College Fees to Pay? This Delhi Student’s Swiggy Side Hustle Says It All:

In a compelling testament to determination, a 20-year-old Delhi University student is juggling academics and part-time work to finance his education. Pursuing triple honors in Computer Science, German, and Psychology, he serves as a Swiggy delivery agent during evenings to cover his college fees. His journey, shared through a Reddit AMA session, offers insights into the challenges and rewards of balancing rigorous studies with part-time employment.

Balancing Academics and Employment

The student’s daily routine is a blend of intensive academic commitments and part-time work. He dedicates his daytime hours to attending lectures and completing coursework, while his evenings are reserved for delivering orders across Delhi. This dual engagement not only aids in funding his education but also instills a sense of financial independence and time management.

Swiggy Earnings and Work Schedule

Through his part-time role with Swiggy, the student earns between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 monthly. He shared detailed earnings from specific periods:

• February 17-23: Worked 4 hours and 46 minutes, earning ₹722.
• February 10-16: Worked over 10 hours, earning ₹1,990.
• Week starting February 3: Worked over 19.5 hours, earning ₹3,117.

Over four weeks since January 27, his total earnings surpassed ₹7,200. He also incurs daily expenses of approximately ₹100-150 on petrol.

Challenges Faced

Working as a delivery agent presents several challenges. The student highlighted instances of low compensation, citing a delivery where he was paid ₹23 for covering 8.4 km in 28 minutes, which included ₹10 as ‘travel pay’ and ₹13 as ‘surge bonus’. Additionally, he recounted a distressing experience where a customer threatened him due to a delayed delivery caused by late-night route barricades.

Memorable Experiences

Amidst the challenges, the student cherishes uplifting moments. He fondly recalled delivering sweets to a young girl in a hospital, who danced with joy upon receiving the order. The girl shared that her mother had just given birth to her brother and even offered him a ₹100 tip, leaving a lasting positive impression.

Conclusion

This student’s story exemplifies resilience and dedication, highlighting the lengths to which individuals go to achieve their educational aspirations. Balancing a demanding academic schedule with part-time work, he not only supports his education financially but also gains invaluable life experiences.