Thoughts of An “Essential Worker”
Let’s be honest, the phrase “essential worker” is hot right now… and I am going to be honest, when I originally took this job- I had no idea I would ever be deemed this term…. and it has come with some unforeseen pressure.
In addition to my full-time job, I currently work part-time at a grocery store. During the current times, I am very fortunate and grateful to have this position. I started working at this company when I was a few months out of turning 16, in high school, and only started working there because it’s known to be a great place to work… and, of course, my mom told me I needed to get a job. Fast forward almost 9 years later and I have worked in almost every department in the store, went to college, got my Master’s degree, worked full-time at the grocery store, and dropped back part-time… the company is more than flexible to help you in your career and home life. Of course, these times have made me feel grateful to have this position, as others in the retail space have not been as fortunate… but also, sometimes I feel more frustrated than ever to walk into work the 3–4 days/week that I do.
Here’s why:
During these times, our company has changed policies, all in current accordance's with the CDC, to keep us safe and healthy. We are provided masks to wear, have health checks before every shift and have limited our store hours to help with stocking and cleaning efforts. The physical work of my shifts are the same as ever- but, the emotional effort each 5.5+ hour shift has on me in exponentially higher than ever before.
First, wearing a mask for my whole shift makes me feel slightly claustrophobic- but I am doing this for my own good, and for my coworkers and customers. I wash my hands every time I am done with a task. I make sure to not get as close to others as usual. I am more conscious than ever before. This can be a lot to think of…
Typically, I only have to go throughout my shift and think about my own actions, my own space and my own task at hand. But, with the current situations, I also have to think of the customers. This is what makes my time at work more draining than ever before, to the point where I am physically more tired when leaving than before.
Some customers do not wear masks.
Some customers do not wear masks, and come up very close to you to ask a question.
Some customers expect you to move out of their way so that they can get a product, but ask you in a harsh or direct way.
When I am moving around the sales floor, I have to observe and anticipate surrounding customer’s next move so that I do not cross close paths with them.
This is what has been draining. This is why I am more tired at night.
I had a customer at 7 am one morning on a Sunday tell me “Thank you for serving us.” At that time in the morning, I did not really have a great response for this woman other than “Of course, no problem.” But, as I thought about it more, I thought it was a bit of a weird thing for her to say to me. It made the situation feel a bit militaristic, and that made me feel weird. I appreciate the thought behind it, but the phrasing caught me off guard a bit.
Moral of the story, as an “essential worker” in today’s situation, my thoughts always have me leaning towards customers who are not as considerate of their surroundings as I would anticipate them to be. I wear a mask for 5–8 hours so that you do not get sick. I come to work so that you can put food on your table. I have been isolating myself from my friends and family so that I can go to work to help you get food on your table and stay healthy.
Please at least be considerate of all of your surroundings when you are out in public and think of the greater common good when you are interacting with people directly or indirectly as you do your essential errands.
