have to be formal or time-consuming. Start with a simple hello when you see the same people repeatedly. Make yourself a bit vulnerable, and share what you’re learning. You might be surprised at the connections you form and how they can improve your gig experience.

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A Thank You to My Online Community

This blog wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to my online community. Thank you to everyone who subscribes, comments, and shares their knowledge. You’ve made my gig journey even more rewarding, and I appreciate each and every one of you.

If you have questions, video ideas, or tips to share, drop them in the comments—I’m always learning and love hearing from you. Together, we’re building something amazing.

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Do you have your own community of drivers or gig workers? How do you connect—online or in person? Let me know in the comments, and let’s keep building together. 🚗✨

My Journey with Dyscalculia: Challenges and Hacks for Gig Work

 

If you’re not familiar with dyscalculia, it’s similar to dyslexia but with numbers. While dyslexia affects how people process letters and words, dyscalculia impacts how we understand and work with numbers. It can show up in different ways for everyone, and for me, it’s been an interesting journey—especially since numbers are such a big part of gig work.

Math Was My Jam—Until It Wasn’t

Here’s the weird part: math was one of my strongest subjects growing up. I even competed in math competitions in sixth grade and did pretty well. Back then, I didn’t notice any issues, but as I’ve gotten older, things have changed. Now, I often find myself struggling with numbers in ways I never expected.

How Dyscalculia Affects Me

For me, dyscalculia doesn’t mean I see numbers reversed like some people experience with dyslexia. Instead, numbers sometimes “rearrange” themselves in my mind. For example, if I see a number like 6897, my brain might process it as 6987 before I type it out or use it. Sometimes I catch the mistake, but other times it can lead to errors.

This becomes especially tricky with things like two-factor authentication codes, phone numbers, or addresses. If someone rattles off a number like “50-19,” my brain might mix it up as 509 or something completely different. It’s a process that takes extra effort to untangle.

Finding Workarounds

In the gig world, where numbers are everywhere (think house numbers, phone numbers, order totals), I’ve had to create my own hacks to manage dyscalculia:

1. Breaking Numbers into Chunks
   Instead of trying to process an entire five-digit house number at once, I break it into smaller parts. For instance, if the address is 20642, I’ll focus on the first two digits (20) and then the last three (642) separately. This makes it easier for me to remember and confirm the address.

2. Repetition is Key
   I double- and triple-check every number I see—whether it’s a customer’s address or a delivery code. By looking at it multiple times, I can catch mistakes before they become a problem.

3. Speaking Numbers Aloud
   When I’m especially tired or having a tough day, I’ll break down numbers into individual digits in my head (e.g., “One-three-six” instead of “136”). This helps me avoid mixing them up.

4. Simplifying When Possible
   For long numbers, I focus on smaller chunks. For example, with multi-digit addresses, I might eliminate the first digit mentally and focus on the rest.

Learning and Adapting

Gig apps like Spark can complicate things, especially when GPS leads you to the wrong house. Thankfully, I haven’t had too many major mishaps, but staying mindful of my tendency to mix up numbers has been crucial. By knowing my limitations, I’ve been able to adapt and keep moving forward.

Encouragement for Others

If you’re navigating life with different abilities, know this: you can still succeed in the gig world (or any field) with the right strategies. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, create hacks that work for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust your methods as needed. Everyone’s journey is different, but we all have the ability to make it work.

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Do you have a similar experience or unique challenges you’ve had to adapt to? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated your own journey. Let’s keep learning and growing together! 🚗✨

The Hidden Struggle of Delivery Drivers: Why Standardized House Addresses Could Make a Difference

 

Since becoming a delivery driver, I've noticed a surprising challenge that many homeowners might not think about: inconsistent and hard-to-find home addresses. Whether numbers are written in tiny fonts, placed in unconventional spots, or even absent altogether, these choices can make locating homes a significant challenge for delivery drivers. Here’s why this is an issue, how it impacts not just delivery drivers but also emergency responders, and what a standardized address system could look like.

The Issue with Home Addresses
Most people assume that because the USPS delivers to their homes daily, the system is smooth and organized. USPS mail carriers are usually familiar with their routes and have the advantage of consistency—often walking door-to-door or knowing exactly where curbside mailboxes are located. But as the delivery landscape shifts to accommodate more independent and subcontracted drivers for companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, this familiarity is no longer guaranteed.

These new drivers are often unfamiliar with neighborhoods, relying on apps and GPS systems to navigate. Address visibility becomes even more crucial because many delivery drivers are on strict timelines. When addresses are hard to find, it delays deliveries and can lead to safety concerns, as drivers might appear suspicious or out of place to residents.

