Desk job for many years

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lkn42
lkn42 Posts: 37 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I turned 50 years old this year. I've had a clerical desk job for the past 18 years. During those 18 years I've steadily gained 4 or 5 pounds each and every year.
As a secretary in a school system, my last day of work before summer vacation is tomorrow. I normally use the summer to do a big cleaning of every room in my house, have a bunch of backyard gatherings with friends and family, do a lot of reading and writing and watch a lot of tv. I decided to pick up part-time work over this summer to make a little extra money for a big trip that we have planned several months from now and I decided....why not get a more physical job. Well it took only a couple days for me to land a job at a big supercenter chain store in our area stocking the shelves. 8 hours per day/3 days per week.
When I spoke with the manager kept asking me, "You know this is a physical job right?", "You know you'll be on your feet for the entire 8 hours right?", "You're going to be lifting up to 25 pounds over and over again, do you think you can you do that?". After speaking with her, I'm now nervous.
At first I was thinking I'd certainly be sore and tired when I get home from work for the first week or two, but my body would begin to adjust. Now she's gotten into my head and I'm wondering if I'm too old and out of shape for a job like this. Now I'm wondering if I should decline the job and look for something different. I'm feeling old and out of shape and down.

Replies

  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,811 Member
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    It might be a struggle at first because you are out of shape but it's not because of your age.
    Don't think yourself old!
    I regularly see octogenarians completing long distance cycling events.

    Take the job, push yourself.

    PS - I retired four years ago and am currently doing more exercise than ever before plus an active part time job. Bodies are resilient and adaptable.

    PPS - If the Manager offered you the job then she must believe there's a good chance you will take it and do it.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,210 Member
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    Try it out - you can always quit after few weeks if it's too much. Just wear comfy shoes, and keep your abs braced tight whenever lifting or carrying stuff, to prevent back injuries.
    Keep us updated :+1:
  • glassyo
    glassyo Posts: 7,610 Member
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    Yeah, wait. WAS it the manager who offered you the job because she sounds delightful. :p

    And you're definitely not old at 50 and, no, she wouldn't have offered it to you if she didn't think you could do it.

    Also, kudos to you for going for something more physical!
  • lkn42
    lkn42 Posts: 37 Member
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    Haha. Yes she sounds like a delight doesn’t she? No, it was a different manager who hired me but this lady will be my daily section supervisor. I’m going to give it a try. I won’t let her get me down.
  • Onedaywriter
    Onedaywriter Posts: 324 Member
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    You got this- 50 in 2021 is young! I’m 60 and hate when people assume I’m too old for anything! Your original thinking was correct - you might be stiff and sore for a while but you’re body will adapt.
    Congrats on the new job and good luck!
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
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    I became very sedentary as an adult due to long work hours and lots of business travel. That led to significant weight gain of about 45lbs. I finally broke that cycle at age 54 after many failed attempts through a combination of diet and exercise.

    Now at age 63, after ten years of being very active, my Garmin device looks at my stats as follows: "Your Fitness Age is that of an excellent 20 year old".

    It takes small steps and consistent effort over time, but the rewards are absolutely worth it. Best of luck.
  • lkn42
    lkn42 Posts: 37 Member
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    You all are quite kind. Thanks so much for lifting my spirits.
  • bebeisfit
    bebeisfit Posts: 951 Member
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    I used to do stock part time at age 50
    . It was only a 4 hour shift. Wine day was tough. But most other times it was ok. Let's hope you're not doing all heavy stuff.

    Bring a change of clothes,, snacks, water bottle and a few advil. Hydrate. Put your feet in an ice bath when you get home and rest.

    Good luck. Have fun.

  • Hollis100
    Hollis100 Posts: 1,408 Member
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    Hi there, I'm an older female whose office job collapsed during the pandemic. I took a job stocking shelves in the meantime and just sent you a message -- hope some of my experience is helpful. Best of luck.
  • lkn42
    lkn42 Posts: 37 Member
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    Thanks!
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,463 Member
    edited June 2021
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    Could you get them to schedule you 4 hours a day for 5 day maybe working a register part of the time , or find another store that will?

    If you really gained 4-5 pounds a year for 18 years you are likely close to 100 pounds overweight. The excess weight, years of inactivity and 8 hours of activitve work with no ramp up period is a recipe for injury.

    Personally can't understand people saying go for it when normally people would be telling someone as you describe yourself to ease into an exercise routine. Few people on these forums would say it's okay for an obese sedentary individual to start walking an hour a day, yet what is being described is much more intense.

    Agree with others though, age isn't the issue, weight and history of inactivity is.

    Best of luck.
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 9,185 Member
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    dancingonstarz wrote: »
    I highly recommend the ones by Dr. Scholl’s for heel pain—they are slim but give great cushioning.

    This, my wife swears by them.
  • Leecland
    Leecland Posts: 2 Member
    edited February 2022
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    During college, I had a desk job for three years, and during that time, I was trying to stay as active as possible. Also, I was trying to not eat from the vending machines, drink lots of water, and skip the elevator. So, yeah, I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling to keep fit while doing a desk job. But, don't worry too much! You can still change your lifestyle for the better! First, talk to your nutritionist! Second, try looking for a different kind of job! Cheek these job tips! I'm sure you can do it!

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