While computers and machines
now perform many kinds of work,
the ability to accomplish a job
using your own hands and strength
has a value and reward all its own.
Laboring with your hands takes
coordination and stamina,
but it also takes customer service skills
and the ability to follow through
on instructions.
Several jobs require these qualities:
Most hand laborers and freight, stock,
and material movers work as pickers
in warehouses…
retrieving items from storage
to be loaded and shipped.
They may need to pack and wrap items,
or load and unload them from a truck.
Packers and packagers pack groceries
for customers,
or pack shipping materials for transport.
They often label packages and keep records
of what they’ve packed.
Vehicle and equipment cleaners
wash vehicles, storage tanks,
and industrial machinery.
Most clean cars for an auto dealership,
car rental agency, or car wash.
Machine feeders work in manufacturing
or warehouses…
they insert materials into equipment,
while offbearers remove materials
from equipment after processing.
Refuse and recyclable material collectors
pick up garbage and recyclables from homes
and businesses to transport to a landfill
or recycling center.
Most work either in waste collection
or for local government.
Most hand laborers and material movers
work full time,
though part-time hours are not uncommon.
Warehouse and shipping positions
may require overnight shifts.
It’s typical for employers to require
that workers have the ability
to lift a certain weight to qualify for the job,
but there are no formal education requirements.
Jobs often include repetitive movement
and heavy lifting.