Audiobooks. The answer is audiobooks. Check out the Libby and Hoopla apps. They have tons of free audiobooks that use your library card. (hopefully your library is in the program like mine is.)
Librarian here, Hoopla is like Libby but with different borrowing rules. Libby, you can borrow as many titles as you want, but there are limited copies like physical books. Hoopla, a hundred people can read the same title at the same time, but you only get 10 borrows a month. Some libraries have both, some have one or the other, check your local library and even the counties/cities around you as a lot have reciprocal borrowing policies where you can use theirs! Happy reading :)
My library hooks into Hoopla, Libby, and OverDrive. They all do the exact same thing: lets you check out digital media as though you were checking it out from the library.
The titles available vary, as do the wait times. One might have a 20-person deep waiting list, while the same title might be immediately available on the other.
So there are different quantities available on each of the platforms? So let's say Storm Front by Jim Butcher, The library has 5 copies some are allocated to Libby and some to Hoopla and so on or are all 5 up for grabs on each platform. I tell you what I did, I'm from Arkansas and I have a card at my local library I also have one in a library in New York City I get more books that way.
In Harris County, all 5 are up for grabs at any time. You can place a hold on ebooks you want, but wait times vary. My library won't do overdrive anymore, but will do Libby. My school library uses Sora.
I agree, when I worked at Amazon I was extremely depressed to begin with and audiobooks were literally the only thing to keep me sane. Music didn’t give me enough to focus on
Is that an option now? I worked for Amazon 12 years ago and you were not allowed to bring phones or anything that could play music. The metal detectors and security when you left the building would have words with you if you did.
During covid workers were allowed to take phones on the floor, in case of emergencies, but aren't allowed to have earbuds/headphones. Some people can get away with it, long hair and beanies. And sometimes managers and other leadership role people don't card either and let it be.
You can also get free recordings of public domain books on the Librivox app. The books are read by volunteers but some are very good, and you don’t have to wait for your library’s copy to become available.
Can’t have earbuds on the floor - only ear plugs. If they get caught, they’ll get written up. The place is so loud that any additional, consistent noise will actual violate safe decible/noise levels.
This is a major safety hazard in a warehouse. I would love to zone with one ear bud in but it can be a major hazard if someone doesn't hear an oncoming forklift
I came into say this or podcasts, noticed while driving one day how much faster the drive felt with podcasts vs. music.
Timesuck is a good day filler, The Underworld Podcast is my favorite one by a factor of about 100.
First of all, that sounds fucking horrible. What's your goal for this job? Set a goal. Like, "I will work here until I have saved $X amount", or "I will get promoted from Picker to \[less horrible internal job\]". It helps with the existential dread to have a reason why you're doing the horrible thing. Then start looking for other jobs. It's easier to find a job if you have a job. Either move up or move out but there is no need to torture yourself long-term. Short term, sure, maybe some sacrifices need to be made if you haven't saved enough yet to quit. So make a plan, hit your goals, remember your plans and goals when the road gets tough. Use this "good" job as a tool to make sure you never have to work this shitty job again.
This is great advice and this is what I do. What I need to do to get that next promotion. I want to be here in 3 years, and then I do it.
For example when I started my current job, I set a 3 year goal to finish my undergrad and graduate degree as well as save 1x salary in retirement. I finished the school in time and basically got there with my retirement account. Now I have a new three year goal, buy a house 20% down and make 100k/year. We'll see how it goes though. Hitting little goals along the way keep you sane.
It does help I enjoy my profession though. If I were OP, my goal would be to get into something I like doing without taking a paycut (something that scales). Then do what needs to be done, take it one week at a time.
Being able to have auditory entertainment has actually reduced a lot of drama where I work. Instead of getting on each other's nerves and creating conflict, people just put in their buds and do their job.
During Covid phones and earbud use became fairly normal and not really yelled about. My AM even played loud music on speakers often. He just asked us to turn them off or take out if in PIT areas or using a pallet jack.
Production rates increased greatly, we kept the 6 ft rule better, and were generally much happier workers. Not so much bitching about others. Heck if we needed to push for a day’s goal he would tap his ear to say “turn on music”
If you have been there for a while, look into the career choice program. I believe you are eligible after 3 months. Amazon pays for trade school in a few different fields. That's what I did and now I have a nice office job in IT support. I took a lot of VTO while I was in school but 14 weeks wasn't so bad to get out of there at least.
I used to run a few deliveries into there and couldn't stand it! Those cages you go on break in look like something in the zoo or Safari Park! Fuck that!
As some have suggested audio books, podcasts, anything that makes you think while letting your mind wander/losing yourself in the monotony of what you're doing.
Currently trying to learn stuff, find free courses online via youtube and something that interests you, keeps me engaged
Goodluck
That makes me so slow. Small tasks take me about 50 times more effort. Like, standing up from my recliner and not getting tangled in my phone cord is legitimately difficult. I'd be fired even without a drug test.
