I have some exciting news! After nearly five months at UPS as a warehouse worker, I recently began training to become a package car driver.
This is a big step up for me. It means moving from part-time early mornings to full-time days. I also earn a higher wage and get to wear the iconic brown uniform. I’m proud, excited, and truth be told a bit nervous. But more than anything I’m grateful.
I’m giving much thanks this Thanksgiving. I have the usual things to be grateful for, like good health and the love of family and friends. But I’m especially thankful for my work.
That may sound strange. After all, I lost what I thought would be my forever job. I’ve been forced to start a new career in a field where I very much feel like a fish out of water. I went from working for a small, community-based employer to one of the largest employers in the world.
But I am thankful. I’m thankful for my time in the warehouse, and now I’m thankful for the opportunity to join the ranks of package car drivers.
Why am I thankful? I can think of at least five reasons:
- I’m thankful that I’m seen by my supervisors. On preload, first Cody and then Jake took the time to assess my strengths and put me in roles where I could shine and contribute meaningfully to the effort. Likewise, based on all my interactions thus far with my on-road supervisors I feel like I’m being set up for success as a driver.
- I’m thankful that I’m valued by my coworkers. I still see my old team from preload each morning when our shifts overlap. They’re genuinely happy for my promotion: all the people I’ve name-checked are cheering me on. Meanwhile, my fellow drivers have been very supportive, helping me work through all the times I’ve gotten myself stuck, both literally and figuratively.
- I’m thankful that my work challenges me. Every day. Physically and mentally. These days I’m figuring out my training route, trying to find the most efficient way possible to complete all my delivery and pickup stops. Before I started, I never would have imagined all the things I’d have to master in order to be a successful driver. Now I’m beginning to appreciate just how many skills this job requires.
- I’m thankful that my work keeps me active. I don’t remember ever having a job as physically demanding as package car driver. And if I did, it was when I was much younger and fitter. I’ve lost track of the drivers I’ve talked to who have told me that they could never see themselves behind a desk. That sentiment has started to catch on.
- I’m thankful that my work embeds me in the community. When I was in the warehouse, the fact that I’m a single link in a human chain connecting people around the world was a bit of an abstraction. Now I’m confronted with the reality of those linkages every day on my route. It’s not unusual for me to interact with several hundreds of people every day, many of whose names I’m learning after repeated encounters.
I’m very thankful for this day off in the middle of my work week. But I’ll be back out there tomorrow – Black Friday – with a heart full of gratitude for my job. Happy Thanksgiving, dear reader!
3 replies on “5 things I’m giving thanks for this Thanksgiving”
Such great things to be thankful for Martin. I have been loving reading about your adventures at UPS. The people there are amazing, and hard workers. They are lucky to have you, another hard worker on their team!
Thank you Amy for your compliment! I’m honored that you’re reading, and I’m glad that you’re enjoying what you read. You’re right, the people there ARE amazing. But then, the same can probably be said about many workplaces. An organization’s culture can be powerful in bringing out the best in its people. Or the worst, depending. I hope you keep reading!
Thank you so much, Amy! I hope all is well with you and your dear ones! Let me know if there’s anything you’d like for me to write about!