Through some of life's greatest turmoil, you will learn more about yourself than you ever knew. It's funny, more difficult adversaries test you, the stronger or weaker you get. Let's all hope for the former.
The ice storm of 2014 screwed small package deliveries at UPS. Imagine about 3 days worth of packages (over 18 million) not delivered will do to your logistically sound network. Crazy snow storm one day, then 60+ degrees within days, Atlanta weather, you're being really stupid right now. I was "voluntold" to help out at the Pleasantdale Hub one of UPS' biggest in the southeastern states. My duties: sit at the gas fumed offices and go through mountains of paperwork OR help a driver out on his route. obviously I had to choose the truck. I'm working from a cube for most of my day then someone tells me I get to cruise in a UPS ride and talk to some chill dudes. The choice at the time was elementary. I was in for a ride alright. A 13 hour shift with little to no break, and strenuous activity. It really opened my eyes to a lot of things:
1. Making a honest living is hard work, and truly the American way, Driver are some of the most hardest working people I have I met.
2. Break laws all the time. Meaning, OHSA states one hour lunches with 30 minute breaks for every 8 hours, and under 12 hour work days. I worked 13 with 20 minutes break. And that break was lucky cause that dude felt bad for me.
3. Two of drivers worst fears: long steep driveways and dogs. I liked dogs... now dogs scare me. I think its the brown color that draws attention and anger.
4. It's a real battle out there with other carriers, FedEx, DHL, and postal service. Battle for space and routes. Plus, there's this weird awkward tension when we deliver to the same house. Like we are ready to fight each other to the death. Maybe its just me.
5. Atlanta drivers suckkkk
6. "Handle with care" sticker really doesn't mean jack.Some of the packages are just abused...
7. People are so happy to see couriers, I felt like Santa, so much love.
8. Become a master at real life Tetris
9. Notice all the nice houses and architeture around Atlanta, that you normally would not see.
10. I got to drive donuts in an empty parking lot after my shift was over, tight.
And you get to see how tall you can play Jenga with department store boxes
(Vineyard Vines @ Lenox about 10 feet high)
All in all, I always strive to look at the brighter side of the life, instead of bitching and moaning about my day. Why not look at it from a different point of view. After all life is all about perspective. :) BUT if they call me in the small package hub tomorrow , I will bitch and complain... HAHA. As long as I end the night with some chipotle with good company, everything aiite.
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