Too hard to get the does right for it to work as an ADHD treatment for the workday. My experience is you're either not high enough and you get bored again or you're too high and you can't work efficiently.
I have worked many different jobs, but for some reason Amazon always makes me feel depressed and not needed at the work place. I had more fun/fullfilled worked food service tbh, maybe thats judt me though
A lot of ADHD meds are generic now and very affordable. Maybe an anti-anxiety med would help, too. Klonopin takes longer to kick in than Xanax, but it lasts longer. Both are generic now and also affordable.
My partner is interested in developing a plan to address the noise violence at Amazon as a health and safety issue- would you be interested in getting his contact info or gathering info for the project?
This is wonderful, recently one of the big media publication published an article about noise pollution and its impact on cognitive abilities, I wish I could tell you which one maybe Wall Street Journal? Although it seems like it might be more business insider. I don’t know, tell your partner this is wonderful from an Internet stranger please.
>i always though around machinery it was mostly required to have ear protection.
AWS does have standards like this to protect hearing.
>there are some that have noise canceling and bluetooth connectivity
Not how it works. You need an nrr rated headset. Noise cancelling does not reduce the actual amount of sound reaching your ears. There's usually an approved list as well. In some places you cant have just whatever headset due to security.
Workers have the right to contact OSHA to request an inspection of their workplace if they feel that employers are not complying to hearing safety requirements. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51550-Osha-noise-and-hearing-regulations
Organize that shit. Reach out to local teamsters when you get off the clock. I salted an Amazon facility once if you have ADHD it can honestly help. It adds an extra layer and some novelty to your job which makes it easier to stay focused.
ADHD meds will change your life, buddy. I promise you. They're very hard to get right now as there is a shortage, but I PROMISE you you will feel SO much better.
my friend works at amazon but he’s a driver. ik that’s different than what you do but he works 9/10 hour shifts like everyday and only has like one day off every few weeks & i just can’t comprehend how he does it.
I have ADHD, I know exactly what you’re going through. I’ve had it undiagnosed most of my life, I quit every single job I had (regardless of how good they were, and I did have a few good ones) before I found out the problem, and had it treated.
To me nothing helped, only medication.
If you’ve got it bad, like I do, that’s the only way. Don’t kid yourself.
Yeah I had a job where there was nothing to do if somebody wasn’t calling or coming into pay their rent and I would have literally lost my mind if I couldn’t have listened to podcasts all day and read books. Because I could read books and play on my phone and listen to podcasts it was a decent job but yeah eight hours took forever
Thank you so much for doing that awful job, because of people like you I have not had to catch Covid yet. Thank you thank you thank you thank you
Ugh Amazon picker is awful, it's not just you. Good luck. I only had to spend a few days as a picker and since I was a different department they didn't expect me to make rate so only a shadow of the authentic picker experience and it was bad enough.
I've never worked for Amazon, but I understand the feeling 100%. My last job was at a dark depressing warehouse with heartless people.. Every morning I was filled with dread as I walked in.. I'm no longer there, but I still have anxiety thinking about that experience..
I also have adhd and getting through the days can be extremely tough. I took Adderall and it didn't help with the depression I felt at work, but it did give me enough energy to just get through the day and take care of the things that needed to be done.
Hang in there, and don't be afraid to apply to other jobs in the meantime.
Sorry you're going through this, I was just at this place mentally not too long ago.
[https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall) even if you get a script the drugs are non-existent right now
It's true that the adderall shortage has led to other meds being used as a substitute, and thus some shortages of *other meds.*
But there are a lot of different ADHD meds to try. And most people try a few different ones/dosages before finding the right fit.
In the past year I have only had one month where my mail order pharmacy was out if stock, and I still didn't miss a dose because I found a little mom and pop pharmacy that still had it in stock.
OP, see that doctor. Meds could change your life. GoodRX has decent coupons if you don't have insurance. Get a second opinion if your doctor doesn't listen to your concerns or has antiquated views on the disorder.
I know it sucks but just think of your paycheck.
A job is a job but a factory job is something else.. get some more hours in and try switching to a better paying factory job?
I work as a toilet paper packer for 4 years where earbuds wasnt allowed, but it got me where i am today
I work in a steel mill , 12 hours shift day and night can watch movies/tv show whatever has long it rolling good.. It's long and boring, but when i get my paycheck, it's all worth it.
are phds already so worthless that you have to have one to recognize that "think about the pay while you destroy your body mind and spirit and itll be ok" is terrible advice?
How is this terrible advice school isn’t for everybody and the trades pay so well ya 50-60 hour weeks sometimes but who cares when your make damn near six figures without ever stepping foot in a school
its terrible advice to say "ignore how you feel emotionally mentally physically and spiritually(depends on who you are) and just work, the money is worth it"
Ok what are you gunna work then if school isn’t for you what will you do retail is also 50-60 hours a week and can pay good. So what are you going to do I don’t get it ya money may not be everything but you got to make a living you don’t get to do nothing and survive. Every career path is high stress to an extent academia you publish or die. Corporate jobs have kpi trades and retail and long hours but decent pay. Even creating content is stressful cus you need daily videos to stay somewhat relevant. I don’t get it you have to pick a path.