The Impact of Poorly Displayed Addresses
Consider this: some houses have address numbers hidden low on the home or written in fancy cursive fonts that are nearly impossible to decipher from the street. Others have no visible address at all. This makes deliveries a slow process, especially when drivers are trying to locate tiny numbers on mailboxes or search for addresses in fading light.

Emergency responders also face this issue. Firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders often need to locate homes quickly, and visible addresses could mean the difference between a timely response and a critical delay. Larger, reflective address numbers visible from the street would benefit both delivery services and emergency response teams.

The Case for Standardization
Just as light bulbs, doors, and other household items have standard measurements, so too should home address displays. Here’s what a standardized system could look like:

• Address Numbers of a Standard Size: Large enough to be visible from the street.
• Consistent Placement: Numbers placed within a certain distance from the curb or front door and on both sides of a mailbox if curbside.
• Reflective or Illuminated Numbers: Particularly helpful in low-light or nighttime conditions.
  These basic standards would make addresses easily visible and save time for delivery drivers, emergency responders, and even visitors.

Looking Ahead
While it may seem like a small issue, the lack of address standardization affects numerous industries. A push for standardization would greatly improve efficiency and safety for everyone involved.

Conclusion
The world of deliveries has changed. We’re no longer in the days when only the USPS knew our addresses. It’s time for us to adapt to the needs of modern delivery systems and emergency responders by making our addresses more visible and standardized. Let’s make our homes easier to find—because sometimes, it’s the small changes that make the biggest impact.

Watch the corresponding YouTube Video below:

Blog Post Title: Life’s Strange Synchronicities: Coincidences or Something More?

Have you ever noticed a pattern in your life so strong that it felt like The Most High (TMH) was trying to send you a message? The synchronicity I experienced the other day was one of those moments for me, and it made me pause and reflect on just how often this happens.

On Friday, I was called in for a delivery route I hadn’t been originally assigned. As I moved from stop to stop, something wild started to unfold. Packages and addresses started matching in strange ways—numbers like 13 on a package would appear in the address or I’d see sequences like 333 on both a package label and an address. It was happening so much that it felt like more than just chance; it felt like TMH was sending me signals.

Moments like these get me thinking about other synchronicities in my life. If you’ve ever read Stephen King’s 11/22/63, you’ll know what I mean. The main character discovers a wormhole in a diner that takes him back in time, and every time he tries to change history, he encounters strange coincidences and obstacles. At one point, a mysterious figure even warns him, “You’re not supposed to be here.” It’s as if certain things are set to happen, no matter what, and meddling with them causes ripples in time. This idea of preordained events or patterns echoes some of my own experiences with synchronicity, and it’s fascinating.

One of the strangest patterns in my life has been with the people I’ve dated. In high school, I dated a guy who was raised by his preacher grandfather—a true “PK” or preacher’s kid. Years later, in college, I dated another PK, though I hadn’t sought one out intentionally. Fast forward to my son’s father, whom I discovered only after we’d broken up, also had a preacher for a father. And today, I’m married to a wonderful man—whose father was also a preacher. It’s a strange but undeniable trend that I never consciously intended.

Names are another curious synchronicity. For a long time, I seemed to be drawn to men whose names started with the letter "D." However, I wasn’t exactly having the best luck with those relationships. Eventually, I told myself, "That’s it, I’m done with guys whose names start with 'D.'" Yet, here I am, married to a man whose name also starts with "D." It feels like another one of those unexplained nudges.

I know some people chalk this kind of thing up to the subconscious mind picking up on patterns. Maybe there’s some truth to that, but there’s also something mysterious and comforting about synchronicity. It reminds me that perhaps things happen for a reason, even if we don’t always understand it.

I wanted to share this because I know I’m not alone. Do you ever experience synchronicities like these? Moments where everything lines up in a way that feels just a bit too intentional to be random? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to hear your stories!

Thanks for reading, and until next time, stay curious. ✨

Essential Electronics for Gig Work: My Go-To Devices

Working in the gig economy means staying efficient and organized, especially with the right technology on hand. Here’s a breakdown of the electronics and apps I use to keep everything running smoothly during my workday, along with some tips and personal insights I’ve gained along the way.

My Primary Device: The Samsung Galaxy Ultra 22

As an Android enthusiast, my Galaxy Ultra 22 is essential for my gig work. I rely on it for everything from managing my orders to navigation. While I’m not a fan of iPhones, I do appreciate certain Apple products—my iPad being a prime example. But when it comes to smartphones, I’m all about Android.

Apps I Use Regularly:

- Delivery Apps: The apps specific to my gig work are obviously key. Each app is different, so I always keep it accessible on my phone’s home screen.

- Google Maps: Not only do I use Google Maps for navigation, but I also share my live location with my husband through it. It’s my go-to for finding efficient routes and keeping loved ones in the loop.

