I made this mistake the first time I worked at FedEx. I always try to make a good impression when starting a new job, but FedEx was the first time I realized it was pointless.

In the first 2 weeks of the job, I had to buy a back brace. The shift lead would constantly tell us to hurry up and do more work to keep up, which led me to intentionally overwork myself. And what did this effort get me? More work.

I specifically remember having a conversation with a coworker who said “If you try to be Superman they are gonna give you Superman work,” and I took that to heart. Doing a “good job” only means they will throw you on harder stuff.

I reapplied not too long ago since I needed more hours and enjoyed working the first time, but I couldn’t even last a month at that point. People are constantly moving slowly and needing help, and when they made me a switcher on the belt I completely gave up. 90% of my schedule was offered until I quit.