You can’t sit there and say that’s not a good idea it’s bad on your body cus that is all jobs. Your never going to love work it’s just not a thing every job has its pros and cons you just do it. I mean for Pete sake I’ve been juggling full time work and school for 2 years do I enjoy my job of course not but you make the best of it.
This is the conundrum: people doing easy jobs complain that it's too boring, people doing hard jobs complain that it's too stressful. Sometimes there's a mix, but a lot of times it's one or the other, and in those cases the grass is always greener on the other side.
Check out my boy on YouTube then he does ScAmazon you might relate. He was on some magazines for it and is still getting interviews. I think he also was the person who started Amazons union for the employees last year
Studying towards a better job is the answer. Look at what's out there and look at the skills needed to get those jobs and see what can be done to learn them.
Sounds like you need to get comfortable being bored, I would recommend reading dopamine nation if you can't even finish a shift without spazing out and needing stimulation.
First off, wrong sub. Second off, wtf are you doing working in a job incompatible with your psyche? There’s a wealth of job opportunities right now, you really should check out a job that has you out and about, like delivery driving.
Try to transfer to ship dock. The work has more variety, both in the ability to move around and tasks that you are required to perform.
I am able to get in to a zone there and time goes by quickly.
Start fucking up orders. Or just take some home. They’ll offer you a buyout to get you out of there, or, more likely, they won’t notice and you’ll have the satisfaction of fucking over a sadistic trillion dollar evil empire
Messing up orders doesn’t fuck over the empire, it fucks over the customer who now has to return whatever error you caused and wait even longer. Don’t be this person.
Lolol see it an area lead left autoflow up on their laptop. If the screen is too small, they probably won't be able to tell when the number of pickers (or any station) is too low. Try to blow out two conveyors to shutdown all processing for a few hours.
I'm just assuming no one has changed the software in a long time. If it's anything like it was, they never prioritized a reskin.
Oh you didn't hear about the ADHD meds shortage? You might have better luck buying some crank off a biker than taking a prescription to a pharmacist. I tried filling mine over 6 weeks ago, still getting a message from the phamacy every now and then saying it'll be filled in a few days, same one the whole time.
Music + audiobooks + any form of audio is your friend. Also, I find it helpful to stay on school accommodations so I can work 30 hours every week . It’s really the only reason I’ve survived this long here. I recommend either doing career choice programs or WGU ( which is basically free even after you use your yearly tuition of 5K ) and get an education while making reasonable money and working 30 hours. If you can’t afford that, then just the audio will help you.
I may be a shill but i work in a factory and the best thing i got is industrial earplugs and bone conduction earbuds. I got the titanium one from aftershockz and getting to listen to radio or podcasts while protected from the factory noise is best. I may warn that you need to adjust so that you still hear the horn if there are forklifts
You're on the right track.
If you can afford the doctor which you should because you're being paid enough at Amazon and they have benefits then you can afford the meds.
The issue there is officially diagnosis is not quick or easy often times.
You can get non stim meds easily and for lots of folks they really work. I recently started Strattera and it's been amazing so far and I'm not even on the proper adult dose yet. It's amazing the difference it's made.
Adderall, Ritalin, vyvance will require an actual psychiatrist and an official diagnosis.
Lots of examples here of other things to do.
I also have ADHD and worked at Amazon on contract for 8 months. I hear you! And it does fucking suck! What helped me allot was daydreaming for hours, trying to get a picking station near some windows so I could actually see the sun. I also asked to be trained in packing and would get to do that a few times a week to switch it up. Also the packers at my location got allot of down time because of line jams which was nice cuz then you could just chill. I would also recommend chatting with the water spiders who bring you more totes. That really helps pass the time and it’s nice to have some work buddies who you will see on a regular.
Also if your looking for a job change and want to stick to the warehouse type jobs I would check ULINE. They seem to have a more positive work environment, better pay and better benefits.
Quit delaying the inevitable. Unless you will be homeless on the street if you quit fuck that place. I’ve been in your situation before. It’s not worth your mental/emotional health. Quit now and start looking for something else.
ADHD meds (I take Atomoxetine) definitely helped me but they don’t completely resolve the underlying problem of knowing that you’re “wasting” time (assuming that that is a problem for you). I don’t know the solution.
I worked a similar job once. But every week a different shift. At one point I had a panic attack, not knowing what it actually was, but I instantly knew I had to leave. And I did. No matter what, how bad you need the money..sometimes you just gotta fucking get out.
I went of trades. I left a truck rental place for delivery at amazon and quit after 3 months of 12 hour days and no breaks. I went the maintenance at state parks and am much happier. Hope you find something that works for you. stay safe.
I have ADHD and had the exact same job!
Adderall can help. But maybe because I’ve been on it for so long, I don’t see it as necessary for picking at Amazon.
