This Monday morning my day began at 5AM (felt like 4AM with the wonderful ‘spring forward’ effect of day light savings) when I received a call from work. After a long weekend in Niagara Falls and the oh so tiring spin class, I was really hoping to sleep in. Unfortunately this was not going to be possible with a start time of 6:30AM. My main focuses on the drive to work included not falling asleep and driving fast enough to have enough time for Timmies. Feeling a little bit of morning grumpiness, I was not friendly and not excited for the day ahead. However, when I was given my job (in a group that I love) the day began to look up. I was greeted by smiles, familiar faces and kind words (I haven’t been able to work for a few weeks and it was nice to know I was missed). As the day continued, the moods and attitudes of my co-workers began to rub off and I realized just how lucky I am to have my job. I work at the local GM car assembly plant as a TPT (temporary part-time student). The days can be long and the jobs can be tedious yet, the people who work there are wonderful. The plant is an intimidating place for a young student but I have worked there for almost a year now and am yet to encounter someone who is demeaning or unpleasant. These people work harder than anyone I have met and they still arrive every morning at 6AM with a smile on their face. If they can come in 7 days a week with that attitude, what gives me the right to be grumpy after just 2 days a week (plus, the pay is nothing to complain about for a student!).
Working on an assembly line means there is plenty of time to be lost in one’s own thoughts, 8 hours to be exact. Today for me was different, today I thought of this class (I also brought my NVC readings for when the line shuts down, this may be why it was stuck in my head) and specifically this project. I realized I should not complain about my job like I normally do to friends and family. I should be thankful and ultimately happy that I am fortunate enough to have a good job with generous pay, great co-workers and flexibility with my school schedule. As I continued to think I also realized how COOL my job is. I work in the flex trim plant assembling the Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS, how awesome is that? Especially since the Camaro is one of my favourite cars. Wow, the more I think/type about it the better it sounds. When I see one of those cars on the road, it is fun to imagine if I helped in the production!
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| This is what it looks like inside the plant |
Before working at GM, I had little care for the manufacturing of cars and the location of production. After meeting the people who are directly affected by the relocation of plants and understanding the care and regulations involved in North American production, I am a strong believer in buying vehicles made in Canada (or at least North America). Many people in the Oshawa plant were forced to pick up their families and move from Windsor and London in order to keep their jobs. Many even moved away from their children and spouses only to return on weekends. I am VERY fortunate to have my job, and if I gained nothing else from this project, I am glad I can go to work and be HAPPY knowing how lucky I am!
Wishing you pleasant work days!
Pretty Neat that I help make these!
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