About 4 weeks ago I began working at this dog food factory with my dad. I’m 19 and he’s 40. I’m still planning to attend college this fall, but I wanted to work through the summer and possibly keep the job going into the fall. I guess I’m primarily here to rant about it and ask you guys if i should
quit.
I hate it. Think of metal containers stacked floor to ceiling full of rotting sweet potatoes. Now imagine the number of flys and insects infesting the facilities, flying, crawling everywhere, even (especially) the breakroom. Then think about the millions of spiders breeding and spinning new webs daily where we hang our smocks up. There is never a moment where the stench of manure/rotting sweet potatoes doesn’t cloud your senses, leaving you with a distinct sour, almost sulphuric taste along your tastebuds. I’ve lost my appetite just writing this after work.
I’ve worked other jobs, I’ve worked in a factory. I’ve disliked jobs, sure, but flat out hating my existence every second that I’m in there, I never pictured it happening. It’s soul-sucking. The worst part isn’t the facility, or the people, or the roaches, or management, it’s the fucking job.
I stand for 4 hours straight until break at 11:00, which is 20 minutes. Then it’s back to the job which is just, standing. I stand and move my hands back and forth to make sure the potatoes stay flat as they move along the conveyor belt. I’ve never felt like just, a tool. I counted to 3,000 today just standing there trying to think of anything better to do than stare at the potatoes and actually think about where I would move them.
I just feel extremely pressured to keep the job, because it’s 3/4 days a week, and because I don’t want my father to be disappointed. I’m not lazy, I love exercise or work that actually makes me work, I just hate the toll standing and staring at the same thing for hours takes on me. I’m sure anyone would. Thanks for reading my spill if you have. I just want any other job to get out of this one. So, should I quit?