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🗓️ 21 may 2026
🕒 Reading time: 10 Minutes
Testimonials
The power of a paper route: Iris’s story of recovery and growth
While most people are still turning over in bed, the soft rustling of newspapers and bicycle bags can already be heard in Kollum, Friesland. At that moment, Iris Janse (36) starts her workday as a newspaper delivery driver. A job that has not only brought her structure and movement, but above all confidence and joy.
Iris lives with her boyfriend and their lively mix of pets—two dogs, a cat, and kittens—in what she calls “small but cozy” Kollum. Originally from Zoetermeer, Friesland has felt like home for nearly ten years now. The past few years were tough: Iris was recovering from depression and burnout. It was during that period that delivering newspapers turned out to be an unexpected turning point.
Taking steps forward again
After her benefits were discontinued by the Dutch social services (UWV) following reassessments, Iris decided to carefully ease back into work. She started by delivering a weekly newspaper, then gradually added extra routes and flyer rounds. But one wish kept coming back.
“What I really wanted most was a morning route.”
When that opportunity came up in nearby Buitenpost, she grabbed it with both hands. Since the end of March, Iris has had her own morning newspaper route—and it feels like the perfect next step.
A quiet start to the day
A typical delivery day starts early. The alarm goes off at 4 a.m., and before 4:30 Iris is on her bike heading to the depot. There, she sorts her newspapers, puts them into her bike bags, and heads out on her route. She’s usually finished between 6:00 and 6:15 a.m.
What makes that early hour so special? For Iris, it’s actually the best moment of the day.
“As soon as I leave home, the sky is full of stars. While I’m delivering, the sky gradually changes color. You can see the animals waking up, and that makes it special every single time.”
The calm, the silence, and the rural surroundings make the work feel almost meditative. And the physical activity? That’s a welcome bonus.
Being part of society again
For Iris, delivering newspapers means more than just income. After a long period of illness, she felt disconnected from society. This job helped her regain that feeling.
“Through this work, I feel like I’m part of things again.”
She also quickly noticed physical changes. Due to medication, she had gained weight, but the daily cycling and walking helped her become fitter and lose weight. Still, the most important result is internal.
“Especially my self-confidence and self-worth have improved tremendously.”
A job that fits her life
Delivering newspapers fits well into Iris’s daily life. Together with her boyfriend, who works in hospitality, she carefully plans everything.
“Planning—lots of planning,” she says with a laugh.
Because their working hours are different, they complement each other perfectly—and so they can also take care of their dogs, who don’t like being alone.
She also appreciates the flexibility of the job. She can set her own pace, and the deadlines are manageable—even on weekends.
Satisfaction on two wheels
After finishing a round, Iris feels fulfilled.
“People will wake up with the news on their doorstep. It doesn’t feel like a burden, but like: a good start to the day.”
It’s a feeling she wishes for others too. Would she recommend the job? Without hesitation.
“You get used to it quickly. It’s nice to earn some extra money while making a difference for the people you deliver to.”
When asked to describe the job in three words, she doesn’t hesitate: challenge, gratitude, and personal growth.
There may not be a better way to describe newspaper delivery.
Be inspired & discover more stories
For Iris, delivering newspapers is much more than just a side job—it’s a way of giving direction back to her life.
On behalf of Bezorgdekrant.nl, we would like to sincerely thank Iris for sharing her personal and inspiring story. Her experience shows just how valuable and meaningful this work can be.
Curious to read more stories like this? Keep an eye on our website for new blogs and testimonials from our delivery staff.
Do you have an inspiring story of your own that you would like to share? Send it to info@bezorgdekrant.nl.
Discover more experiences from our newspaper deliverers!
I started delivering newspapers because I love being outside. I feel free, early in the mornings when I have got the whole street to myself. I feel fit everyday and thats what makes newspaper delivery so great!
It's just nice work to do. Outside, fresh air, some exercise and nice earnings. Usually I just listen to music. I have bought a headset and now I am saving for a car!
It's great exercise and you get the see the nature waking up. You stay fit and it's great to empty your mind. Elderly people tend to stay indoors more, but I love being outside.
Its is great being outside. I feel like I've got the whole world to myself. I use the money to go out for dinners, holidays and I got my drivers license with it. It is a lovely start of the day.
I deliver the newspapers together with my dog. We both get our exercise. I find it important to be there for my family and this way I work in the morning and I am home in time to have breakfast with my children.
Since I started the newspaper route, I've lost thirty kilograms. I feel much fitter, much more energetic. It has really brought me a lot!
The benefit of delivering newspapers, in my opinion: no hassle, no nagging, just enjoying your own company. Yes, that's what I like.
I was in a depressive mood, so delivering newspapers gave me structure. I had to get up at 6 am to ensure the newspaper was in the mailbox by 7 am. And that helped me tremendously.
It’s nice to earn some extra money while making a difference for the people you deliver to.
🚴♂️💨 Everything you need to know about newspaper delivery
💰 Earnings of a newspaper deliverer
As a newspaper deliverer, you earn an attractive €15.56 per hourly route. Depending on the size of your route, you’re often only working for about an hour a day, making it easy to combine with other activities like studying or part-time work.
🕒 Working hours of a newspaper deliverer
If you want to deliver the morning newspaper, you’ll do so six days a week, Monday through Friday before 7:00 AM, and on Saturdays before 9:00 AM. ☀️
Curious to know more? Read all about the process of newspaper delivery, from the benefits and requirements to planning the right delivery route.