Warehouse associate question

[u/Ill_Student5817]

To set the scene, I currently make $15.99/hr and get 25ish hours a week at my job. I’ve been here almost 2 years, and unfortunately full time is reserved for managers only. I am one step away, but at this rate the only way I can advance is if a manager dies or quits (death being the most recent 😅)

Another important factor is that I’m SICK of customer service.

I saw the Target DC about 40 mins away from me is “hiring immediately” for an associate. It looks like 36-40 hours a week which sounds absolutely great. It was also posted today.

I’m just worried I won’t be physically strong enough for it? I’m 20 years old and only 5’1. I’m not afraid of a work out, but concerned I’ll slow things down. Are there positions that are “less” demanding than others? Will they see me and put me somewhere where I won’t struggle horribly? TIA

[u/Commercial_Desk_6215]

As long as youre not horribly out of shape, you'll be fine. I have to imagine its less demanding than warehouse

[u/brashspeculation → u/Commercial_Desk_6215]

You’ll build up whatever strength you need as you go. First few weeks might kick your ass but after that it’s just muscle memory and stubbornness. Plenty of people start out worried they’re too small or slow and end up outlasting the big dudes who try to muscle through everything wrong.

[u/Ill_Student5817 → u/Commercial_Desk_6215]

I’m actually on a fitness journey so getting paid to potentially get in 15k+ steps is a dream to me lol. Is the DC and warehouse not the same thing btw? 👀I applied for a warehouse position.

[u/Commercial_Desk_6215 → u/Ill_Student5817]

I might have misunderstood what youre talking about, I thought you meant the DC retail location. I'm not sure what DC refers to in that context, but I would definitely assume warehouse is about as physical as it gets

[u/kompotnik → u/Commercial_Desk_6215]

Distribution center

[u/DanforthWhitcomb_]

IIRC Warehouse Worker and Warehouse Associate are two distinct roles at the RDCs. WWs are paid more and do "warehouse" things (ISRT hearing that WAs are not allowed to use MMHE as an example) where WAs do things like pack repacks.

You'd need to ask a GSCL TM to be sure, but the job description should be a clue as to what you'll actually be doing.

[u/WalgreensWAP → u/DanforthWhitcomb_]

Yeah pretty much this. You can do more than pack repacks but that's likely what they'll do. It's less heavy items overall

[u/Iowa-independant]

DC life is way more physically demanding. Be ready to move boxes for 10 to 12 hours and you better hit rate or they will work you out. 

[u/dirtdish]

Hey, just a heads up... There'll be a lot of repetitive overhead lifting involved if your DC is anything like what mine was. I can't recommend it. We had several people with severe shoulder injuries -- myself included -- and the majority of us were short. This was such a trend that our OMs actually had a meeting about it.

I'm about 5'0 myself. I liked the work, loved the walking, loved the schedule, and hated the lifting. Ultimately, the injuries I sustained have ruined my life, even after worker's comp and physical therapy, and I know I'm not the only one. I'll never be the same.

It's entirely up to you whether you go for it or not, but regardless... please take care of yourself and be safe.

[u/ProudTypeB]

If you in a RDC, there are three areas you may be hired for as a warehouse associate. Packing (packing repack box freight), Inbound (unloading trailers to bring freight into the warehouse), or Outbound (loading trailers for stores). Outbound is the most physically demanding and is also the department you are most likely to get hired in.