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I started a new job and have only had one full day on the floor (it’s a warehouse job).

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Anonymous

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I started a new job and have only had one full day on the floor (it’s a warehouse job). The actual work or concept I guess isn’t difficult but it is physical and it is ten hours on my feet bending, stretching, lifting, and climbing. I expected it to be uncomfortable the first few days as I am not particularly in shape. What I wasn’t prepared for was the excruciating pain in my back, hips, and feet. The entire second half of my day I spent trying to push through it and stopping myself from crying. I had to hide tears and even excuse myself a few times when talking to people. I was incredibly embarrassed. The thing it the company is great and the job itself. I didn’t think my pain would be so severe. People were commenting on my walk and telling me I looked like I was not doing good and that I hurt which was true but I didn’t want people to know. Now I am not sure what to do before my next day. They don’t have shorter than 10 hour shifts. The recommended I look at one of their other locations and design from there which is not a guarantee or to get accommodations. I called my doctor to talk to them but I am not sure that’s the best way to go. I would make less money and I worry they will try to push me out as they did that to someone I know when they hurt their back. They found an excuse to fire him.

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  1. Anonymous

    A few thoughts from someone who has temped in a warehouse: Ask your coworkers for advice about shoes & insoles.

    If you can find the time, do a little yoga before & after work, or before bed. If you have bellyfat, look into one of those things (can't remember the word), to raise it up on your abdomen. Be sure your posture is good and you're lifting correctly. There is probably signage there about lifting, and there's lots on the web about it.

    Accommodations are a big ask, but if you just want to be able to bring a folding stool and use it occasionally, be aware that accommodations have to be "reasonable," and "reasonable" usually means not having a (significantly) negative impact on productivity or cost.

  2. Anonymous

    Perhaps this job isn’t a fit for you given your current health status. You’ll need to make a decision: can you power through the adjustment phase while you learn this role? If you’re not able to fully perform the role, it will result in a productivity gap for both your coworkers and employer. I would also expect to be pushed out if your can’t deliver in this role. Your employer is paying you to perform a service and they won’t continue to pay someone who can’t meet the minimum expectations.

  3. Anonymous

    Invest in better shoes, and look at compression socks. If you don't invest in good support shoes for your arches it will continue. This is a must. You will also, sounds like IMO, need to retrain your arches, so wear those shoes outside of work too to help with that. I think you got this. Perhaps even a back band while you build those muscles to work with this current job, it doesn't have to be a forever thing. Good luck.

  4. Anonymous

    You are not a fit for this position physically.

  5. Huong Nguyen-Valle

    I am sorry you are not feeling well! Take a step back and look at the job and see if it's truly a fit for your health and reevaluate if you took the job for the money or something else. Taking care of yourself is important and I know it is also important o have a job. If you decide that it is not the right fit, look for a job while in a job.

  6. Anonymous

    Sounds like you need a desk job maybe.

  7. vicki cadieux

    It is your shoes. I had the same issue. I spent the money and purchased Kuru brand shoes. I tried Nike and they caused so much pain it was unbelievable.

  8. Anonymous

    Get better shoes, take breaks per the job rules, and wear a back support if you can. I assume from the job description they shared the physical requirements of it? If they did not and you cannot perform the duties of the job because of this you may be subject to termination because of this as it appears to be part of the job. If the floors are concrete/cement, it is incredibly hard on your joints walking or standing around on that all day long. I hope after a few weeks and some additional physical support products you can feel better.

  9. Teri Munger

    Quality Shoes are a great start. In addition, if you have the time and money, seek the advice of a certified and experienced personal trainer who can assess your posture and movements you do while on the job. A trained professional will be able to offer sensible solutions to save you the injury downtime while you adjust to the demands.

  10. Anonymous

    see a PT for coaching on stance. Get a chiropractor that does ART. I have superbly flat feet and arthritis, and I wear Hoka shoes and orthotics.

  11. Anonymous

    Spend the money and invest in good shoes or sneakers. Brooks ghost are good also, look at superfeet insoles. Deal changer

  12. Anonymous

    Find another job ASAP. This one is not a fit for you. You do not want to physically wear yourself down just for a paycheck.

  13. Anonymous

    If your feet are flat go to a foot doctor for a script for orthotic insoles. Have your foot doctor recommend good shoes for you. Cut out sugar and any artificial sweeteners from your diet. It makes the difference!

  14. Anonymous

    If you are able to do the job with an accommodation such as a thick lat to stand on, a back brace they jeed ti provide it for you. Go to your doctoe.

  15. Anonymous

    I am 57 and was working retail same 9-10 shift in my feet. You need to have shoes with an arch support and give yourself a week or so to acclimate. Once your body gets a little more used to it you will feel better. Ibuprofen helps for the pain and maybe a back brace too but it’s like you need to get used to it . I would try and see if you can make it

  16. Anonymous

    I am sorry you are going through this. This is not a normal physical reaction to physical labor. Personally I would see a Dr to get checked for an autoimmune disease. Find a desk job for now.

