This past weekend I spent my first two shifts as a laborer in a warehouse for an events company and I have many thoughts about it.
My first thought is — I’m tired.
My second thoughts are — My arms hurt and my whole body hurts.
I will not have soft hands for long. They were chapped by the end of each day.
It felt good though. I knew this was making me stronger and I really felt that I was working. It’s obviously a very different sensation than typing on a keyboard and clicking send. It’s infinitely more rewarding because you are physically completing the tasks asked of you.
Could I do this for 8 hours 5 days a week? Yeah, probably. I would be popping advil and icing myself at the end of every day for the first few weeks, but eventually I think your body gets used to the demands of the job.
It’s not union which is clearly awful. I got a piece of sawdust in my eye and for a split second wondered what the fuck would happen if it did something to my eye. No insurance. Would I be on my own? Clock out and go take care of it?
There are some workers who pride themselves on their disregard for safety which is also awful and terrifying. You are counting on these people to hold their weight and their standards may be significantly lower than yours. Right away I can also see who’s lazy and who works hard. Coincidentally, those less concerned with safety generally are harder workers.
Unfortunately, a union might destroy this business unless things were meted out in a way that really allows for the business owner to maintain a profit.
All this to say – I’ve doubled my efforts in applying to jobs today. I missed two days of application sending time and need to get back on track.
To pursue a career in skilled labor/the trades at this point is to double back 4 years. My experience, to my detriment, is in the office environment.
Let me say again, I resent the office. I resent the attitudes and the self importance of white collar work. There should be an IT union, an accounting union, an HR union, a scientist union, and any other class of professional.
I’m frustrated about it all. I’m still angry with the rejections I’ve been handed and was reminded of it today by seeing one company repost the job I was interviewed for. So basically there wasn’t anyone else and they need more applicants. I have the qualifications so who the fuck even knows. Maybe they want someone with more years. Maybe I said something stupid in the interview. I have no idea anymore. They never responded to my feedback request – as was expected.
Fuck emmmmmmm. I have a lot to think about going forward. We’ll see.
Blanc Thoughts 