This interview is based on a conversation with Emma Miller, 32, a mom of two from Columbia, South Carolina. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I decided to change my living situation in June 2025 because I wanted to have my own place with my daughter, Emory, 2.
The sense of independence appealed to me and, even though it wasn’t ideal, we moved into a motel.
Emory and I shared the king-size bed. It was cozy. Meanwhile, my son, Chace, 10, was comfortable staying with my parents at their house near his school, where he had his own bedroom.
I worked as a kitchen prep cook for $11 an hour. My earnings weren’t enough to cover the $60-a-night motel fee, but I was determined to make it work.
It was essential for me to find more than one stream of income, and I thought long and hard about what I could do.
I couldn’t afford a babysitter
Some of my friends were delivering for DoorDash, and I was attracted to the flexible hours. I realized I could do it after my shift at the restaurant.
Emory went to day care when I was in my regular job, but it was easy for me to take her on DoorDash runs in the afternoon and early evenings.
There’s no way I could have taken on another job if I had to pay a babysitter. It would have defeated the purpose.
We’d amuse ourselves in the restaurant or takeout place if there was a long wait, then I’d drive to the destination. I’d take Emory out of her car seat and carry her to the customer’s door to drop off the delivery.
DoorDash pays you a flat fee. You end up relying on tips. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, and the amount varies widely between customers.
Fortunately, the motel’s owners were extremely kind. They didn’t mind when I had to pay them nightly, rather than weekly.
As a result, I took pride in earning enough each day to cover the fee in cash.
One night, I was worried I wouldn’t make the $60. I worked so hard, but at the end of the shift, I was $20 short. I was about to give up. Then it was almost like a miracle had happened. My last customer handed me a folded-up bill as a tip. I assumed it was just a couple of dollars.
To my amazement, it was $20. I’d made it. I was recording a TikTok at the time, and the video went viral, getting 3 million views.
I’m saving up money every day
People were supportive. They saw my willingness to work hard and not rely on benefits. I even started donating plasma twice a week for a total $120.
By November, I’d built up enough money to start renting a mobile home for $950 a month. It felt great to finally have a permanent place for Emory and me, and for Jace to stay on weekends.
But it hasn’t been plain sailing. Last month, my Jeep broke down for good, and I no longer had the means to drive. It was impossible to get to my job at the restaurant anymore, so I had to leave.
Still, I’m doing DoorDash three or four times a week, using my mom’s car, and saving up money every day. I’m determined to get my family where we want to be.
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