By Madelyn Moore, Staff Writer

As technology continues to advance, convenience does as well. Door Dashing has become a popular way to order food, with it conveniently brought to your door. 

“You decide when, where, and how much you work. Work on your schedule and forget about reporting to an office- or a boss,” Door Dash said, regarding becoming a Dasher. 

Many teenagers as well as adults are making Door Dashing a new hobby and even a career. 

Carolyn Casey, a recent graduate, started Door Dashing because she hoped to make some extra money, and was looking for something else to do in her free time.

 “I was working at the time, but my hours of availability were weird, and I wasn’t scheduled as often as I would like, so I hopped on DoorDash to make extra money,” Casey said. 

Casey explained that there are other benefits that are attached to Dashing as well. 

“I have met some really sweet customers who genuinely are great people, and I have gotten to know the Salem area really well and go into areas I’ve never been in before,” Casey said. “Plus, I am very good at giving directions to people now because of Door Dashing.”

Her least favorite order was a shop and delivery order in which the customer ordered 3 cases of water of 40 count water. 

“They lived in an apartment building where I had to climb a few flights of stairs to get to their door,” Casey said. “When I finally completed the workout, the customer didn’t leave a tip.” 

She added that Door Dashing was a fun short-term gig incredibly helpful at the time. 

Casey’s advice for new Dashers is, “Be patient, especially with the business. They’re also working and they’re trying their best. If the wait is bad, just send a quick message to the customer, and they generally are very appreciative and understanding.”

Jennifer Martin, a Salem School Counselor who enjoys Dashing on the side, has been dashing for over a year and has completed over 1000 deliveries. 

“It is fun to see people I know, and shock a few of my students when I show up with their order (or to pick an order up at their place of employment),” Martin said. “It has helped me build a co-worker relationship with some students. They see me in a different light.” 

She also appreciates being able to set her own hours and the flexibility that comes with Door Dashing. 

“If I don't want to work this evening, I don't have to, and I don't have to report to a job from 4-9 pm,” Martin said. 

She added that there are difficulties and challenges sometimes when an address isn't clear on a mailbox or if Martin is delivering in an area with poor cell service. 

“Once during a storm, my cell phone service was down,” Martin said. “I delivered a pizza using a map drawn on the back of a napkin.”  

 She started Door Dashing as a "summer gig" to see if it was something she might want to do when she retires. 

“I see myself continuing to DoorDash, and I also Uber some when I'm in Louisville and make deliveries for Walmart too,” Martin said.   

Her best advice: Have fun with it. Smile. Meet new people. Always be safe.