How to Survive Working a Manufacturing Job
While many manufacturing jobs require specialized training and skill, others involve simple, repetitive tasks. The allure of a paycheck for the latter can be high, but the work can be tiring. There are a few simple steps you can take to be ready for a manufacturing position.
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Instructions
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Find a manufacturing job you can physically handle. If the job requires heavy lifting, make sure you are comfortable doing this before your first day. Ask if you can visit the manufacturing floor to get a feel for the process. Ask which area you may be assigned to so you know what to expect.
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Eat before you get to work. Try eating high-energy foods such as bananas, grains or light meals. While you do need the energy the meal provides, you do not need heavy foods, or food high in sugar, because they may cause you to lose momentum during the second half of your day.
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Stretch your legs, arms and back muscles before going to work. This will help endurance and flexibility while you are working your production line. Be ready for long periods of standing or sitting; these periods can last up to two hours.
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Wear comfortable clothing that is loose enough so you can move easily, but not so loose that it will catch in machinery. Wear rubber-soled shoes--steel-tipped boots if you are working around heavy items that could be dropped.
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Move at a steady and efficient speed while on the line. Most manufacturing jobs require speed and endurance to keep the process moving. While each person has his own top speed, you will notice that the production line will set a "pace" that everyone must match to keep the operation flowing.
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Shift your legs while you work. With either sitting or standing, moving the leg muscles will help keep them from cramping during the day. This also applies for your feet: Adjust your weight between the heel and ball of each foot alternately to keep the feet from aching.
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Pay attention to the production line and your part of it. The entire production process depends on each worker knowing what is going on around them and how she impacts the process. Mistakes often occur during repetitive actions because of a lack of attention to the process.
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