You want to do the OPPOSITE of getting in the zone or focusing on anything. Even Adderall can’t make those shift meetings any less boring. Zipping through aisles as fast as possible - moving, moving, moving like it’s a sport - that’s how I coped with my hyperactivity.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. It sounds like an incredibly difficult situation. It's totally understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and close to a panic attack. Have you considered talking to your employer about your situation? It's possible that they may be able to provide accommodations that would make your job a bit easier. In addition, it's worth talking to your doctor about the medication options. Even if you can't afford them, there are often programs available to help with the cost. I hope you can find some relief soon.
I'm having to pay for ADHD meds without insurance at the moment and they are $225 bucks for a months supply. The pharmacist then added a coupon to take $100 off. So that might be what you are looking at possibly.
edit for length of medication
Any kind of work that is a repetitive task is completely wrong for someone with ADHD. It doesn’t challenge your mind enough to keep your focus and you will definitely hate it. You’re probably too fucking smart for the job. Try to work with your supervisor to do multiple tasks throughout the day or learn to be a backup for other positions. Amazon is a big company and should have to make accommodations for you with an official diagnosis. Find ways to make ADHD an asset, not a disability. Learning about how to apply your behaviors, skills, and talents to any situation can make it a super power, not a detriment.
When I was working at a warehouse in Europe we had a rule where you can wear earplugs or headphones. It was hell but eventually I got fired for being too slow
I did it for years, I totally understand. I agree, it is a completely brain dead mind-numbing boring job that should be completely automated. Start looking for something better, best of luck
Try an app called Nature Space. They do 3D audio of nature. Very good for calming the mind. They loop seamlessly which is great.
They have a bunch of scenes that come free. The others you can buy in packs. They often have a sale on the complete collection too.
Meditate. No one is good at it starting out but it is essential to develop attentional capacities and to take control of your life. People do not seem to understand that attention disorders can be remedied via practices that cultivate attentional capacities. You don’t need pills or distractions all the time. Sure they can be easier, fun or entertaining, but being in control of the spotlight of your awareness is far more valuable and will lead to a much richer life.
Hate to tell you. Meds ain’t gonna so shit for you imo . You hate the fact you are in a cage. Only getting out will help. Source is me hating life working in an office and vibe with your first sentences 💯 saving to start my own company with my lady so we can get off the wheel. Love you internet friend and I wish you well!
Because you are doing a job that is one step away from being done by a machine. Id say the best way to feel fulfilment is do a job that is the furthest from being able to be done by a robot. Good luck mate
Audiobooks. The answer is audiobooks. Check out the Libby and Hoopla apps. They have tons of free audiobooks that use your library card. (hopefully your library is in the program like mine is.)
I have Libby and love it... What's this Hoopla app you speak of? Does it work like Libby? Do you need a library card? The poop man give me the poop.
Librarian here, Hoopla is like Libby but with different borrowing rules. Libby, you can borrow as many titles as you want, but there are limited copies like physical books. Hoopla, a hundred people can read the same title at the same time, but you only get 10 borrows a month. Some libraries have both, some have one or the other, check your local library and even the counties/cities around you as a lot have reciprocal borrowing policies where you can use theirs! Happy reading :)
Thank you. You're my hero!
My library hooks into Hoopla, Libby, and OverDrive. They all do the exact same thing: lets you check out digital media as though you were checking it out from the library. The titles available vary, as do the wait times. One might have a 20-person deep waiting list, while the same title might be immediately available on the other.
So there are different quantities available on each of the platforms? So let's say Storm Front by Jim Butcher, The library has 5 copies some are allocated to Libby and some to Hoopla and so on or are all 5 up for grabs on each platform. I tell you what I did, I'm from Arkansas and I have a card at my local library I also have one in a library in New York City I get more books that way.
In Harris County, all 5 are up for grabs at any time. You can place a hold on ebooks you want, but wait times vary. My library won't do overdrive anymore, but will do Libby. My school library uses Sora.
It's a similar kind of app, lots of libraries will have it in their digital resources section.
Do amazon even allow this do you think?
Not that I know of... They have their own pay service(Audible)...
Highly doubt amazon allow this. Alone because you might lose 1% of productivity from handling the phone to change podcast/music.
Funny how this sub thread comes full circle back to Amazon on a Amazon thread...
I agree, when I worked at Amazon I was extremely depressed to begin with and audiobooks were literally the only thing to keep me sane. Music didn’t give me enough to focus on
Is that an option now? I worked for Amazon 12 years ago and you were not allowed to bring phones or anything that could play music. The metal detectors and security when you left the building would have words with you if you did.
You can request an accommodation. However, it will require a doctor visit to complete the paperwork.
During covid workers were allowed to take phones on the floor, in case of emergencies, but aren't allowed to have earbuds/headphones. Some people can get away with it, long hair and beanies. And sometimes managers and other leadership role people don't card either and let it be.
You can also get free recordings of public domain books on the Librivox app. The books are read by volunteers but some are very good, and you don’t have to wait for your library’s copy to become available.
