Oftentimes it’s a misfortune that makes us realize how lucky and blessed we are. Although it’s unfortunate that it took a pandemic for a lot of people to realize how important each and every human is on our planet, it did change a lot of minds to appreciate the here and now. Whether you’re a CEO or a store clerk we’re all interconnected and human at the end of the day.
Essential workers
This was brought to light when we realized just how “essential” our essential workers are to all of our lives.
Many of us never realized just how important our mail and package deliverers are until they were the only thing standing between us and getting groceries and/or other essential items at the height of the pandemic.
Not only have these workers been risking their lives to keep the world going, but they’re also working lots of extra hours.
Longer hours and time away from family
A 9-year-old little boy named Jonah has really been missing his dad who is an essential worker.
His dad, Scott, works for UPS and has been working a lot of overtime.
Scott says that he would normally work about 8.5 hours a day between January and October and between 10.5 and 11 hours a day during the holiday season in November to December. But that all has changed since the pandemic.
“Due to Covid though, it’s basically been peak season since March for us,” Scott told Bored Panda. “A lot of UPS families among other parcel services have suffered greatly this year. We’re looking forward to and hopeful that next year will bring back some normalcy.”
Source: OutdoorsPOV
Frontline workers like Scott are “overworked and exhausted” both physically and mentally, according to Eddy Ng, a professor of management at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. And this stress isn’t only affecting the workers, it’s also affecting their families and children.
“You’re driving around all day delivering anywhere from 75 to 300 stops depending on how many miles you have to drive and all you want to do when you get home is eat, shower, and relax. But that is the time that your family needs you,” Scott said. “They need you to be attentive about their day and you to talk about yours. Basically, it’s hard to come home cheerful and be a good parent/spouse when you’re tired a lot. You learn how to do it though and it becomes easier.”
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This realization really hit home when Scott read Jonah’s letter to Santa.
Scott was actually in tears after he read it.
“Dear Santa, I would really like to spend more time with my dad, so I would really love and appreciate it if you could help him get off work early because he is a UPS worker and people are ordering so many presents, so I would love it if you could help him in any way. Sincerely, Jonah.”
Scott posted the letter on Reddit where he was overwhelmed by the response.
Almost 3,000 people commented on the post.
“Dang, this is heart-melting. It resonates big with me. My dad worked some late nights for many years during my childhood,” one Redditor commented.
Ng said that employers have a responsibility to their workers beyond the extra pay and care packages and says they should offer paid time off after the holidays to make up for “lost family time” spent working during the pandemic.
If that were the case, then Jonah would have his Christmas wish fulfilled.
Companies like UPS have been facing criticism for their treatment of workers throughout the pandemic.
Daily Mail posted a story saying an employee and father of two died of a heart attack at a UPS facility.
His co-workers claimed he was worked to death.
UPS workers reported working 10 to 13 hours a day and that they were pressured not to take days off, according to NBC News. UPS has vowed to keep workers as safe as possible in regards to COVID precautions and hire 100,000 seasonal employees between October and January to keep up with the demand.
Thankfully, Scott has a few days off in the coming weeks.
“Our next days off are Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Years Day. Once January rolls around, drivers will be able to start taking vacations again. Personally, my next vacation isn’t until June, I think, but that’s how I chose to schedule it,” Scott said.
Scott’s story is a great reminder to cherish those in your life, especially family this holiday season.
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