Comments for Light Bulb Quest

Comment on How much money SHOULD a UPS driver make? by Dave Baird

Dave Baird — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:46:31 +0000

UPS workers and other workers who ship freight and personal items are an absolute background staple of our economy and deserve wages that reflect their value. I am inspired by Teamsters and any movement that unifies people. Your arguments are cogent in this article, Martin, and bring the ever-important view from the trenches that is salient during these times. Praying for passage of the TA!

Comment on My age isn’t my biggest challenge as a UPS driver. This is. by Martin

Martin — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:55:27 +0000

In reply to dylan thorimbert.

Hey thanks so much for reading Dylan! Congratulations! You’re the first person I don’t know personally to comment on my blog! How did you come across this post? You totally get what I’m talking about!! It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one. Yes, shlepping the heavy cooler back and forth is just all in a day’s work! I figured out that if I freeze some of my water bottles, they can do double-duty as ice packs AND as backup cold drinks! That was a real breakthrough for me. Best wishes to you Dylan! I hope you stay well, keep driving — and most importantly, KEEP READING (and sharing)!!

Comment on UPS has one week to reach a deal with the Teamsters. Here’s how a strong contract helps the company. by Martin

Martin — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 03:04:45 +0000

In reply to Rick. We're in the midst of voting. You'll definitely hear how it all turns out! As always, thanks Dr P for reading and replying!

Comment on UPS has one week to reach a deal with the Teamsters. Here’s how a strong contract helps the company. by Rick

Rick — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 03:52:06 +0000

Such an intense process. I hope that everything works out for the drivers. Every time I see a brown truck I think of you and the Sociology of delivery.

Comment on My age isn’t my biggest challenge as a UPS driver. This is. by dylan thorimbert

dylan thorimbert — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:23:52 +0000

It’s nice to read that knowing that someone else out there experiences exactly what I go through everyday. I deliver for FedEx. Stairs, apartments, offices, in the cold…or the heat. In a stepvan, or a straight truck. It’s different everyday. And my insulin dosage for bolus and basil changes depending on my physical activity at work. I bring more than enough snacks and sugary drinks to ease my mind but most everyday I’m driving home with most of it. I’ve worked some days where I didn’t pack emergency snacks and the stress isn’t worth the time it takes to pack that cooler and carry it to the truck. Being diagnosed after I was hired as an adult was difficult. The doctors appointments, the unknown of what I need to do to manage my blood sugar while getting back to work. Over the course of the past couple years, it’s muscle memory for the most part. As long as I know the risk and stay as aware as possible, with finger tests, a CGM, and a strict food/diet plan, anything is possible. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Comment on I just voted to authorize a strike at UPS. Now I don’t think one will actually happen. by Rick P

Rick P — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 07:01:15 +0000

This was a fascinating insight into some thing that has only been textbook level reality. I love the images of the texting requests for a phone tree and the picture of the voting booth. It makes the concept of labor relations understandable, and I hope that by now you have been grounded some improvements… Though I’m not sure how long it takes for the whole bargaining to be finished.

There is a mythic quality with all the symbols here. I really love the the big fish and many little fishes poster. It reminds me of the truth that unity and purpose can bring, as well as the excellent movie finding Nemo.

Thank you so much for your work detailing all of this. It’s really a joy to read.

Comment on I just voted to authorize a strike at UPS. Now I don’t think one will actually happen. by Martin

Martin — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:48:41 +0000

In reply to Shannon. That's so great to hear, Shannon! I know it isn't easy. We all live lives full of overwhelm, so taking the path of least resistance feels like a defensive survival strategy much of the time. I'm honored that you took the time to read and comment! Part of me wishes there would be a strike, if only because it would make for excellent blog material :) But be careful for what you wish for, right?? Thanks again, and I hope you keep reading!!

Comment on I just voted to authorize a strike at UPS. Now I don’t think one will actually happen. by Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:14:51 +0000

1. I did see what you did there.. 🙂
2. I’m trying to be a more conscious consumer in general, and your writing has contributed to that.. thanks for putting your ideas out there!

Comment on There are four kinds of online shoppers. Which kind are you? by Rick

Rick — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:29:35 +0000

This is a fascinating capture of an aspect of every day transactions that I never was conscious of, prior to your post. I love reading about the pattern of your work, and your awareness of the ebb and flow flow, and what it might mean for the community as a whole. I’m just amazed to notice that there are so many places to drop off UPS packages for mailing… Including Michael’s where I had to pick up a poster board saw the brown sign and thought of you.

Comment on Four reasons why we love seeing our UPS driver by Rick

Rick — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:26:27 +0000

Martin— I love your capture of the power of connection created between a UPS driver and the person he is delivering to— it adds a sort of spiritual meaning to an every day occurrence. And I agree with the nicely summarize literature the the UPS truck creates stability in the community. For myself every time I see a brown UPS truck I imagine that you were driving it in for a brief moment while in traffic I feel closer to you. it’s kind of an extra dimensional phenomenon believing that you could be everywhere I see the familiar brown truck. Thanks for describing meaning and thoughtful communication that defines your work. I am proud to have you, my friend, as a UPS driver. And as everything else a value about you. Thanks.