Walking unto the famous Grand Anse beach in Grenada, a familiar gentleman said to me, “When I grow up, I want to be like you.” Those are the words directed towards me by acquaintances and casual people in conversation. To interpret, it means that there is a desire to live like me, based on what they have seen. And what have they seen? A young woman on a sabbatical. I am currently in the third month of my ‘vacation’, having bought a one-way ticket to Grenada. I write this piece to give hope to those who feel bogged down by the 8 to 4 routine. I used to be that kind of person until I had had enough of that life. Here is how I can do what I want, when I want.
When I do work, I Labour
I work hard. I am an independent contractor doing several gig jobs. The main one is Instacart with Shipt, Cornershop, and GrubHub being minor players. Essentially, they are on demand apps which bring together customers and shoppers/delivery people to get their goods or foods to their doorsteps. Check out my Blog on dillatalkscom.wordpress.com Instacart; I did for 60 days and here is why you should consider it (wordpress.com)Instacart experience and how it works. On days when I have great earning opportunities, I work long hours, up to 12 hours sometimes. My brother always checks in on me to see my earnings and would ask, “is this your last batch”? If it is a good day, my response is “I work until it is no longer good.” The work is physically demanding. It sometimes requires toting cases of water and other beverages up three or four flights of stairs to customer’s apartments. Seattle is known for its wet weather, so the continuous rain does not exempt me from working on any day, (but snow will).
It is all about Flexibility
Gig work means flexibility in terms of days worked and hours worked per day. I recently took a 4-day family trip to Anacortes. I did not have to request time off or get my vacation request approved or denied as was the case at a previous employer. I just planned the trip and then left. Gig work is so flexible that I can take a week off or a month or two if I so choose, and then pick up right where I left off.
Frugality Helps a Whole Lot
I am not in any way rich, but I have always prioritized what I spend my monies on. I consider myself frugal, so I keep material possessions to the necessaries. How many winter boots do I need? The answer is obvious for me, ONE. Do I need to buy new outfits for each occasion, or can I rewear it? I once had a dress I referred to as my ‘wedding dress.’ It became the dress I wore at all weddings that I was a guest at. It does not bother me that I was already seen in it. I wear socks until they no longer serve the purpose – holes on the heels. For me monies should be spent on experiences, rather than material things.
Dreams do come true
In all honesty, I have never wanted to work. It was not an ideal, I aspired to. So, when the opportunity presents itself, I do not work. Man, it is such a liberating feeling to be able to hop on a plane and become immersed in a different culture. Let me say, Japan, one day I will see you in the flesh, even though Covid-19 cancelled my trip.
So, for all of you who find your current situation stifling, and want to take the leap into freedom, go ahead, DO.
DillaTalks 