Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

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JohnMclauchlan
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Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by JohnMclauchlan »

Just need to vent...

Im 18 and started a manual labour job last week. Im unloading containers. I've sort of managed to get the basics down. All you do is grab boxes and move them. If I work at my own pace, I think i'll be fine. The REAL problem is that Im EXPECTED to try to keep up with my team, otherwise I slow down our 'productivity' and we all get in trouble because of me. I cant carry many boxes because my balance is terrible, despite them only being 1 lb each. I have A LOT of trouble shrink wrapping pallets. It takes me about 5 minutes just to wrap 1 pallet. My co-workers dont really like me because I have a hard time learning simple things. Im terrible with hands on work and just feel like quitting. Im angry that I was born with horrible co-ordination.However, these entry level manual labour jobs are the only jobs I can get. I just dont know what to do. If any dyspraxics have experience doing manual labour, please share advice.
SarahTheScout
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by SarahTheScout »

I don't have any advice, but have you spoken to your manager about your difficulties? They have to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work, and if they don't/won't then they're discriminating. They may be able to find ways to support you.
Tom fod
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by Tom fod »

Sadly we’re prone to being trapped in entry level roles to which we are unsuited and struggle to have the opportunity to demonstrate our potential beyond essential but menial work and so our confidence suffers

If you were in charge how would you organise and assign offloading and other related duties? Could you suggest improvements that could help how you and the team you’re part of perform the various unloading and handling tasks?
Tom
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With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
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allesandro
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by allesandro »

well, I don't know what to say other than I've always been the same. I'm so sorry you're going through this; it's not easy having everyone dislike you because you're not well coordinated. When I was your age, I took a job in a nursing home, not knowing anything about dyspraxia, much less that I had it. I was slow' I had no sense of left or right. It was really hard and very humiliating. I just kept trying at different jobs trying to find one that didn't clash too terribly with my challenges. You're young, and fortunately you have a much better understanding of your challenges than I ever did at you age. Keep exploring different types of jobs, till you find one that doesn't make you feel badly about yourself. It's very important not to get stuck in a rut where you become accustomed to and complicit with thinking ill of yourself.
Yossarian
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by Yossarian »

I've done my share of manual labour. My job is specialised, but very hands-on. When I was younger, I took jobs in warehouses, so I'm very familiar with wrapping pallets. The best advice that I can give you is that it gets easier with repetition. I know that many people in these environments can be very abrupt and less than understanding. In fact, I have experienced downright rudeness and aggressiveness in such workplaces. If you're really struggling, I suggest that you speak to the most reasonable supervisor you know and fully explain your situation. You might be surprised at how understanding they can be.

Also, keep in mind that you are just starting out in the world of work. You have your whole working life in front of you. Take some time to think about what you really want to do and start taking steps in that direction. Believe me, this will make you feel a whole lot better.
robertnunez
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by robertnunez »

You should not worry about that! Don't get angry! Your coordination will be much better! I believe you will be ok!
Last edited by Tom fod on Sun Jun 24, 2018 6:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Tom fod
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Re: Manual Labour and Dyspraxia

Post by Tom fod »

I get absolutely incensed when people like 'Robert' post links advertising advertising URLs for essay writing services.
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Tom
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With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
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