If you consider to work at a warehouse, you should know the pros and cons before you make the choice.
You might feel that working in a warehouse is a good option for the time being, whether you are a fresh graduate, someone looking for a new career, or just evaluating your situation.
Advantages of Working In a Warehouse
Benefits of a job in the warehouse is one of the factors that might be considered by those who want to secure a position there. Below are 10 advantages that might make warehouse work a suitable option for you.
1. High Demand
With the emergence of e-commerce and ultra-fast delivery, demand for warehouse jobs is high. In a world where online shopping continues to grow, the need for warehouse workers continues to grow too. This implies that job security is high, and the risk of being laid off is quite minimal.
The industry is vibrant and is not expected to go down, therefore it is a good option for stability in one’s career.
2. No Degree Required
The fact that warehouse work is a non-degree job is the most desirable feature of it. It is a great chance for you if you are a college dropout or an individual who decided not to go to college. The emphasis is on your performance of the task at hand rather than your academic credentials.
3. Low Barrier of Entry
Warehouse work is also loved for its low entry points. You can begin with no qualifications and pick up skills as you work. No technical skills are required, you will be working on simple tasks that anyone can catch on.
This makes it perfect for people who want to begin a new career, yet without any knowledge, training, or qualifications.
4. Good Salary
The median hourly wage for “laborers and freight, stock, and material movers” in the year 2022 is $18.92 as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is an attractive wage, particularly given the low entry barriers. In addition, during busy seasons there are many chances to work overtime and therefore make more money.
5. Good Benefits
Apart from the paycheck itself, many warehouse jobs come with advantages. These benefits may consist of health insurance, a pension plan, and leave. These benefits can greatly boost your entire remuneration package, and the job will even become more appealing.
6. Flexible Hours
Warehouse work would be the ideal job for you if you are looking for a job with flexible hours. Most of the warehouses operate on a twenty-four hour basis, thus they are able to provide various shifts that suit different lifestyles.
If you wish to earn more, you can work many more shifts during peak seasons, such as from November to January, when the demand for extra warehouse work goes through the roof.
7. You Can Begin the Work Shortly
Warehouse workers are usually hired very fast. This makes you able to onboard and begin working shortly. It is a good option for those willing to start earning and landing to their new job soon.
8. Good Culture
A union warehouse tends to create a better work culture. The pay, health and safety, job security, and general welfare of unionized warehouse workers are very good.
So before you take that warehouse job, try to know if it is unionized. It could be a real game changer in your work life.
9. Keep You Fit
The physical nature of warehouse work makes it a good exercise. You will be working on your feet, lifting things, and remaining active during your shift. It’s like getting paid to work out.
10. Opportunity to Move Up
Warehouse work also provides some career development openings. Given commitment and efforts you could be promoted in the warehouses to the supervisory or management role.
Nevertheless, it varies on many levels, such as your performance, your quickness to learn and adjust, and your readiness to take more duties.
Disadvantages of Working in a Warehouse
Apart from the advantages, you should also think about the possible disadvantages when choosing warehousing as a career. Here are 8 disadvantages of warehouse work.
1. Physically Demanding
Warehouse job is not for people with weak hearts. It is physically demanding, with lifting of heavy objects and long hours on your feet as a norm.
The breaks? The strings are generally too brief to offer any real relief. It’s like doing a marathon with short water breaks.
2. You Must Work Fast
In a warehouse, times are dollars. You work at a speed of light with productivity being the game. The pressure is high and the room for mistakes is small.
3. Bad Working Environments
The operation conditions in warehouses are demanding. They are usually filled with the continuous noise of machines, which produces a jarring noise that can be unbearable..
Imagine yourself in a very hot warehouse during the heat of the summer, or in a cold and wet one during the cold of winter.
4. High Risk of Injury
The job requires handling of heavy objects, which leads to musculoskeletal injuries if not lifted right.
The presence of machinery and equipment, like forklifts and conveyor belts, can be hazardous if not operated carefully.
Tall shelves with goods are also a risk, as the product can fall off and lead to injury.
The job itself is a source of constant physical strain which can result in chronic conditions in the long run. For example, the workers suffer from back pain or repetitive strain injuries.
Hence, the warehouse job necessitates your permanent attention and observance of safety regulations to reduce such risks.
5. Boring
Warehousing work is repetitive and boring. The tasks of the same nature that you perform day after day can also take away your motivation and make the workday stretch into eternity. Even music or podcasts cannot solve the problem of drudgery if you have to work for a long period of time.
6. You May Work at Night
Shift work is typical for warehouse jobs, including nights. It is as if you are residing in another time zone, affecting your sleep and sociability. It’s more than just the loss of prime-time TV programs; it can affect your health and relationships.
7. You May Be Depressed
Working in a warehouse can be isolated. Lack of human contact can give you an feeling that you are working on a deserted island. This social isolation may result in social loneliness and on rare occasions, depression.
8. You May Waste Time of Your Career
Warehouse work may not give the type of development of skills you want in a career. It is like getting trapped in a job that is going nowhere, days into weeks, and weeks towards years, with nothing much to show in terms of professional development. Therefore, this job may be not suitable for you if you’re looking for a job to learn skills.
