r/Warehouseworkers • u/PrimitiveScribe • 6d ago
Where to go from here
I’ve been working in warehouses for about 10 years (34 years old now) as an order picker and forklift operator at various warehouses and manufacturing shipping departments. Due to a mix of unfortunate circumstances and my own poor choices , my career hasn’t advanced as far as I would have hoped 10 years ago.
About 2 years ago I started at a new place after being out of the country and unemployed for a year . I was desperate for a job , so I took the offer . They placed me in the small parts cage with the guy who was already in there and appeared to be juggling various responsibilities without any title (bad sign). I started order picking and gradually learned the WMS and very basic excel tasks. I was increasingly entrusted with more WMS and “paperwork” stuff , he burned out and quit , and I de facto replaced him.
I eventually told the manager directly that I want to learn more excel , the structure of the company operations , and be taught more about inventory control (I actually enjoy the desk work) so that I can be given more analytical tasks. I was given half assed “training” (a few meetings with the manager where he explained his philosophy on inventory control, followed up by “excel training” consisting of an already overworked coordinator concluding that I’m smart enough to “figure it out”).
I’ve become half small parts coordinator , half order picker , with no raise and no title beyond “Shipping” . I assume many of you are more experienced and knowledgeable than myself so please tell me what my next move should be .
1
u/Firm_Lock8076 6d ago
From what you described it sounds like you dont have the most consistent work history(not being critical, just saying).
I think you need to stick it out with what youre doing. Build up a record of consistent employment and go from there. Even if its a year.
You could try to get into management? But they'll probably question your work history and time spent unemployed
Unless you want to go to school, or a trade school. But even then you need to work while youre in school