When Will Jobs Learn the Difference Between Hazardous and Dangerous?
We’ve been dealing with heavy rain, high winds, and flooding for about more than a week now. Sure, we need the rain to keep the island green, but Mother Nature has been working overtime lately.
I left my apartment at 0310 and got to work around 0345. Since parking, I’ve counted lightning flash 18 times.
I started questioning my life after the third one.
I work in a warehouse, but part of the job means driving outside to haul freight from the yard into the building. That’s my only gripe right now—as rain pounds against my car and the wind shakes it just enough to keep me alert.
Because I already know what’s coming.
I’m going to have to work in this.
Again.
Last week, I drove through a downpour and was absolutely miserable:
- No rain gear
- A poncho that somehow kept my butt dry… and nothing else
- Completely drenched, teeth chattering, no extra clothes
- Winds so strong people were literally fighting to walk straight
I still don’t know how I didn’t get sick.
As far as I know, work isn’t getting canceled. It never does. And yeah, it sucks that we don’t get hazard pay for conditions like this. It’s not frequent, but when it happens, no one making those decisions is out there with us.
A little extra compensation wouldn’t kill them.
But that’s wishful thinking.
By the time I counted the ninth lightning flash, one of them was so bright it felt like it blinded me for a second while I was driving.
Luckily, there were no cars around me. Straight road. No turns. Nothing to react to.
Still… it makes you think.
Why Am I Working During a Storm?
Simple question. Simple answer. Complicated reason.
I can’t afford to look for another job right now.
There’s a lot in life that sucks, and that includes working conditions and pay. I earn enough to live on my own—but not enough to feel safe doing it.
Of course, I’ve already made sure my assets go to my parents if something happens to me.
Because nothing says “good morning” like questioning your mortality at 4:30 a.m.
Yeah, that was sarcasm.
It would be nice to work from home—writing, maybe. Something safe. Something dry.
But my job literally pays me to work out, just not in ideal conditions, like this lovely rain.
So for now, the goal is simple:
Get through today.
I’ll worry about everything else later, when I don’t have to worry about getting electrocuted.
I’m trying to survive the job I currently have.
If You Made It To The End
Thanks for taking the time to read my work rant.
I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we’re at work and would rather be anywhere else—especially during crazy weather.
If this hit home, feel free to like, comment, subscribe, or share it with someone else who’s also questioning why they’re doing their job in conditions like this.
What’s the worst weather you’ve had to work through?
Feel free to share or even leave a thumbs up if you agree that our jobs might treat us like we’re invulnerable to keep working in insane conditions.
Explore The Archives
I write about more than just questioning my life choices at 4 a.m.
You’ll find posts on:
- Training in non-ideal conditions
- Personal finances under real pressure
- DIY projects (because I’m broke and bored)
- And whatever else I end up dealing with
Feel free to explore the archives or check out some of my other posts.
Otherwise, I’ll see you all after I survive Mother Nature—and my job’s decision to stay open, rain or shine.
Wish me luck.
