Why I Have Been Working at Lowe’s...

Originally published: November 23, 2020

Holy smokes. I’ve been struggling with the decision to post something about this. I also know that social media is normally just a highlight reel. I don’t like that a whole lot. My socials show what’s happening in my life and I feel like I would be doing myself a disservice by not sharing what’s been happening recently regardless of if it sounds great or will “post well” on socials. Also, I feel like I should say this isn’t me looking for pity but any means. I’m extremely blessed and this covid pandie situation, I know, is much worse for a lot of people, so I don’t have a lot to complain about. This is just the story of what’s happening in my life right now.

I got my masters in May. Woohoo! Back when I thought the global pandie would be over in like a month. HAHA. I had my dream job lined up and was hopeful it would still happen up until August when they called and said they couldn’t hire. I moved home initially thinking I’d be here for like two weeks tops. Now here we are, 7 months later, still home, no job. Definitely not where I thought I’d be post grad school. When I found out my dream job was put on hold, I took a job at Lowe’s unloading trucks from 6pm to midnight as I tried to figure out what to do next. There’s nothing glamorous about it. I move boxes off a truck and stock the store during the time my friends are getting off work and relaxing. My pride has been tested hard. Even posting about this is tough because if I’m honest, I’d love to just sweep it under the rug and not let people know. Sharing that I work an hourly job at Lowe’s to the students currently in my grad program wasn’t fun. Sharing this story with basically anyone who says “so what are you doing back in town?” has not been fun. If I am super honest I have felt a lot of feelings of failure even though I know I have an excuse due to the pandemic. It’s not where I want to be. But it’s where the Lord has me and I’m trying to embrace that. I’ve learned from some great leaders that I shouldn’t feel above any job. So I took it. I want to look back at this time and be thankful for it but it’s hard to do that right now while in it. I look forward to writing something in the future about all the things this time in my life taught me.

Although I don’t love the job, I’ve had a good time getting to know some of the other people I work with. I coerced them into taking this picture with me. You might see a dark picture with a bunch of random dudes in it. That is probably a true statement to all of you. But I have started to see good people doing honest work and grinding in a job that doesn't get much, if any, attention. I’m trying to love them well. I’m trying to bring some smiles to the work place. I’m trying to press into this time rather than resent it.

I’m thankful I have a job. I’m thankful I have loving parents who let me have a place to stay while this all shakes out. I’m thankful that there is a new role on the way for the winter (stay tuned). I’m still waiting on my dream job. Learning quite a bit about patience at the moment. But until then I’m leaning into God. If you need a forklift or reach driver lemme know. I’m thankful for you! I love you! Cheers to you if you read all this. Shoot me a text if you did so I can thank you 🙏🏽