For most of us, Ramadan is a time where our patience gets tested as our body goes through changes while going about our daily tasks. It is especially tough for Grab Delivery-Partners who work tirelessly to make sure that we can break fast with proper meals! We spent a day with Evayanti, who has been a Grab Delivery-Partner since last year, on top of her full-time job as a Training Officer in a Security Department. We asked her about the highs and lows of being a Delivery-Partner, her favourite part of the job and the challenges faced — especially during Ramadan. Read on to find out how you can show your appreciation to these essential workers! ?
How long have you been working as a Grab Delivery-Partner?
I’ve been working as a Grab Delivery-Partner since Nov 2020 as I thought it was a good opportunity. I usually follow the flow and work at my own pace by walking. At the start, I worked twice or thrice a week, now I work every day for about 2 to 3 hours.
Not everyone wants to be a Grab Delivery-Partner as it can be quite tiring. What made you take on this job?
I wanted to get extra income for myself and my family. I live with my kids (aged 5 and 12), parents and two sisters. I'm basically supporting my household, paying our bills and groceries. So, this job helps offset my daily expenses. My dad has been a stroke patient for 9 years and my mother quit her job to take care of him.
I love that the job is flexible and I have the comfort of working near home. There are challenges and obstacles but I get extra income to put aside for myself and my kids.
What’s your working day like during Ramadan?
I work at my full-time job from 7:30am to about 4:30pm or 5:30pm on weekdays. I break fast with my family at home and start delivering from 7:45pm. On some weekends, I'll leave my house at 4pm to deliver for GrabFood after work too. I'll reach home by 10:15pm.
Ramadan is a time when we are encouraged to exercise patience even when facing obstacles. What’s the biggest challenge of working as a Grab Delivery-Partner during Ramadan and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is getting less orders. Hari Raya is coming soon and there are things I need to buy. During Ramadan, I'll work the usual weekend shift and sometimes there'll only be 2 or 3 orders. A lot of people might have already prepared food in advance, or they buy food outside at the mini bazaars. That's why we get less orders. It's a challenging month. One time, I was working from 7:45pm till 10pm and no orders came in. I felt demoralised but I told myself to accept it. During these slower periods, I'll walk around the vicinity and wait.
When it’s hot, I feel very thirsty and when it rains, I also have to continue delivering. Though I use a raincoat or umbrella, it gets uncomfortable when my bag or shoes get wet while walking. Sometimes, I want to be home in time to break fast, but when I get an order, I tell myself I have to fulfil it. Luckily, some merchants are kind enough to give me some dates to break fast with. Walking and delivering food can get very tiring but I always try to motivate myself.
One message I’d like to say to other fellow GrabFood Delivery-Partners is that doing GrabFood deliveries during Ramadan is indeed a great challenge. With patience and endurance, we will make it as Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion.
Chin up, smile and say ‘I can do this till sunset’!
P.S. To show your appreciation for their hard work, you can Buy your Grab Delivery-Partner A Meal from 25 merchants on GrabFood this Ramadan, available from 19 Apr - 12 May 2021! Read till the end to find out more.
It’s not easy juggling two jobs and spending day and night working. How do you spend quality time with your family during Ramadan despite your working hours?
Credit: Evayanti
Before I head to work in the evening, I will spend at least 15 to 30 minutes with my kids. I feed them and give them my attention as they talk about their day. Despite the tiring 2-3 hours of work at night, I'll come home, shower and chat with my mother and son before putting him to bed. After breaking fast on the weekends, I'll try to go out with my son and husband. My son has eczema and needs a lot of patience, time and care. By talking to him and listening to his stories, I get to bond with him every day.
What’s your favourite thing about working as a Grab Delivery-Partner?
Credit: Evayanti
My favourite part about the job is getting to meet new riders, walkers and cyclists who are also delivering via GrabFood. Sometimes I gather with my group of walker friends and we will turn on our Grab apps to receive orders together. I have three different group chats! Everyone is so helpful and friendly. I'm a very jovial and outspoken person so I'll say 'hi' to people I meet and we’ll have a conversation. For me, it's about gaining more experience, so if I have anything to clarify I'll ask them.
I’ve had times when customers don’t answer their door when the food is being delivered. So, I quickly refer to my group chats and ask them for advice. That’s how we usually help each other out.
What’s the nicest thing a customer has done for you while working as a Grab Delivery-Partner?
Sometimes, I'll receive a message saying 'Please be safe' and some people give me tips of $1-$2. If an order is taking longer than expected, it’s comforting when customers assure me that they understand. A few customers will give me water when I arrive and remind me to hydrate. During Chinese New Year, I'll get red packets at times too. I feel touched that they care enough to show their appreciation and it makes me excited to work. Whenever I receive a smile from a customer, that brightens my day too.
A small act of kindness goes a long way! To show your appreciation to Grab Delivery-Partners who go through challenges in order to deliver meals to us, you can Buy your Delivery-Partner A Meal from 25 merchants on GrabFood this Ramadan, available from 19 Apr - 12 May 2021. When you order your next GrabFood meal, add on menu items such as the ‘Rider Special’ consisting of chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and Pepsi from Popeyes, a McChicken meal from McDonald's, Spaghetti Aglio Olio from Swensen’s, Encik Tan, Uncle Penyet and more! It will surely make their day when we show them just how much we appreciate their hard work ?
This article is brought to you by Grab.