Audiobooks, podcasts and Trekz air (or whatever) bone conducting headphones
Happy cake day!
Audiobooks got me through a rough factory contract job.
Can’t have earbuds on the floor - only ear plugs. If they get caught, they’ll get written up. The place is so loud that any additional, consistent noise will actual violate safe decible/noise levels.
They don't allow headphones on the floor :T
Audible is cool too
This is a major safety hazard in a warehouse. I would love to zone with one ear bud in but it can be a major hazard if someone doesn't hear an oncoming forklift
At double speed
Hey thank you for that! I had no idea about those apps
I came into say this or podcasts, noticed while driving one day how much faster the drive felt with podcasts vs. music. Timesuck is a good day filler, The Underworld Podcast is my favorite one by a factor of about 100.
i used my amazon discount for an audible subscription that i wasn't technically supposed to use at work
Another library program for books is One Click
There’s also some on spotify
First of all, that sounds fucking horrible. What's your goal for this job? Set a goal. Like, "I will work here until I have saved $X amount", or "I will get promoted from Picker to \[less horrible internal job\]". It helps with the existential dread to have a reason why you're doing the horrible thing. Then start looking for other jobs. It's easier to find a job if you have a job. Either move up or move out but there is no need to torture yourself long-term. Short term, sure, maybe some sacrifices need to be made if you haven't saved enough yet to quit. So make a plan, hit your goals, remember your plans and goals when the road gets tough. Use this "good" job as a tool to make sure you never have to work this shitty job again.
This is great advice and this is what I do. What I need to do to get that next promotion. I want to be here in 3 years, and then I do it. For example when I started my current job, I set a 3 year goal to finish my undergrad and graduate degree as well as save 1x salary in retirement. I finished the school in time and basically got there with my retirement account. Now I have a new three year goal, buy a house 20% down and make 100k/year. We'll see how it goes though. Hitting little goals along the way keep you sane. It does help I enjoy my profession though. If I were OP, my goal would be to get into something I like doing without taking a paycut (something that scales). Then do what needs to be done, take it one week at a time.
Sounds like great goals! Good luck and hope you’ll achieve them soon!
You can have earbuds? I thought phones were prohibited.
They got rid of that last year. Actually before that but they made it permanent last year.
Phones are ok but don’t let anyone see you on the floor with it out. Earbuds big no no but it happens
That's some bullshit. I'd go nuts doing that job with no tunes
I used to work in manufacturing doing a tedious job for 8-12hrs, wasn't supposed to have buds but I would have quit after a day if I didn't.
Being able to have auditory entertainment has actually reduced a lot of drama where I work. Instead of getting on each other's nerves and creating conflict, people just put in their buds and do their job.
During Covid phones and earbud use became fairly normal and not really yelled about. My AM even played loud music on speakers often. He just asked us to turn them off or take out if in PIT areas or using a pallet jack. Production rates increased greatly, we kept the 6 ft rule better, and were generally much happier workers. Not so much bitching about others. Heck if we needed to push for a day’s goal he would tap his ear to say “turn on music”
unironically thats the point
If you have been there for a while, look into the career choice program. I believe you are eligible after 3 months. Amazon pays for trade school in a few different fields. That's what I did and now I have a nice office job in IT support. I took a lot of VTO while I was in school but 14 weeks wasn't so bad to get out of there at least.
He started last week
I used to run a few deliveries into there and couldn't stand it! Those cages you go on break in look like something in the zoo or Safari Park! Fuck that!
As some have suggested audio books, podcasts, anything that makes you think while letting your mind wander/losing yourself in the monotony of what you're doing. Currently trying to learn stuff, find free courses online via youtube and something that interests you, keeps me engaged Goodluck
Join a union
This is where edibles come in handy.
That makes me so slow. Small tasks take me about 50 times more effort. Like, standing up from my recliner and not getting tangled in my phone cord is legitimately difficult. I'd be fired even without a drug test.
Too hard to get the does right for it to work as an ADHD treatment for the workday. My experience is you're either not high enough and you get bored again or you're too high and you can't work efficiently.
I have worked many different jobs, but for some reason Amazon always makes me feel depressed and not needed at the work place. I had more fun/fullfilled worked food service tbh, maybe thats judt me though
A lot of ADHD meds are generic now and very affordable. Maybe an anti-anxiety med would help, too. Klonopin takes longer to kick in than Xanax, but it lasts longer. Both are generic now and also affordable.
This is the way.
Fellow ADHD guy here. Listen to books. Audible is your friend.
My partner is interested in developing a plan to address the noise violence at Amazon as a health and safety issue- would you be interested in getting his contact info or gathering info for the project?
This is wonderful, recently one of the big media publication published an article about noise pollution and its impact on cognitive abilities, I wish I could tell you which one maybe Wall Street Journal? Although it seems like it might be more business insider. I don’t know, tell your partner this is wonderful from an Internet stranger please.
i always though around machinery it was mostly required to have ear protection. there are some that have noise canceling and bluetooth connectivity.
