When I scanned through the safety shoe options available on the Zappos website, there was one brand that caught my eye: Airwalk.
Airwalk was the popular "skate" shoe of my teenage years. Far from a skater myself (that would require some semblance of physical stamina/dexterity..), I was nonetheless drawn to the 90s alternative aesthetic. This style shoe was a perfect complement to flannel and baggy jeans. Eventually I would grow to favor Vans, followed by Doc Martens, then onto more boring footwear as adulthood sucked all of the fun out of my clothing choices.
It seems Airwalk has been through a bit of an identity crisis since its heyday 30 years ago; from youth culture fashion icon to discount store regular. Now they have entered the composite toe safety world and back into my orbit. I'm here for it; nostalgia wins and I add the Mongo Mid Comp Toe to my cart. The Amazon subsidy discount is applied; the shoes will cost me nothing. Order is placed.
Next week I attend Orientation to start work at my local Amazon fulfillment center; not a position I saw myself in just a couple of months ago.
I was laid off in September. While it was not a complete surprise, the experience was jarring nonetheless. Throughout my career of 20+ years, I had steadily risen the ranks; from temp, to clerk, to analyst, team lead, manager, and finally a director role. I navigated acquisitions, restructures, a few different companies (and industries) for career growth and continuity. Luck, privilege and hard work all cumulated in my favor and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that allowed me to build a good life.
It still sucks to lose your job over a Zoom call.
I'm metaphorically pounding the pavement with my updated resume, application after application. Messages with former colleagues. "Networking". My efforts have yielded no results, yet. This is going to be tougher than I originally anticipated.
At first, the extra time wasn't so bad. I did some projects around the house; went to the gym. My family and I went on vacation; a pre-planned (and paid for) trip we had been looking forward to, and it was amazing!
Then reality set in. There was delays to my unemployment claim. I wasn't getting even a callback on my many applications. We're in the fourth quarter, many companies will delay hiring into the new year.
Oh, and multiple large companies are announcing mass layoffs, AI is taking over entire job segments, the economy is unstable and the country is fiercely divided. The algorithm that runs through our connected world is not kind to those freshly unemployed and looking for community.
I had to do something. I needed structure to my days and to feel productive; I can't seem to muster this motivation on my own. What can I do now, to bring in a little bit of income, get me out of the house, and still give me space for job hunting?
Enter Amazon! We are fast approaching the holidays and Amazon is hiring seasonal workers. A part-time, temporary position is available. After discussing with the wife (more like convincing..), I apply. The process is fast; I'm in my recruitment office the next morning, taking an English comprehension test, drug test and presenting my ID. I can track my screening results online, I come back cleared a few days later. Soon I will be entering a warehouse as a temporary worker for the first time in decades.
Wish me luck; let's hope the Airwalks keep me walking!
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