  17. Anonymous

    Oof I’ve been there! My first warehouse job I had no plan and whoa did the first couple of weeks hurt. After that, the next couple of warehouse jobs were much easier bc I learned what to do to ensure my body was okay. So this is what I did as someone who clocked 120,000 steps weekly working my last warehouse job.

    1) as others have said, invest in a good quality pair of shoes, and get two if you can swing it to alternate wearing so you don’t wear down a pair so fast.

    2) drink water if you aren’t already getting good intake, it helps your body keep your joints moving well and being better hydrated gives you more energy. Additionally if it’s allowed have a small snack or two with you and eat a morning one and early afternoon one. Those give you those small bursts of energy during the harder parts of the day.

    3) stretch! Make stretching right before work and when you get home or even just during your breaks a priority. You don’t have to do an elaborate stretch routine but stretching gently and calmly really helps!

    4) get a good standing mat if you stand in the same spot often - purchase it or see if your company can get one. It’s a reasonable ask!

    5) take those breaks! Seriously take the breaks! I didn’t my first job bc I wanted to look like a hard worker and it caught up with me.

    6) give yourself grace, this is hard and new, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Give yourself a chance to care for yourself and adjust. If after a certain period of time passes and it still just feels bad - yes listen to your body and move on. No job is worth your body.

    best wishes!!

  18. Anonymous

    I would also suggest looking for a good lower back support brace. I found wearing one really helped alleviate the strain on my hips and back. Also, make sure to stretch throughout the day.

  19. Anonymous

    I don't know if age has anything to do with the struggles your having but you stated you're not in good shape. I went to a temp production job in a warehouse in my mid-late 40s. I was getting older and not in great physical shape. I was in fairly good shape but not for that type of work. I thought I was going to "die" and was limping out of my shifts. I would not try to do that or a waitress job ever again. It got a little better after my body did it for a couple of weeks but not enough. Although you see older people there, they've usually been doing that work for decades and their bodies are somewhat accustomed. They are still suffering and are trying to hold on for retirement. That type of work is for young people in my opinion. What's worse is that those places have long shifts, no reasonable breaks that offer rest for your feet, rotate temps and get rid of you for no reason even though you're breaking yourself down with all you've got. They are all about no benefits and production numbers period.

  20. Sarah Stadtherr

    I found that wearing GOOD shoes - I know they're expensive - are key to working on cement. I bought a pair of DocMartins at an outlet and practically wore them out. They have a tough 1/2 in rubber tread which provides cushion and traction on that nasty cement. Inside there's enough inner sole under the foot to keep you comfy. Wear thick cotton socks that add another layer of cush. DO NOT wear one of those lift support belts with suspenders. Your body will rely on it instead of building up the trunk core muscles you will need to have. Finally, I wear a kind of spank type "girdle" to help support my gut and lower back as I, too, am not in the best of shape. It will take at least a week for your legs and back to feel better.

  21. Karen Pitts

    adding insoles to your current shoes could help, My husband works a heavy lifting job and he said having insoles makes a big difference.

  22. Anonymous

    Good shoes are a must and and make sure you are lifting with your knees, when you go home I would start with some light yoga it can help stretch the muscles and get you in better shape gently I also went to a really good chiropractor regularly which also helped ( but that is a personal choice) I guess the most important thing make sure you are lifting correctly not with your back, and get really good work shoes

  23. Ayian

    I'm so sorry to hear you were suffering. If you want to continue, please follow the advice of others regarding shoes. Also, do clinical somatics every day after work. It's a SUUUUUUUPER gentle movement practice, often on your back the floor, and helps to release tension and reduce pain. I recommend https://www.comfyfitness.com for this. There are weekly live classes and recordings available on demand. They also offer yoga and other movement practices, including full body workouts. I realize that you aren't quite ready for full body without AND this job, but you may get there. Alternatively, if you decide the pain is not workable, Comfy Fitness can be a place to get to a better condition so you can try again in the future.

    Take care of yourself. I am worried for you. Do update us. :)

  24. Tangier Cullens

    Hi! I’m a yoga instructor who has healed her own herniated disks (which seems like what you may be experiencing). Inversion therapy will assist with your herniation & compression (I’m not a doctor & cannot diagnose. But I’d experienced extreme pain for many years prior to yoga). But 7 years into my practice I came across a thing called feet up). Please check out their website. It immediately released my compression based pain). I’m on it every morning after waking and every night before bed. My spine, ankles and hips align (and crack loudly into their proper place). All the old burning & lightning flashes of pain are a thing of the past. Not to mention my primary care doctor said he was now a believer in the power of yoga!!! Wanna know why? After taking my height & weight for over 20 years he confirmed a half inch height increase! Most people lose height with age with I gained .5 of an inch. I’m healed. My spinal compression that had plagued me and stifled my movements had reversed. A medical doctor of over 50 years said wow. You healed from yoga! No refuting it. Your chart is confirmation. No more epidurals or steroids! Just the 8 principles of yoga and going upside down twice a day. No drugs, no disability. Just freedom from pain. I’m not a sponsor or paid promoter of this feetup-the sh*t just works!!

