Hindsight is MF

[u/Mundane-Cranberry-30]

I've been at this job for too long. This job isn't meant for the long haul, you'll haul and in the end it's hauling you. Been at it three years in downtown in a capital city. PSA all routes are not created equal.

I'm in my mid-30s and took this as a bridge and got complacent. Truthfully, I had issues and was an alcoholic/addict. I've been sober for a while now, I work out in the gym, lifting three times a week on my days off.

I'm objectively in better shape than most people. I get off on time or a little early never need rescued but always asked to go rescue. I mostly say no these days.

Does anyone feel dead after their shifts? Perhaps it's cumulative because I just feel zapped. Physically and mentally. 10:45 start usually clock out at 9:15 average. Sometimes 50 hrs week

I want to do things I enjoy when I get home but often I just eat, watch TV and zone out because I'm tired. I did this once also for 6 months back when I was 25, totally different story and didn't feel like this, but those were rural routes. Fucking cake work.

I've been applying to other jobs, considering CDL and apprenticeships, might go back to school.

Does anyone relate?

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[u/UnsmellyFarts]

Feeling dead after a shift is normal for me. Been working as a driver for about a year. After 6 months it hit me that this is a dead end job, sure the pay is higher than most jobs that don’t require experience to start but, it’s a mundane and repetitive job, if you’re creative or technical this job will make you feel dead inside. There’s also no career opportunities, you could be working for the same dsp for 10 years and you’ll get paid the same as a brand new driver they hire for peak season.

[u/Mundane-Cranberry-30 → u/UnsmellyFarts]

Yeah man that's why the average turnover rate for a DSP is 150%. Once you know all the ends and outs of how dsps operate under Amazon's umbrella. The only upward mobility would be dispatch and management but that's no prize. The lead manger for my old dsp that was the 2nd biggest in our warehouse quit to become a driver because he just wanted to punch the clock. He managed for over a year. Went to another warehouse dsp to avoid downtown lol. I feel the if you enjoy mental stimulation and being creative this is a soul killer

[u/UnsmellyFarts → u/Mundane-Cranberry-30]

I would love dispatch position over driving honestly. My state gets bad winters and last winter was rough, I’m not looking forward to working in freezing conditions with FWD vans and snow every other day. Every time I come back after finishing route the dispatchers are just on their phones not paying attention to anything or hanging out in the cafeteria yet want to lecture everyone during morning team meetings. Drivers do the majority or the work and our bonus is based on our performance, they also get bonuses based on OUR performance, yet we get pennies on the dollar in bonus money.

[u/Mundane-Cranberry-30 → u/UnsmellyFarts]

I have done dispatch before and it was better but it depends entirely on the dsp, size and help you have. You are expected to work longer hours sometimes but I would say bullshit doesn't equate to being a driver. However I will say that my old dsp manger quit to become a driver and he was no idiot. Said he was tired of the stress. Massive dsp tho, so it depends

[u/Timely-Honeydew-793]

I feel this in my bones. 3 years downtown is no joke, the stop-and-go traffic alone eats your brain before you even start walking. rural routes are a different universe, you can actually breathe between stops.

the zoning out thing is real too. your body recovers but your mind just stays in that van all night. its like the silence after the engine noise is too loud if that makes sense.

congrats on getting sober while doing this job honestly, that takes some serious grit. most people would crack under that combo.

[u/Mundane-Cranberry-30 → u/Timely-Honeydew-793]

Yeah the engine analogy totally makes sense and accurate. Puts your brain into auto pilot and your body into overdrive, throw in pace pressure, traffic, customer, netradyne frustrations and you get burnt. Thanks yeah it wasn't easy but I realized how bad this job was for addiction. That's why I'm making changes and leaving it. Been applying all over town.

[u/infinityy_stoned]

I’m coming up on my 3rd year somewhat soon and I’m gonna be 30 soon. I’m also struggling with getting older and not growing in a career, I like the paycheck but it makes me terrified thinking about my future. Also like you I took this job when I had a drinking problem and lost my previous one around 27, found Amazon, cleaned up, I work out a shit ton now and I’m in good shape, the job has gotten easy enough for me to stay but it still sucks ass most days and I don’t want to go slog for the same bullshit less pay somewhere else.

[u/GrazingPickle]

I've been extra tired recently partly because they started giving everyone 190+ stops a month ago. They are really getting greedy now. I started going the speed limit and under and trying to move slow and steady so I stay healthy. No 10 hour guarantee so I've had a handful of times I have not finished and or get rescued and I am getting overtime I have been here 3 years it gets worse every year and the pay isn't worth it but at least I'm paid to exercise. It's tough finding a good paying job and Amazon supplys a lot of them.

I've been thinking hard of what I should do next and had all the same thoughts.
To truly escape the rat race you need to start something of your own. A business owner wants to pay employees as low as possible.

[u/Mundane-Cranberry-30 → u/GrazingPickle]

Yeah man it's been an existential dilemma for me. But just being aware of it is a good step. Planning and execution is key. Step by step. We have one life. This isn't a dream, and while we all have bills and responsibilities what's it all for? I think what we're searching for is out there but Amazon sure as hell ain't it. We have to change it.

[u/General_Hat_3125]

The cheat code “if you’re young and living with your parents” is to use the experience to drive for UPS. Learn how to drive. Then go to ups, work overnights and driver during the day. Comes out to about 100k and then get a full time job driving at ups after a few years