Choosing the Right Days to Work (and the Right Days to Call Off)

One thing I’ve learned over time is that not all workdays are created equal.

I work as a security guard, and that gives me something important: stability. A guaranteed hourly rate, scheduled shifts, and consistent income. That’s the backbone. But on top of that, I also hustle—Uber, Lyft, deliveries, and whatever makes sense on the streets of Los Angeles.

At some point, I realized something simple but powerful:

There are certain days where the math just doesn’t add up to stay at work.

Not because I don’t like my job—but because on specific days, events, or holidays, I can make more money by being mobile than standing a post. That’s when strategy comes in.

This blog isn’t about skipping work randomly.

It’s about planning ahead.

I started looking at the calendar months in advance—sometimes six months, sometimes a full year—and circling days that historically bring higher earnings. Holidays, major events, nights when people go out more, drink more, travel more, or don’t want to drive at all.

On those days, I do the math:

• Am I getting overtime?
• Is there holiday pay?
• Or can Uber and Lyft outperform my hourly rate?

If overtime is on the table, cool—I’ll stay.

If not, I call it how it is: the streets pay better that day.

In the next sections, I’ll break down specific days—like Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and other major moments—where calling off isn’t lazy… it’s logical.

This is how I protect my time, maximize my income, and move smarter—not harder 🚶♂️💸