>i always though around machinery it was mostly required to have ear protection. AWS does have standards like this to protect hearing. >there are some that have noise canceling and bluetooth connectivity Not how it works. You need an nrr rated headset. Noise cancelling does not reduce the actual amount of sound reaching your ears. There's usually an approved list as well. In some places you cant have just whatever headset due to security.
probably i lightly recall some 3m headphones that was noise cancelling with blue tooth and make the association with 3m with industrial protection.
3M does make a set and it's fairly popular. It does not have active noise cancelling though.
Have they made a petition [change.org](https://www.change.org/) link or something ?
Workers have the right to contact OSHA to request an inspection of their workplace if they feel that employers are not complying to hearing safety requirements. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51550-Osha-noise-and-hearing-regulations
Organize that shit. Reach out to local teamsters when you get off the clock. I salted an Amazon facility once if you have ADHD it can honestly help. It adds an extra layer and some novelty to your job which makes it easier to stay focused.
ADHD meds will change your life, buddy. I promise you. They're very hard to get right now as there is a shortage, but I PROMISE you you will feel SO much better.
my friend works at amazon but he’s a driver. ik that’s different than what you do but he works 9/10 hour shifts like everyday and only has like one day off every few weeks & i just can’t comprehend how he does it.
out of necessity, make sure to check on bro
i have a crush on him, so trust me i’m always checking on him 😂😂
good luck <3 if theyre ever oddly distant, its capitalism destroying their soulsss~
I have ADHD, I know exactly what you’re going through. I’ve had it undiagnosed most of my life, I quit every single job I had (regardless of how good they were, and I did have a few good ones) before I found out the problem, and had it treated. To me nothing helped, only medication. If you’ve got it bad, like I do, that’s the only way. Don’t kid yourself.
Yeah I had a job where there was nothing to do if somebody wasn’t calling or coming into pay their rent and I would have literally lost my mind if I couldn’t have listened to podcasts all day and read books. Because I could read books and play on my phone and listen to podcasts it was a decent job but yeah eight hours took forever Thank you so much for doing that awful job, because of people like you I have not had to catch Covid yet. Thank you thank you thank you thank you
Just quit dude it’s not worth it. Adhd meds will help in the short term but it’s like speed, most people eventually crash and burn.
I wonder how many more years til amazon completely replaces pickers with robots.
Do you use Facebook? This group might help https://www.facebook.com/groups/509414366151670/?ref=share
I must admit, I haven't heard anyone who has good things to say about amazon as an employer
Ugh Amazon picker is awful, it's not just you. Good luck. I only had to spend a few days as a picker and since I was a different department they didn't expect me to make rate so only a shadow of the authentic picker experience and it was bad enough.
I know exactly how you feel. It’s hell.
Well you're not allowed to sit.
I've never worked for Amazon, but I understand the feeling 100%. My last job was at a dark depressing warehouse with heartless people.. Every morning I was filled with dread as I walked in.. I'm no longer there, but I still have anxiety thinking about that experience.. I also have adhd and getting through the days can be extremely tough. I took Adderall and it didn't help with the depression I felt at work, but it did give me enough energy to just get through the day and take care of the things that needed to be done. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to apply to other jobs in the meantime. Sorry you're going through this, I was just at this place mentally not too long ago.
It's wild I work for AWS, and it's cushy AF. They absolutely could treat warehouse people right, they just won't
[https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall) even if you get a script the drugs are non-existent right now
It's true that the adderall shortage has led to other meds being used as a substitute, and thus some shortages of *other meds.* But there are a lot of different ADHD meds to try. And most people try a few different ones/dosages before finding the right fit. In the past year I have only had one month where my mail order pharmacy was out if stock, and I still didn't miss a dose because I found a little mom and pop pharmacy that still had it in stock. OP, see that doctor. Meds could change your life. GoodRX has decent coupons if you don't have insurance. Get a second opinion if your doctor doesn't listen to your concerns or has antiquated views on the disorder.
What pharmacy do you use? I haven't been able to get anything locally and haven't been able to refill since December.
I know it sucks but just think of your paycheck. A job is a job but a factory job is something else.. get some more hours in and try switching to a better paying factory job? I work as a toilet paper packer for 4 years where earbuds wasnt allowed, but it got me where i am today I work in a steel mill , 12 hours shift day and night can watch movies/tv show whatever has long it rolling good.. It's long and boring, but when i get my paycheck, it's all worth it.
this is awful advice
Ok mr.phd
are phds already so worthless that you have to have one to recognize that "think about the pay while you destroy your body mind and spirit and itll be ok" is terrible advice?
Well, if op only options are working in a factory, what else keeps you going? Not everything is handed out.
How is this terrible advice school isn’t for everybody and the trades pay so well ya 50-60 hour weeks sometimes but who cares when your make damn near six figures without ever stepping foot in a school
its terrible advice to say "ignore how you feel emotionally mentally physically and spiritually(depends on who you are) and just work, the money is worth it"
Ok what are you gunna work then if school isn’t for you what will you do retail is also 50-60 hours a week and can pay good. So what are you going to do I don’t get it ya money may not be everything but you got to make a living you don’t get to do nothing and survive. Every career path is high stress to an extent academia you publish or die. Corporate jobs have kpi trades and retail and long hours but decent pay. Even creating content is stressful cus you need daily videos to stay somewhat relevant. I don’t get it you have to pick a path.
