Middle America's Worldview

Since I have been reading Dave Ramesy's Money Makeover book, I have been wanting to get a second part time job. Note part time. I had applied to Walmarts ever growing 'opening positions'. Low and behold I was hired. The first night was a simple orientation and cover some cvl's. These are basically watch videos and answer them accordingly. Some are required 100 percent scores while others are not. Not too bad. This was Wednesday night.

Friday night, I hit my official first night as a Unloader. It went fast and very manual driven. I was to be there 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. I made it in early enough. I admit, it was tough. I don't mind working, I never did. But for this guy who have been sitting at a PC during work for the last 5 years, going to tough physical labor; well it wasn't easy. I was proud of myself to keep up with the kids (I felt older than most back there)compounded to the fact it was shorthanded. I found out later we do not get to leave till its all done. Needless to say, it wasn't till 1:40 a.m. when we are done. That night, in sweat dripping clothes, I went home, took a cool shower and a tylenol p.m.

Saturday, I was up early but sore and stiff. It was freaking over 100 degrees, but the yard had to be done. We were leaving for Enid on Sunday, and would be gone for a week. So in the heat of the day, I did the yard.

That Saturday night, I cruised in with only one leg sore. They had 5000 items to unload. Fortunately, one of the three trucks was done before we arrived on our shift. However, it took them 4 hours to do it. All those items were already on pallets. Even with my newbie eyes I could tell how some looked like they were about to fall over. There were only 3 unloaders scheduled (yes one was me). Needless to say, they had to pull some ISC (I found out later these were your cart pullers, assistance, ect.) just to help us unload the remaining trucks. This was miraculously done by 7:30 p.m. However, those ISC guys split after it was unloaded. So that left the 3 of us to pull the 5000 items out on the floor, sweep the unload area, ect. Some of the department personell did come back to pull their stuff out. This helped, but again it was 1:50 a.m. before we could accomplish everything.

So, home again, this time two alieves with my shower. Sigh. I hate to admit it, but I don't think I can cut it. I think this over carefully as I drive us to Enid on our 2.5 hour drive. Realizing, I spent 10 hours at Walmart each night which included one hour mandatory lunch without pay. So 9 hours paying 6 bucks equal $54. After taxes, I probably made $50 for 10 hours away from my family in a hot box working my a$$ off. I don't think I can really justify this.

It's now 5:30 in Enid, OK and I am about to drop. I had maybe 4 hours of sleep last night and I am feeling it.

I simply cannot afford to work myself down to being sick and complicating my main day job. Perhaps, I can find another means of extra income.