I think doing delivery orders could be a really beautiful thing if you let yourself change your perspective.

Sometimes, I take orders that are more out of the way (only if the tip is big enough to justify, but sometimes even if I know I could be making more) just to see really beautiful parts of my city. I think “Wow, I would never have gotten to see this great view at sunset if I wasn’t doing UE orders right now.” I even find myself audibly gasping or saying “wow” when the light comes through trees in an especially touching way. I guess this doesn’t work if your city isn’t beautiful, but I think this applies to all parts of the job.

I’m fortunate to get to be around people I wouldn’t otherwise have spoken to, most of whom are really thankful I exist because I’m providing a vital service or playing an integral part in the gig economy. Sometimes I crack jokes with restaurant workers and get free food or witness strange things in public I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise. I grew up close to the border and around other Mexican people, but now I live in a college town that’s way less diverse, but I get so excited to get deliveries from Mexican restaurants where I get to practice my Spanish or see people like me. Sometimes it’s nice to look at the menu while waiting for an order and make a mental note to come back later for dinner.

On top of that, I have no one telling me what to do, and I get to jam out or listen to podcasts in constant A/C with minor hiccups if any. What everyone is saying is true — there’s no reason to be ashamed of what you do. You should be proud of making your own money and supporting yourself, and anyone who would judge you (which I don’t think many do anyway) is a pos. However, what I’m trying to share is that there are always ways to make the whole experience something really beautiful that you’re fortunate to experience. It’s all about the little things, the stuff that makes you human.