- InShot: For creating content, I rely on InShot’s paid version. I use it to create videos and thumbnails for my gig-related posts. Although I sometimes turn to Canva, InShot’s simplicity is my preference for editing thumbnails.

- YouTube: YouTube is my source of education, training, and catching up on books. I create a driving playlist that I revise daily so that the videos that I want to listen to plays automatically during my drives.

 The iPad: A Game-Changer for Battery Life

Recently, I added my iPad to my toolkit, and it’s been a game-changer, particularly for battery conservation. Since I often listen to podcasts and audiobooks on YouTube while driving, my phone’s battery was draining too quickly. Now, I’ve started using the iPad for YouTube so my phone battery lasts longer. I even create a “driving list” playlist in advance to make it easier to enjoy my content without constantly switching apps.

My Smartwatch: Health Tracking On the Road

A smartwatch is also part of my daily setup. It helps me track steps and monitor my heart rate—both of which keep me active and aware of my health. It’s a small tool, but it’s helpful when you’re working on the go all day.

The Adjustable Car Dash Cell Phone Holder

This dash cell phone holder has been a huge help. I have the holder attached to my windshield, which holds extremely well, with no jiggle. I can secure and release the phone with ease, and it has been found useful in making my YouTube videos. Before, I struggled to make videos in my car because I was trying to prop my phone on a mini tripod, which took way too long to set up. Now, with this adjustable holder, I can quickly switch my phone to landscape mode and start recording. It’s easy to remove and replace the phone in the holder, making it perfect for deliveries.

EZ Pass: Simplifying Tolls

To keep things moving efficiently, I use an EZ Pass for tolls. It was easy to set up, and I no longer have to stop or pay cash. Just drive through, and it handles the rest. You can purchase it at CVS, which is where I got mine. You create an account and it will automatically replenish your balance (when set up correctly).

Dash Cam: The VIOFO for Security

I recently invested in a VIOFO dash cam that records both front and rear views. It records in one-minute segments and starts automatically when I turn on my car. There’s a bit of a learning curve, especially with managing the SD card’s storage, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind it brings. I’d recommend getting a larger, industrial-grade SD card to avoid constantly reformatting or running out of space.

Challenges and Tips:

- SD Card Size: The smaller SD card I initially used filled up quickly. I plan to upgrade to a larger card to handle more footage without interruptions.

- Power Supply: Right now, the dash cam only records when my engine is running. I’m considering hardwiring it for continuous recording, especially in cases where I might need footage while my car is parked.

Final Thoughts: Building a Reliable Gig Setup

With my Galaxy Ultra 22 for orders and navigation, the iPad for YouTube and entertainment, my smartwatch for health tracking, and the dash cam for security, my setup is built to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Adding the EZ Pass and a reliable dash mount makes each delivery smoother, allowing me to focus on what matters most—getting the job done efficiently and safely.

Investing in the right electronics can make a big difference in the gig economy. This setup keeps me organized, improves my workflow, and helps me stay prepared for whatever my day brings.

** Visit my Fave's shop: https://linktr.ee/CarlaFaves **

Navigating the Gig Economy in My 40s: Why It’s Working for Me

As I edge closer to 50, I often find myself reflecting on how my life has changed since entering the gig economy. At 48, I didn't expect to be embracing gig work, but here I am, having started this journey in 2022 after retiring from my career due to the impact of COVID. Moving into gig work has been a positive shift for me, especially as I face the unique challenges and benefits that come with age.

Leaving the 9-to-5 Life

For two decades, I was a school psychologist. My days were filled with helping children, navigating red tape, and managing endless timelines. The work was rewarding, but also incredibly demanding and emotionally taxing. As the years went on, I found myself bringing home crates of paperwork, feeling overwhelmed, and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By the time COVID hit, the stress had reached a tipping point, and I realized it was time to step away. I needed a change that would allow me to support my family and my mental health.

Finding Freedom in Gig Work

At first, I started driving for Lyft, and it was refreshing to have the flexibility to set my own hours and avoid the constant oversight typical of traditional jobs. Working in the gig economy allowed me to structure my day on my own terms. No more micromanagement or impossible deadlines—I could choose how much to work and when. The mental freedom was a breath of fresh air.

I eventually branched out into more structured delivery gigs and even created an LLC for my courier business. Now, I work with a logistics company called Better Trucks, delivering packages for various companies. Although it’s physically demanding, I find satisfaction in each completed route, knowing that I’m in control of my work.

The Physical Side of Gig Work

Some might assume that gig work could be hard on someone my age, but it’s been quite the opposite. Coming from a job where I sat for most of the day, the physical activity of gig work has actually been a welcome change. In my role as a courier, I’m constantly moving—getting in and out of my car, carrying packages, and setting up my routes. It’s helped me stay active and feel healthier than I did sitting behind a desk.

