This post is part of a series focused on the unique stories of independent workers. We spoke with Stride member Kara to learn more about her experience as an Instacart shopper, and how shopping with Instacart gave her and her three daughters the freedom — and vacation — they always dreamed of.

Hi, Kara! Could you start off by telling us about yourself?

I’m a single mom to three girls, ages 17, 16, and 9 years old. We live in a small, rural town in Pennsylvania. I have a very strong family foundation, and my mom is my inspiration. I’d like to think that my work ethic and sense of independence came from her. I shop with Instacart full-time, but I also work alongside my mom as a wedding and event planner when she needs me.

Can you tell us about your journey shopping with Instacart?

After being a stay-at-home mother for the past eight years, I was at a point where I needed a change in my life. More importantly, I wanted to separate myself and my three daughters from an unhealthy marriage. I was solely dependent on my husband during our marriage. Our household income was very sporadic. I felt stuck, but I wasn’t sure what my next role would be after not working for eight years to take care of my daughters. It was a tough time, but this experience helped mold me into being more headstrong and independent.

A few months before the pandemic started, I stumbled upon a friend’s Facebook post, which mentioned Instacart. I had never heard of Instacart before, but after some research, I thought to myself, “Wow, I can do this!” I signed up to shop with Instacart, and within three months, I saved up enough money to put down a deposit and pay rent for a place of my own for me and the girls. It worked out so well because I could arrange my own hours and how much I’m making.

In the eight years I was married, we never were able to afford vacations. This past summer was the first time I could take a vacation with my daughters in over 10 years. Things have never been better, and I can only attribute that to the opportunities that Instacart has provided to me. There is no way I would be able to fully support three growing girls, maintain our home, and still enjoy a vacation if it weren’t for Instacart. 

I simply am so grateful. Prior to having my youngest daughter, I worked a management-level office job—I never imagined that gig work would end up being my passion. I am living better now than when I was working in a corporate environment and using a degree from a university, which I was still struggling to pay for. We’ve had our first vacation in 10 years together this summer, I’ve paid off my car, and I am happy knowing I’m able to sleep stress-free every night. I absolutely love being an Instacart shopper, and I can't say enough good things about it. While there are both good and challenging days, the good far outweighs the bad!

(If you want to sign up to be an Instacart shopper, you can use this link and Kara will get a small referral bonus)

Were there any unique challenges you faced as an independent worker? If so, how did you handle them?

Starting to shop with Instacart in the midst of a pandemic was a challenge within itself, as I’ve never been in a situation like this before. Navigating through all of the ever-changing restrictions and trying to remain healthy while continuing to work to support my family was a challenge every day. 

How did you hear about Stride?

Like Instacart, the Stride app is also something I happened to stumble upon on social media. It was recommended to me as an excellent source for tracking expenses for tax purposes. Stride is the only app I use to help track my expenses and prepare for tax season. 2020 was the first year I had to file taxes as an independent worker, and I had everything I needed in order to correctly expense items for my 1099 filing. Stride is so easy and the app is simple to navigate. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to file taxes on my own this year, but Stride made it completely possible.

What advice would you give to other independent workers?

You will get out of it what you put in!

Thanks for sharing your story with the Stride community, Kara!

(If you want to sign up to be an Instacart shopper, you can use this link and Kara will get a small referral bonus)