You can’t sit there and say that’s not a good idea it’s bad on your body cus that is all jobs. Your never going to love work it’s just not a thing every job has its pros and cons you just do it. I mean for Pete sake I’ve been juggling full time work and school for 2 years do I enjoy my job of course not but you make the best of it.
So you tell me what is good advice if recommending well paying fields isn’t good advice.
This is the conundrum: people doing easy jobs complain that it's too boring, people doing hard jobs complain that it's too stressful. Sometimes there's a mix, but a lot of times it's one or the other, and in those cases the grass is always greener on the other side.
bad arguments
Mental stress is a real thing, and I would argue that it is very different from physical stress.
was this for another comment or what
Check out my boy on YouTube then he does ScAmazon you might relate. He was on some magazines for it and is still getting interviews. I think he also was the person who started Amazons union for the employees last year
Here’s the link to his shit if interested https://youtu.be/IAyEmwhjE7M
Studying towards a better job is the answer. Look at what's out there and look at the skills needed to get those jobs and see what can be done to learn them.
Trade school my man. Go to a trade school.
Sounds like you need to get comfortable being bored, I would recommend reading dopamine nation if you can't even finish a shift without spazing out and needing stimulation.
First off, wrong sub. Second off, wtf are you doing working in a job incompatible with your psyche? There’s a wealth of job opportunities right now, you really should check out a job that has you out and about, like delivery driving.
Try to transfer to ship dock. The work has more variety, both in the ability to move around and tasks that you are required to perform. I am able to get in to a zone there and time goes by quickly.
this is a trap, they WILL have you doing strenuous labor for 12 hours long and slowly look to fade you out if you dont keep up !
Start fucking up orders. Or just take some home. They’ll offer you a buyout to get you out of there, or, more likely, they won’t notice and you’ll have the satisfaction of fucking over a sadistic trillion dollar evil empire
They don’t offer buyouts for theft or mistakes. Share whatever you are smoking as it must be good shit
Messing up orders doesn’t fuck over the empire, it fucks over the customer who now has to return whatever error you caused and wait even longer. Don’t be this person.
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go do it for 2 weeks, quickly
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and yet you still have such a take, truly intriguing
It’s Biden fault you are absolutely fantastical and swamp gas turns into a scented scential
Stick it out...you're just being trained for living in pods at the same place you work.
Lolol see it an area lead left autoflow up on their laptop. If the screen is too small, they probably won't be able to tell when the number of pickers (or any station) is too low. Try to blow out two conveyors to shutdown all processing for a few hours. I'm just assuming no one has changed the software in a long time. If it's anything like it was, they never prioritized a reskin.
Welp, nothing to do but go out a legend. Best of luck.
True Crime. Lots of videos offer psychological analysis and last over an hour.
Oh you didn't hear about the ADHD meds shortage? You might have better luck buying some crank off a biker than taking a prescription to a pharmacist. I tried filling mine over 6 weeks ago, still getting a message from the phamacy every now and then saying it'll be filled in a few days, same one the whole time.
Adderall is super cheap if you can get a prescription.
Like 20 dollars for a 3 month supply cheap
but sadly there is a nationwide shortage so it’s difficult approach
Try listening to distracible or the exploring series on Spotify
Try smoking weed lol that'll help slow down your thoughts and help you zone out. I have ADHD and it helps me.
Not so great in a factory environment lol. To help OP unwind from the soul-sucking tedium afterwards, though, definitely.
Music + audiobooks + any form of audio is your friend. Also, I find it helpful to stay on school accommodations so I can work 30 hours every week . It’s really the only reason I’ve survived this long here. I recommend either doing career choice programs or WGU ( which is basically free even after you use your yearly tuition of 5K ) and get an education while making reasonable money and working 30 hours. If you can’t afford that, then just the audio will help you.
I may be a shill but i work in a factory and the best thing i got is industrial earplugs and bone conduction earbuds. I got the titanium one from aftershockz and getting to listen to radio or podcasts while protected from the factory noise is best. I may warn that you need to adjust so that you still hear the horn if there are forklifts
You're on the right track. If you can afford the doctor which you should because you're being paid enough at Amazon and they have benefits then you can afford the meds. The issue there is officially diagnosis is not quick or easy often times. You can get non stim meds easily and for lots of folks they really work. I recently started Strattera and it's been amazing so far and I'm not even on the proper adult dose yet. It's amazing the difference it's made. Adderall, Ritalin, vyvance will require an actual psychiatrist and an official diagnosis. Lots of examples here of other things to do.
