Training for More

I'm cross training in another department; Stow. At the start of my shift, I check the labor board for my assignment. Large TV screens are displayed at each entrance with details for the Inbound team. 

The list is organized by your User ID. I find my designation and review the instructions: What side of the building I report to, and the floor. The board tells me the aisle where I can pick up work, and where to drop off my finished cart. I have learned to snap a picture of the TV before walking away; it's too much to memorize when it changes daily.

With a scanner in hand, I make my way to the assigned aisle to start work. There are long, green and gray "U boats" lined up for the taking. They contain a mixture of yellow totes and corrugate boxes. I scan my location, pick the first cart, and scan the totes. 

The labor board gives us suggested aisles for stowing; sections where we're most likely to find space. I roam the aisles and check for other stowers; I don't want to crowd too close. My experience as a picker has informed my stowing process; I know what a pain in the neck it can be to navigate three or four aisles packed with large U-boats when I'm trying to pick.

I find a spot and get to work. I scan items and place them in bins. Scan the bin, repeat. Small items go into cardboard drawers. Large items need a shelf. Master packs are broken down into individual units. I'm slow at this, but getting better. I'm grateful for the chance to learn another department and look forward to more shift access.

My transfer requests are pending approval. If approved, I will be moving to a new facility; a distribution center. I would be trained in yet another department. I could really use the full-time work. It's early in the review timeline and I'm hoping to hear back soon.

Weathering the Storm

 There's a prediction for severe weather coming this weekend. In my neck of the woods, a minimal amount of snow can cause panic. The grocery stores are overrun, schools close, and generators are gassed up. 

Most of the time, it's overkill. But what if it's different this time?

My little family is bracing for a more personal disruption. My wife received notice that her company is being absorbed by its large corporate owner. The office will close its doors in a little over a month. It's an emotional as well as financial blow. 

Again, plans change. I'm seeking a transfer to full time with Amazon. I'm also training in a new department. She's starting the job search. We're reviewing the budget, our savings, and figuring out a path forward. 

When it rains, it pours! I'm still hopeful this storm will nourish the seeds of something new; fresh ideas, opportunities, perspective. 

I'm off to complete my adverse weather checklist! Stay safe out there.

New Year, Same Circumstances

 2025 is officially over. I'm still working as a part time seasonal associate at my local fulfillment center. Still looking for the next opportunity, and hopeful for the start of a new year.

The holidays were low-key for us. Given my under-employment (to say the least...), we were mindful to keep our budgets modest. We stayed close to home, ate comforting home-made meals, watched movies. and enjoyed exchanging small gifts. Honestly, it felt great. It felt like with the current restraints, we were reminded to re-center our focus on just being together. It was kind of rad.

I'm not sure how long Amazon will keep me on past the peak season. I would like to continue; the work is straight-forward and keeps me active. It gives me structure and a slight supplement to my unemployment. All I can do is keep showing up and wait for an update.

I attended a workshop put on by my state's unemployment office. The presentation shared a number of tips for jobseekers. I'm making updates to my resume and exploring the free courses they have available. Some of the information can seem repetitive or out of touch, but I'm grateful for the review on fundamentals and exposure to resources I wasn't aware of.

I continue to apply for positions almost every day. Out of over a hundred applications (easily), I've had one interview. I'm disappointed but cautiously optimistic that feedback and new roles will present themselves soon now that we're in the new year. 

In the meantime, I'm finding peace in my routine. I do the majority of the housework, attend the occasional networking event, and focus on my little family. It's radically different from my former workaholic self! But I'm leaning in and I like it. I'm mindful to enjoy this extra time and focus while I can. With that said, it will be a relief when I obtain full time work again. 

Here's to the new year.. I'm looking forward to new opportunities!