Meet Jaynee Lockwood, a resourceful mother who turned her abilities as a homeschooling mother right into a worthwhile gig with Instacart — after which used what she realized to launch her subsequent profession transfer! On this put up, she explores how she made the leap from house educator to top-rated Instacart shopper, the methods that helped her stand out, and suggestions for anybody trying to maximize earnings with Instacart.
In January 2020, simply earlier than the world shut down, I signed as much as grow to be an Instacart shopper. It was really my oldest son, Timothy, who inspired me. “Mother, you’d be nice at this,” he stated. He wasn’t improper — with 12 youngsters (9 of them boys!), I’ve performed extra grocery buying in my lifetime than most individuals can think about.
On the time, I used to be a homeschooling mother who hadn’t labored a lot exterior the house — although I’d taught piano and cleaned homes right here and there. I signed up not likely realizing what to anticipate. After which COVID hit. Instacart exploded in a single day, and I discovered myself proper in the midst of one thing I genuinely loved — and was good at.
The pliability was unmatched. I may open the app every time I needed and take a batch — or not. Some days I did only one order. Different days, I labored 10–12 hours. I usually averaged 26–32 lively hours per week.
It was additionally extraordinarily worthwhile. I used to be grossing between $45–48/hour commonly — and that’s not together with the additional perks we get in California attributable to Prop 22, which ensures $18/hour plus mileage reimbursement (on high of suggestions).
The ideas had been phenomenal. Offering nice service at all times paid off — clients usually elevated their suggestions after the order was performed. Plus, they might depart compliments on the app, which made me really feel appreciated and related.
The train and motion had been a bonus. I attempted DoorDash too, however discovered it irritating to sit down within the automotive all day. With Instacart, I used to be strolling, shifting, getting my steps in, and staying lively whereas incomes cash.
It tapped into my pure strengths. I genuinely liked buying — from planning the most effective route via the shop to discovering the appropriate replacements. I even loved the Tetris-like problem of bagging gadgets rigorously and effectively.
I additionally liked interacting with retailer employees and clients. Over time, I received to know workers on the shops I shopped in commonly, which gave me a way of group — even whereas working independently.
Realities to Preserve in Thoughts
Whereas Instacart has been an enormous blessing, there are sensible issues to contemplate:
- Automotive Put on and Tear: You’ll put loads of miles in your automotive, so having a dependable, gas-efficient car is essential.
- Self-Employment: As a 1099 contractor, you’re answerable for your individual taxes. Be disciplined about setting cash apart.
- Mileage Monitoring: That is your largest tax deduction. Use a pocket book or mileage monitoring app to log all the pieces precisely.
- Presentation Issues: I invested in a low-cost automotive wash membership and stored my automotive clear. I didn’t need to ship groceries in a messy automotive — it simply didn’t sit proper with me.
- Effectivity Equals Earnings: Figuring out retailer layouts and planning your route mentally will increase your velocity, which implies increased earnings per hour.
The place I Am Now
Up to now, I’ve accomplished 3,045 Instacart orders — and each considered one of them helped in a season when our household wanted it.
These previous few years, I’ve shopped much less steadily as a result of I’ve began working alongside my husband. He was previously the final supervisor of a SERVPRO in our city, however extra not too long ago, we launched our personal catastrophe restoration enterprise — and it’s been a pleasure constructing one thing collectively.
Now, my days look totally different. 4 of our sons (nonetheless residing at house) work within the enterprise with us, and I’m nonetheless homeschooling — with only a junior and senior left to graduate. It’s a full life, and I’m grateful for it.
The Ongoing Flexibility
The great thing about Instacart is — I can nonetheless store every time I would like. If I would like extra cash for a visit, to bless a buddy, or to assist cowl a invoice, I can bounce on the app anytime. Inside two hours of finishing an order, I can money out my earnings (for a small $0.50 payment), or just look ahead to the weekly direct deposit. That sort of flexibility is uncommon — and it’s one thing I nonetheless worth.
Last Ideas
Instacart was greater than a aspect hustle for me — it was a stepping stone. It crammed a monetary hole after I wanted it, gave me confidence after years of being at house, and jogged my memory that the talents I used each day as a mother had been precious in the true world, too.
Whether or not you’re a stay-at-home mother in search of revenue, a homeschooler needing flexibility, or simply somebody who loves buying and serving others — it is likely to be price trying into.
Jaynee Lockwood is spouse to Daniel and mama to 12 (9 sons and three daughters), with ages starting from 28 all the way down to 16. She and her husband stay in Daniel and I stay in Redding, California, the place they personal and run their household enterprise, Rush Aid Restoration Companies. She has been homeschooling for 25 years and has simply two years left together with her youngest boys, who at the moment are a junior and senior in highschool. She’s additionally a proud Mimi to 2 grandbabies, with one other one on the best way this fall.
