weightlifting
"This is the worst aisle in the store" said Bob, a very cool (in my opine) ex-correctional officer/ Marine who was showing me the ropes on the job I have inherited at work- I was given my assignment this morning. What he meant by "worst" was that it was grueling.
The aisle in question involves flooring- stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. On the top of the bays are the lighter stuff, but at the bottom of the aisles are the cases of 12 and 16 inch tiles- a good 50/60 pounds a piece. A pallet to sort out weighs about 2,500 pounds, if decently stocked. Concrete and roofing tile is heavier, weighing out at maybe 4K a pallet, but nobody gives a damn how that is presented. Flooring tile is different. It should be neat.
This is my job. Three pallets per bay, 8 bays in the aisle. Do the math. (not that ALL have to be shoved around, thank God, but many have to be touched)
At first I felt a little sick, because anyone who has seen me understands that I have the physicality of a slightly wounded sapling. However, this weight is around my threshold, as my wiry ass CAN do repetition. But god, no, not bulk. 50 pounds isn't bulk, but wow. After the 34th case of something, I was showing my unsavory out-of-fitness.
But in a curious, sick way, I like this prospect. It's like going to the gym, and getting paid for it. Also, it's the strange concentration you get when all your energy is pushed into a single action- and for my ADD ass, this is a blessing. As well, you come home whupped, but comfortably weary. Physically weary is way different than stressy weary.
It'll either make me, or break me. I've developed a little leather in my life when set to task, and I want to see if I can do it. There would be quite a few who would look at this and say "pass." I don't like to see challenges intimidate me when it comes to a workplace. I want to do it, and do it well.
What I was told by Bob this morning as I was sweating and wrestling with cases was "This work will make ya strong."
I'm hoping so.
`
The aisle in question involves flooring- stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. On the top of the bays are the lighter stuff, but at the bottom of the aisles are the cases of 12 and 16 inch tiles- a good 50/60 pounds a piece. A pallet to sort out weighs about 2,500 pounds, if decently stocked. Concrete and roofing tile is heavier, weighing out at maybe 4K a pallet, but nobody gives a damn how that is presented. Flooring tile is different. It should be neat.
This is my job. Three pallets per bay, 8 bays in the aisle. Do the math. (not that ALL have to be shoved around, thank God, but many have to be touched)
At first I felt a little sick, because anyone who has seen me understands that I have the physicality of a slightly wounded sapling. However, this weight is around my threshold, as my wiry ass CAN do repetition. But god, no, not bulk. 50 pounds isn't bulk, but wow. After the 34th case of something, I was showing my unsavory out-of-fitness.
But in a curious, sick way, I like this prospect. It's like going to the gym, and getting paid for it. Also, it's the strange concentration you get when all your energy is pushed into a single action- and for my ADD ass, this is a blessing. As well, you come home whupped, but comfortably weary. Physically weary is way different than stressy weary.
It'll either make me, or break me. I've developed a little leather in my life when set to task, and I want to see if I can do it. There would be quite a few who would look at this and say "pass." I don't like to see challenges intimidate me when it comes to a workplace. I want to do it, and do it well.
What I was told by Bob this morning as I was sweating and wrestling with cases was "This work will make ya strong."
I'm hoping so.
`