This is part of a series of stories we’re sharing about independent workers. Since June is Pride Month, we’re recognizing members of the LGBTQIA+ community and bringing to light the unique stories and challenges they face. We spoke with Derrick to learn more about his experience as an LGBTQIA+ independent worker.

Hi, Derrick! Could you start off by telling us about yourself and your background?

Hi! My name is Derrick. I’m 27 years old and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I’m a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community (I represent the G!). During high school, I had plenty of hobbies and interests, but being an adult took priority. I loved drawing, painting...anything to do with art. After high school, I enrolled in college. I was the first in my family to even attempt to go. Breaking down generational curses was definitely my main motivating factor. Tyler Junior College (TJC) was my school of choice! While I didn’t finish back in 2014, I am pleased to say that I’m currently enrolled again and plan to study Psychology. My goal is to become some sort of mental health therapist to help change the stigma that runs so rampant in my community (the Black community) that we don’t need therapy. Never give up!

What kind of self-employed work do you do? What’s your favorite part about being self-employed?

Prior to becoming self-employed, I was always working jobs that required me to stock shelves in grocery stores. I've worked for almost all of the big chains like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Sprouts, etc. I’ve had many opportunities for promotions, but in the back of my mind, I’ve always known that I didn’t want to make it my career. 

Now, I’m my own boss working for SudShare! You can think of it as the Uber or Lyft of the laundry world. I really love this job. I get to make money doing the things I love the most—cleaning and streaming. I literally get to make money while watching TV. That’s a win-win if you ask me! 

Being your own boss is so liberating. My stress and anxiety is just about nonexistent. I can break when I want, work when I want, take a vacation when I want, and I don’t have to make up sick days anymore! Can I get an amen?!

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as being self-employed?

Some of the biggest challenges I face as being self-employed are:

1. Figuring out insurance  

2. Figuring out taxes! 

 I’m not going to speak for ALL of my community, but I can speak for a good majority of the Black community. Most of us aren’t raised being taught about financial literacy, taxes, insurance, etc. We are brought up in “survival mode,” so to speak. We’re taught how to survive, stay out of jail, and to graduate high school. Most of us are pushed out at 18, so we don’t get the chance to save up, build credit, or anything like that. 

 In my SudShare Facebook group, I came across this post that was talking about Stride and how they use the app to help them with their taxes, so I decided to look into it. Best decision I’ve made! I was originally going to use it to get help tracking my expenses and logging my mileage, and then I learned that Stride offered health insurance (affordable insurance at that!) amongst many other things. This app was such a game changer in my life. Thank you for existing, Stride!

What advice do you have for others who want to start doing 1099 work?

My advice is to TRACK EVERYTHING! I can’t stress that enough. I was able to track and log a lot of things related to my work that I didn’t even know I could log as an expense!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I see myself as a college graduate/business owner! I have this really cool idea for a candle company I want to start. It’s going to be so amazing. I also see myself more financially stable and literate and just an overall better version of myself than I am today with my partner and fur babies. I see it in the stars now!

Anything else you want to share that I didn't already ask?

I just really want to get across that I am so grateful to have found this company. It’s relieving so much stress. Took care of everything on my list in one application. I also want to say thank you all for giving me this opportunity! I wish you all the best and continued growth with the business. This is very needed in today’s world.

Thanks for you sharing your story and advice with us and the rest of the Stride community, Derrick!