Like so many Chicagoans and people across the country, my whole world changed when COVID-19 hit in March of 2020. Just before the pandemic, I moved from my hometown of Rockford to Chicago to seek new opportunities and pursue a career. I had started my first big job as a multimedia editor, and couldn’t have been more excited to get to work, grow my skills, and connect with and learn from my new co-workers. However, when the pandemic began, everything I had worked towards slowly began to slip through my fingers.

It started with reduced hours, which turned into full days of being told to not work. As it became clear COVID would be part of our lives for months, not weeks, I lost my job completely in April 2020.

While just weeks before I had a great opportunity to put my creative skills to good use, and most importantly, support myself while doing so, I suddenly found myself in a situation I hoped to never find myself in. I had rent, utilities, and groceries to pay for — and I didn’t know what to do. I needed to find something that could help me pay my mounting bills, but I wanted something where I could create my own hours so I could continue to search for a job where I could express my creative talent and strengthen my skill set.

Then, I found out that third party platforms were growing and needed more drivers, so I signed up with DoorDash at the end of the Summer of 2020. I found that the opportunity was a perfect fit! I thrive in a fast-paced environment, so I loved how busy I could be jumping from back-to-back deliveries. As I accepted order after order over the first few months, I felt immense relief as my checking account began to grow again. Soon thereafter, I no longer had to worry every time my next rent check was due.

I’ve now been driving with DoorDash for almost a year, though the reason why I drive looks a little different today. At the beginning of 2021, I got a new job in the multimedia industry that has me back on track for the career I began before COVID. I use the money from my day job to pay my bills, but I’m still driving on evenings and weekends to earn money that helps me do more of what I love: taking road trips to some of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the United States. I’ve been to Washington Island, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and even the Pacific Northwest, all because of the extra money I earn through deliveries.

I also continue driving because, much like opening my eyes to new parts of the country, I’m able to explore new parts of Chicago and all of the different types of cuisines that it has to offer. Picking up deliveries takes me to restaurants I’ve never been to and helps me feel more connected to my new home here in the City.

My story is just my own, but I know that it is not unique. Thousands of Chicagoans lost their jobs during the pandemic, and were forced to seek out other options to make ends meet. I am grateful that DoorDash was there for me and provided a flexible solution to keep me afloat, and, beyond that, to thrive. Though the reason I need it has changed, I see third party platforms being part of my life for a long time. I hope they are able to continue to provide this opportunity for others just like me in the years to come. Sebastian R. Gonzalez is a DoorDash driver. He began Dashing in August 2020.