I Work As A Mover

Yep, it’s true.  I’m an MIT Bioengineer working as a mover.  One, maybe two days a week, I get up real’ early in the morning to go move furniture and boxes for people. It’s definitely tough, physical labor.

“That sounds like it sucks. That has to be terrible right?”

Nope.  I’m lovin it.  I’d do it once a week, even if I didn’t need a little extra spending money.

For one, there’s something extremely satisfying about working with your hands to directly produce value for someone.  Moving is very stressful for people.  Can you imagine having someone that you don’t know come move all your belongings for you?  Much less worrying about the move itself.

People are relieved and extremely happy when they meet us, see that we’re competent and enjoyable people, and then watch us do a great job and fast.  Run to the truck.  Grab a stack of boxes. Pass them off to the next guy and repeat.  We do great work and get a lot of extremely tangible work done.

Secondly, for men (I can’t speak for women), there’s something about working with your hands that let’s guys talk.  Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had between a group of guys was while working–painting, hanging drywall, framing a house.  I’m not sure what it is.   I think part of it is the fact that there is a valuable objective involved, but at the same time, once the work begins, there is still plenty of mental capacity to talk while passing the time.

Thirdly, I get a workout and get away from my desk and computer.  Something very good about that.  There’s something much more natural about being out in the world and moving heavy objects.

Fourthly, it’s always important to get out of your “bubble.”  People tend to forget what the world is like outside of their immediate environment or community.  For me, my community spends a lot of time focused on technology and getting jobs on Wall Street.  That’s a small part of the world.  And closing yourself off from the world is a huge loss, in addition to being dangerous.

Lastly, in addition to other reasons, no one can say that I’m not interesting.  (Well, they could, but would you believe them?)

Kevin
1.23.2010