One of the YouTube creators I follow inspired me to approach gig work with the same dedication as a traditional career. He shared stories about going the extra mile to show up early, step in when needed, and build a reputation for reliability. I adopted the same approach at Better Trucks, and it’s paid off. Now, I often get called directly for routes when extra drivers are needed, a sign that my effort is recognized and valued.

Adapting to Changes with Age

As a woman approaching 50, I’m also dealing with the challenges of perimenopause. These changes can sometimes make gig work harder, but the flexibility of the gig economy allows me to work around days when I might be fatigued or dealing with symptoms. If I’m not feeling up to a full day, I can scale back my hours or take a day off to rest. This freedom is invaluable and not something I could have done in a traditional job setting.

Building My Own Success

Another aspect I love about gig work is the sense of ownership it provides. I’m in the driver’s seat—literally and figuratively—when it comes to my earnings and my work-life balance. I set my own goals, decide how much I want to work, and can even pass up jobs that don’t align with my schedule. Over time, I’ve built a network, improved my efficiency, and learned how to make the most of each workday. Having my own LLC has opened doors to bigger opportunities and given me the ability to think of myself not just as a gig worker, but as a business owner.

A Positive Shift

Entering the gig economy later in life has been a positive move, offering flexibility, physical benefits, and a level of autonomy that I could never achieve in my previous career. For anyone considering gig work in their 40s or beyond, it’s entirely possible to make it work and even thrive. The key is to embrace the freedom, adapt to the physical demands, and take advantage of the ability to set your own path.

In a world where age is sometimes seen as a limitation, the gig economy has given me the chance to redefine what work looks like at this stage of life. I’m grateful for the journey and looking forward to where it will take me next.

The Gamification of YouTube: Is It Hurting or Helping Content Creators?

In recent weeks, I’ve noticed an interesting shift on YouTube, particularly within the gig economy space. It seems like almost every video on my feed is about one creator who’s blown up, bringing attention and mixed reviews. Some people are praising this creator, while others are calling them a scammer. Then there's another creator who was piggybacking off the first’s success, with content mainly focused on reacting to their videos rather than offering original insights. Oddly enough, this person inspired me to consider starting another YouTube channel—but soon after, their channel disappeared, sparking all kinds of speculation about why.

The drive to gain rapid attention and monetize content has transformed YouTube from a platform for sharing life stories, entertaining, or educating into something of a game. Creators are constantly talking about “breaking the algorithm,” “hacking YouTube,” or “going viral.” The goal isn’t simply to connect with viewers anymore; it’s to make money as quickly as possible. This trend made me pause and reflect on my own journey. Why did I start my YouTube channel in the first place? For me, it was about documenting my experiences as a gig worker and sharing insights on life as an independent contractor—connecting with others in a similar space and sharing tips.

Yet, as I continued, I started to see creators who seemed more focused on finding shortcuts than on creating genuine, valuable content. They encourage posting X number of videos per week, going live, downloading certain software—all strategies to hit those 4,000 watch hours as fast as possible. While I do want to monetize my channel eventually, I wonder: Am I here just for the revenue, or am I here to provide something meaningful to my audience?

A book I read, Think and Grow Rich, emphasizes the principle that our success is often tied to the value we offer to others. In the context of YouTube, that means prioritizing quality and authenticity over quick views and viral hits. It’s not about manipulating the system but about serving people and adding value to their lives.

There's a growing trend of "trend surfing," where people chase the latest popular topic or “clout chase” by using other YouTubers' names in their titles. If a creator genuinely wants to contribute to a conversation, they shouldn’t have to convince viewers they’re doing so for positive reasons. Authenticity doesn’t require constant justification.

Not all creators are in this rat race, though. There’s a couple I follow who consistently upload their daily ride-alongs as gig workers, sharing their experiences without dropping names or stirring up drama. They’re monetized, but their approach feels more genuine and relatable, focusing on their own journey rather than trying to “beat” YouTube.

This trend reminds me of the so-called “gamification” of trading, which happened with apps like Robinhood. While Robinhood lowered barriers to entry for trading, it also turned it into something that felt more like a game. In the same way, YouTube has become “easier” to get into, with an increasing number of strategies available to monetize quickly. But that ease has come at the cost of sincerity.

Ultimately, I hope to create a channel that reflects the reasons I started in the first place: to share my experiences and connect with a community of gig workers and independent contractors. I’d love to know your thoughts—has YouTube become too gamified? How do you feel about this shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow and share this blog if you enjoyed this post.

Watch my YouTube video on the topic below: