Working in a warehouse affords us with many opportunities and benefits. This is something that a lot of people don’t know.
If you are still unsure if getting a warehouse job is something you should do, I’m here to give you reasons why you should give it serious consideration. I’m also going to touch briefly on some cons about working in a warehouse as additional information before you make your final decision.
Good Pay in LCOL Areas
Most warehouses in big cities and towns in the US and Canada pay at least $15 an hour. If you live in a low cost of living city and get decent hours, this can be enough to pay rent, buy food, have a night out once in a while and save.
Not to mention that in the warehouses that I’ve worked at, your rate goes up a dollar or two every year and is capped at around $25.
Good Benefits
You get decent benefits if you are a permanent employee at a warehouse. At my job, you get health insurance, retirement plan and employee stock options.
This is so much better than most blue caller jobs out there especially in smaller companies.
So I always advice people that it’s better to work at a large reputable corporation and to do your research on a company before you get the job.
Keeps You Fit
Warehouse jobs like picking, loading and sorting involve lots of moving and lifting. This helps make and keep you fit just as if you went to the gym.
Think of it as a free workout. I’ve seen people who’ve lost a lot weight after getting a warehouse job.
I’ve known others who intentionally get a warehouse job so that they can get fit. And hey, it doesn’t hurt if you’re losing weight and getting paid for it, right?
Time Goes by Fast
Warehouse work environments are quit fast paced. For pickers and loaders, time seems to fly.
You have no time to stand around doing nothing unless you’re on break.
If you like work environments where you’re always on the move and there’s little chit chat, this is the job for you.
Flexible Hours
During peak seasons – such as summer and Christmas season – when the warehouse is very busy, you get the opportunity to do a lot of overtime if you want to.
I have been able to put in lots of hours during the busy season and make good money.
Also, during periods when the warehouse is not too busy, you get the option to clock out early if you want to.
This kind of flexibility is something I appreciate in our industry.
Opportunity to Move Up
There are many channels to move up the ladder in a warehouse. Higher positions include supervisor, QA, auditor, etc.
It’s also not unheard of for entry level guys to climb up to c-suit level. It really depends on your ambition, networking skills and education.
Some warehouses also offer free training programs which you can take advantage of to level up at your workplace.
Good Culture
If your warehouse has a union then it’s likely that your work has a nicer culture than most places that don’t.
This is because unionized warehouse workers are treated like actual people by being afforded fair treatment by their employer in terms of pay, job security, health and safety and general welfare of employees.
So before you get that warehouse job, try to find out if it has a union.
Plenty of Job Openings
There are plenty of warehouse jobs all around. Warehouses that I’ve worked at look for workers all year round.
This is one of the few sectors of the economy where demand for labor doesn’t go down.
Low Barrier to Entry
You don’t need any special education to get an entry level warehouse job. Combined with the fact that the pay is decent, this is a better deal than many other places I’ve worked at.
Cons of Working in a Warehouse
Warehouse jobs are not all sunshine and roses, unfortunately. There are many places where employees are not treated well.
This depends on the specific warehouse, of course. Cons include:
High Risk of Injury
I’ve seen people get injured on the job when working at a warehouse. People break their wrists and legs and dislocate their hernias. This usually happens as a result of the heavy lifting or being hurt by moving equipment.
What’s worse is that once you’re hurt, that’s it. You’re out of a job. So never take on a job when you think the risk of getting hurt is high. Always follow rules pertaining to safety at the warehouse.
Depression
Many warehouse workers experience depression and mental stress due to the nature of the work.
The daily heavy and grueling labor found in most large warehouses isn’t conducive for many warehouse workers.
Some warehouses also have poor employee culture and attitude which leads to harassment (especially of newer employees) and cliquism which serves to push out some workers.
These factors contribute to workers having poor mental health.
Unsustainable Pay in HCOL Areas
In some high cost of living areas, the pay you get as an entry level warehouse worker is not enough to get yourself a decent apartment, save money, etc.
It’s critical to make sure that you can make a decent living out of the pay you’re going to get at a warehouse before you apply for the job.
If you can, try to move to an LCOL city/town and get a warehouse job there.
Final Thoughts
Warehouses are great places to work at, in my opinion. They have afforded me a better life than I could ever have imagined.
Don’t be afraid to take the plunge. If it doesn’t work out, you can always switch to another job. After all, it beats being unemployed in the meantime.
Just make sure to do your due diligence on the company you are applying to so you don’t end up with a bad employer.
