Shift Work
I want to share with you things I learned when I was a delivery driver for Domino’s. I kicked ass too. Oh yeah – I made money. That’s what you have to do though when you work, find what you do well and kick ass at it. I did that very well, driving has always felt like freedom to me, so I enjoy it, always. The only time I’ll have an issue with driving is if I’m tired, and that’s just because I don’t want to die. 
On a Saturday back then, if I worked a nine hour shift, which was common – I would come home with between $200 – 350.00. I rarely left after working a full day on the weekend with less than $200.00. It was very nice, fast money and seemingly easy money.
You don’t have a boss breathing down your neck, it’s your first sense of freedom at work. Overall, the money was great, and for my skill set at the time, I did really well. I was working a different job, at a gas station, before my venture into delivery driving. I changed jobs because I started going to college and needed a more flexible schedule. That kind of job is ideal for students. The job was laid back, the people never were stressed out like crazy, we would just get busy – which makes the time go fast. I have always appreciated a speedy time clock, haven’t you?
You can’t help but learn about the overall layout of streets and numbering of buildings, etc. when you are a delivery driver. That helps a lot when going to interviews for better jobs.
One of the things I learned was that if you have trouble being blinded by oncoming vehicles at night, follow the line on the right side of your vehicle. This way you always know where you are and you are focusing on something other than “off in the distance” where you can be attracted to the lights of an oncoming vehicle. Of course, I have encountered roads where you can’t really see the line because it is so old, but do your best, it’ll help.
It helped me a lot to learn those things then for that job, but those things still help me today. I learned how to self manage myself, I learned time management, customer service – I had to make on the spot decisions about our service, sometimes I had to give up an order for free because of a snag in delivery – or worse, a mistake in the order.
These are skills you can take with you when you go, what a lot of people don’t realize is that every job comes with things that can help you later, if nothing else you will learn more about dealing with people.
Overall I just want you to know that your perspective on what you do is what makes the difference, if you can envision the end of the line of what you’re doing, the end product, and be proud of your part in it, however small or large – then I think you have the right perspective. Your job isn’t what makes you.
What makes you is who you are, where you’re going and what you’re taking with you when you go. Your goals, dreams and ideals can become a reality if you are willing to do the work to get there.
So many people let shift work overcome their lives and never rise above. It is possible to succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
You have to ask yourself one question, “Am I ready?”
Are you?
“For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?” ~ James Allen