  25. Tangier Cullens

    Try this before seeking another role or getting labeled as unable to do your job. Just secretly change your body.

  26. Anonymous

    Agree with the other comments on the good shoes. I have spent most of my life on my feet, skiing, in venues, and then like you in a warehouse. Nothing replaces a good pair of shoes and proper technique. Your supervisors should have discussed this as they don't want injured employees.

  27. Wendy Curtis

    I took a job as a warehouse supervisor/receiver at the age of 47. I was in decent shape but quickly discovered I was using muscles that I had not previously known even existed. The responses about good shoes and proper lifting technique are spot on. If you don't have to wear steel toes don't, they are heavy. Thick rubber soles with a good arch support are essential to work on concrete. Women lift differently than men, remember to lift with your legs and hips. Unfortunately, it doesn't take a couple of days to get acclimated it takes at least two full weeks. After that there will still be days you have some major aches and pains. Make sure to stretch out before and after each shift. Ice for pulls, heat for tight. After a few months you will be in the best shape of your life.

  28. Anonymous

    This job may not be a good fit for you. Don't beat yourself up. There are so many jobs out there that are not this strenuous. Just let the boss or supervisor know is there anything else you can do for the company that is less strenuous. If not thank them and exit. Keep everything in writing.

  29. DeBorah Walker

    Hello, I'm so sorry that you're going through this. Your health is Paramount first and foremost; your health is number one.

    You should not do that position anymore; you should speak to someone in charge and let them know that you are so excited to be with the company, but is there any other way that you could spend more time in another position that you are skilled for, and than spend the rest on the floor. In other words break up the time if you can. 10 hours on your feet is no joke.

    I'm a mature woman and I was working for an agency at some point; and I was in a similar position it was crazy 10 hours on my feet. I was so much in pain; my back, my feet, everything hurt. After 2 days I told the agency I can't do it anymore and that was it...and the agency got me another poditio. I had to waitba few days, but I was glad. That is crazy don't put yourself through that.

  30. Anonymous

    Agree ?

  31. Anonymous

    Do you have good supportive shoes? A good pair of shoes makes a world of difference. I worked on my feet for years and good support shoes saved my feet, knees, hips, and back.

  32. Anonymous

    You knew this was a warehouse job when you accepted it correct? Sure, it’s easy conceptually but tough on your body. It will take you quite some time to acclimate. There’s no way to judge after one day on the floor. Try to power through for a few days and see how you feel. I get over 20,000 steps a day in my warehouse, and I’m over 55 with back problems too. Give it some time if you like any element of the position.

  33. Anonymous

    I had that job, if it's an hourly rate - they fire people if they don't hit their rate. The best and only time to work at a warehouse is xmas cause its so packed with seasonal people that management doesn't really keep track cause they know they are going to let go of seasonal help once the holiday season is over. Good shoes are key plus eat foods that are anti-inflammatory and less sugar, nothing processed cause that will help minimize any joint pain. I've seen people not come back after lunch and just walk off so - if it doesn't work out - you wouldn't be the first. Hugs to you

  34. Anonymous

    If you’re having excruciating pain, you need to stop immediately before you do permanent damage to your body! Yes, you need the money but you may end up spending more on medical bills. Find another job that is not as physically demanding. And go see a doctor- even if it’s at a free clinic. Speaking as a person who ignored pain while on the job and now have life long back pain

  35. Cathy Udv

    You went from no activity to full high impact activity, of course you hurt.

    When you get home, you need to stretch take Tylenol and apply ice or heat or alternate. Stretch when you get up in the morning. Look up ergonomic safe methods of movement

    you might want to consult a physical therapist to help you adjust.

    but you will hurt. You are using different muscles, they are complaining

  36. Scott Piligrimm
    I can't believe that there are businesses who still use human resources to deal with such a tiring work. Robotics process automation has been around for a while, and it's not a problem to find companies like https://deusrobotics.com/ and order sorting and moving robots, so I don't understand why entrepreneurs don't implement this form of warehouse management that's much more effective and cost-efficient.
  37. Anonymous

    Make sure you have a good pair of comfortable and supportive shoes. Another trick is to have two pairs of good shoes (ideally different types) and rotate shoes throughout the day. At break, swap shoes. Also, see your regular doctor to evaluate and make sure there isn't something wrong. They may also recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory to help with the pain. Also, use proper lifting techniques. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076866

    I hope things improve for you.

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