Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a small side job or something to bring in a little extra income. Not a full-time job, but just enough to give us some wiggle room—specifically, to fund our Lyft rides so I can take the girls out to more places. As much as I love our adventures, it does add up when you can’t drive yourself. Being blind means that driving isn’t an option for me, which can be incredibly frustrating at times. I often find myself relying on ride-sharing services to get around, and while they’re convenient, they’re not cheap!
I’ve tried filling out surveys online to make some extra cash, but let me tell you, it gets tedious fast. Sitting at a computer for longer than I’d like, navigating through survey after survey, only to find out that I didn’t qualify for some of them—it can be quite discouraging. Plus, it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world to spend hours doing.
The search for a side gig that suits my needs feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. I want something flexible, something I can do from home, and something that doesn’t require me to be in front of a screen all day. I’ve thought about trying out different things—maybe freelance writing or even tutoring online, considering my 20 years of teaching experience. But finding the right fit that aligns with my schedule and abilities has been a challenge.
It’s moments like these that remind me of the limitations I face as a blind person, and it can be tough. I often find myself wishing for just a bit more freedom, a bit more ease in getting around. But we keep pushing forward, don’t we? We adapt, we find workarounds, and we keep searching for what works best.
In the meantime, I’m trying to stay hopeful. Maybe I’ll find that perfect side gig soon, one that doesn’t involve endless surveys or too much screen time. One step at a time, right?
Until next time, friends!
The Dappled Odysseys 