My Experience Working at FedEx and My Recommendation

Have you ever worked at FedEx? Would you recommend working there? In this article, I will share my experiences working at both UPS and FedEx, offering insights based on personal and professional perspectives.

Working at UPS: Two Different Experiences

I have had the opportunity to work with UPS on two occasions. My first experience was during my senior year of high school when I worked at Worldport, the Louisville hub, during the holiday season. I must admit, this experience was less than ideal. I recall one day where I worked from 7 AM to 5 PM, and my shift ended at 8 PM. During that time, my phone was on the verge of breaking, with calls from my family members asking where I was and what I was doing. This event was detrimental to my mental health, and I realized I could no longer handle such pressures, leading me to call in sick the next day.

Fortunately, I later had an opportunity to work in a different capacity with UPS Ground Transport in a small town in Indiana. This experience was much more positive. The environment was kinder to me, and I worked there for nine months. Unlike my previous experience, I enjoyed the puzzle aspect of the job, which involved loading package trucks. For those who love playing Tetris, this job was akin to 3D Tetris. Despite the high hours, this job was incredibly fulfilling and a positive experience overall.

Multiple Injuries and Exit from UPS

Unfortunately, my time at UPS came to an end due to multiple injuries, particularly in my ankles, and other health issues. My back and shoulders were also affected, leading to suspicion of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Despite the challenging conditions, my position allowed me to stand up to a strict supervisor. I was not fired, which is a testament to the protections provided by unionized employees. A pension upon retirement was another perk that made my time worthwhile, though the pay was not excellent.

Reflections on FedEx

My mother has personal insights into working at FedEx, which was different from her usual high-stress job role. She worked at the FedEx hub in Springfield, Missouri, for a few months before the intense stress led her to leave. According to her, this was a "customer service" position, but the term "customer service" barely applies to her descriptions of the interactions and the high volume of work. She was subjected to high stress levels, leading to mental breakdowns in the parking lot more than once. Given her history of mental health struggles, it is clear that the stress at FedEx was beyond what she could handle.

Is FedEx a Good Choice?

Given the experiences of both myself and my mother, my recommendation for working at FedEx is cautious, at best. While the benefits are undoubtedly solid, including the best health insurance in the nation for unionized employees and a pension, the high stress and customer service demands might not be suitable for everyone.

In conclusion, if you are considering FedEx, personal health and resilience are important factors to consider. If you can manage high-stress environments and customer service roles, you might find it worth the effort. However, for those who cannot handle such pressures, neither UPS nor FedEx might be the best choice for you.