Rediscovering Drive: My First Month in the Ware Wash

August 2nd, 2025 marked the completion of my first month in the Ware Wash department—and what a month it’s been.

After a long stretch of routine work that rarely stirred much excitement, stepping into this new environment has been like breathing fresh air. It’s not just about learning new processes or adjusting to a different floor. It’s about the feeling of wanting to show up, wanting to understand more, and finally feeling connected to the work again.

A Strong Start with the Right Leadership

From day one, the tone was set by leadership. My senior manager—someone I now consider one of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with—created a space that felt human. He’s a people-first kind of person. That doesn’t mean he ignores machines or metrics, but he never loses sight of the humans behind the process.

I’ve watched him listen without interrupting, step in without dominating, and encourage without empty praise. It might sound simple, but it’s rare. And that kind of leadership, especially in a high-pressure operational environment, makes a difference. For me, it made all the difference.

Getting on the Floor—and Into the Real Work

Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent most of my time where things actually happen: on the shop floor. Not just observing from a distance, but talking with team leaders, foremen and people who man the machines, Engineering personnel who troubleshoot the hiccups, and keep things moving shift after shift.

I’ve been diving into how the machines work, how they’re cleaned and maintained, and what challenges come up in the flow of everyday operations. I’ve been listening more than talking. I’ve asked questions without trying to prove anything. And in return, I’ve gotten insights that go far beyond any manual or training module.

There’s a different kind of knowledge on the floor. It’s practical. It’s hard-won. It comes from years of doing the work, not just reading about it. That’s the kind of learning I value—and it’s what I’ve been soaking up every day.

Motivation, Rekindled

I can’t remember the last time I felt this driven. This department, this team, this rhythm of hands-on learning—it’s brought something back that I didn’t even realize I’d lost.

The challenges aren’t small. There’s still a steep curve ahead. But what’s changed is my attitude toward it. I want to take it on. I want to learn every detail. I want to add real value, not just fill a seat or tick a box.

When motivation comes from that place—internal, personal, earned—it changes everything.

The 90-Day Goal

I’ve set a personal milestone: within 90 days of joining, I want to be fully grounded in the essentials of the Ware Wash department. That doesn’t mean knowing everything, but it does mean having enough depth to make informed decisions, support the team effectively, and contribute meaningfully.

And beyond that, I want to keep building—from understanding operations to eventually improving them.

Final Thoughts

Motivation doesn’t come with a job title. It doesn’t arrive just because you switch departments or update your resume. But when the right environment, the right leadership, and the right kind of challenge all line up—you feel it. It shows up in your energy, your curiosity, your willingness to ask the next question.

August 2nd, 2025 marked the end of my first month in the WearWash department. But it also marked something else: the beginning of feeling reconnected to my work.

Here’s to what comes next…