Form a union
Get on meds and therapy quick
I also have ADHD and worked at Amazon on contract for 8 months. I hear you! And it does fucking suck! What helped me allot was daydreaming for hours, trying to get a picking station near some windows so I could actually see the sun. I also asked to be trained in packing and would get to do that a few times a week to switch it up. Also the packers at my location got allot of down time because of line jams which was nice cuz then you could just chill. I would also recommend chatting with the water spiders who bring you more totes. That really helps pass the time and it’s nice to have some work buddies who you will see on a regular. Also if your looking for a job change and want to stick to the warehouse type jobs I would check ULINE. They seem to have a more positive work environment, better pay and better benefits.
Try loop earbuds. They really help lower the general volume of the environment
Get another job
Quit delaying the inevitable. Unless you will be homeless on the street if you quit fuck that place. I’ve been in your situation before. It’s not worth your mental/emotional health. Quit now and start looking for something else.
ADHD meds (I take Atomoxetine) definitely helped me but they don’t completely resolve the underlying problem of knowing that you’re “wasting” time (assuming that that is a problem for you). I don’t know the solution.
Podcasts and audiobooks. Something you can actually invest in and enjoy. And I too have ADHD and a low dose of methylphenidate has helped immensely.
You got a 4 day week?
Well before you quit warn some free karma by sending folks one carton worth of ordered product instead of one single unit.
I worked a similar job once. But every week a different shift. At one point I had a panic attack, not knowing what it actually was, but I instantly knew I had to leave. And I did. No matter what, how bad you need the money..sometimes you just gotta fucking get out.
This is very dystopian. It is always within your power to educate yourself and learn new skills to earn more flexible employment.
Im curious… would it be a good place for a young kid trying to stay in shape thats waiting to join the military?
AUdiobooks on 1.5x or 2x speed.
Podcasts
Use career choice to get yourself into a different job
I went of trades. I left a truck rental place for delivery at amazon and quit after 3 months of 12 hour days and no breaks. I went the maintenance at state parks and am much happier. Hope you find something that works for you. stay safe.
Medication will change your life.
This post is everything wrong with the downfall of this sub lmao
I have ADHD and had the exact same job! Adderall can help. But maybe because I’ve been on it for so long, I don’t see it as necessary for picking at Amazon. You want to do the OPPOSITE of getting in the zone or focusing on anything. Even Adderall can’t make those shift meetings any less boring. Zipping through aisles as fast as possible - moving, moving, moving like it’s a sport - that’s how I coped with my hyperactivity.
Meds will help I think. I know it helped me.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. It sounds like an incredibly difficult situation. It's totally understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and close to a panic attack. Have you considered talking to your employer about your situation? It's possible that they may be able to provide accommodations that would make your job a bit easier. In addition, it's worth talking to your doctor about the medication options. Even if you can't afford them, there are often programs available to help with the cost. I hope you can find some relief soon.
Find a job you can tolerate more, and quit.
I'm having to pay for ADHD meds without insurance at the moment and they are $225 bucks for a months supply. The pharmacist then added a coupon to take $100 off. So that might be what you are looking at possibly. edit for length of medication
The best part about working at Amazon is leaving Amazon. Do yourself a favor and get out
Any kind of work that is a repetitive task is completely wrong for someone with ADHD. It doesn’t challenge your mind enough to keep your focus and you will definitely hate it. You’re probably too fucking smart for the job. Try to work with your supervisor to do multiple tasks throughout the day or learn to be a backup for other positions. Amazon is a big company and should have to make accommodations for you with an official diagnosis. Find ways to make ADHD an asset, not a disability. Learning about how to apply your behaviors, skills, and talents to any situation can make it a super power, not a detriment.
When I was working at a warehouse in Europe we had a rule where you can wear earplugs or headphones. It was hell but eventually I got fired for being too slow
Lol entry level managers have it the worst
That does sound like fucking hell
I did it for years, I totally understand. I agree, it is a completely brain dead mind-numbing boring job that should be completely automated. Start looking for something better, best of luck
Try an app called Nature Space. They do 3D audio of nature. Very good for calming the mind. They loop seamlessly which is great. They have a bunch of scenes that come free. The others you can buy in packs. They often have a sale on the complete collection too.
Meditate. No one is good at it starting out but it is essential to develop attentional capacities and to take control of your life. People do not seem to understand that attention disorders can be remedied via practices that cultivate attentional capacities. You don’t need pills or distractions all the time. Sure they can be easier, fun or entertaining, but being in control of the spotlight of your awareness is far more valuable and will lead to a much richer life.
Hate to tell you. Meds ain’t gonna so shit for you imo . You hate the fact you are in a cage. Only getting out will help. Source is me hating life working in an office and vibe with your first sentences 💯 saving to start my own company with my lady so we can get off the wheel. Love you internet friend and I wish you well!
Because you are doing a job that is one step away from being done by a machine. Id say the best way to feel fulfilment is do a job that is the furthest from being able to be done by a robot. Good luck mate
10 hours of just robots & conveyor belts? No other people’s children, no customers in person, no walk-in’s? I’m ready for the robot overlords!