The following Monday, I got an automated call from Premier asking me if I was interested in working for an international company in a factory atmosphere. The message also said that the position required someone who was open minded, was willing to try new things and able to get a fork truck certification. Well, I have never been someone to turn down a challenge, so I put my name in the hat to be eligible for this position...which was advertised at $10/hour.
About a month later I had my first day at Caterpillar in Little Rock - a plant that makes Motor Graders. The position that they first had me working in is not the one that I am in today. This is a start up facility so I was bouncing around a lot just trying to help out anyway I could and to do what they asked. Soon I fell into my job title as a Logistics Planning Technician. Basically I am responsible for taking the material numbers that the assemblers need in that plant, documenting it systematically so that it can move within the facility, and also finding the correct location and layout for the material to ensure efficiency and ease of access. I actually like the job - even with the earplugs, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and hard hat that I had to wear. I did not like reporting to work at 7am.
In February I was asked to apply for a position with Caterpillar and shortly thereafter they offered me a full time position through Caterpillar with a starting pay rate of $13.32 per hour and benefits. I had to complete the hiring process: health screening, background test, drug test. I was not worried about not passing any of those, but if there was one that I was worried I might fail - it definitely was not the health screening. But, a few days later I did get a call from the corporate nurse telling me that I was not immediately approved due to the nature and seriousness of my migraine headaches.
I can't explain to you how upsetting it was for me to get that news. I have been struggling with migraines since I was 5. Other than those headaches I consider myself an extremely healthy individual - I don't have any major diseases, sickness or cancers, I don't smoke, I rarely drink, and I work out regularly. However, this was the second time in the last few months that my migraines have held me back from being eligible for something - health insurance being the other thing. Maybe it was time to stop looking at myself as healthy but as someone who has serious side effects from headaches. I can't blame my future employers for thinking my migraines are dangerous. Without knowing myself and seeing that they cause blindness and numbness on occurrence...I wouldn't want me working around a factory floor either. Especially for a company that monitors safety so closely.
Anyways, I finally got a note from my neurologist clearing me for employment and had my first official day as a Caterpillar employee on March 8, 2011. The benefits through the company are amazing and I also get time and a half for overtime. Right now I am working a standard 45 hours a week with some Saturdays. It is hard for me to get up in the mornings, but when I think about the money and the people there...it is all worth it. Also, I am making more here than I did at Valdosta State University - which makes me happy all over again that I left there.
During the last few months at Caterpillar, I realized the opportunity that I have working for such a great company - and Gustavo and I started to fall in love with Little Rock. Surprising right? But its Arkansas. So we decided to stay here and see where this new career takes me. I am excited for the future, but it is still a little unknown which is not easy for me to handle. It will be hard to see Gustavo come and go every month to Puerto Rico, but having my own bump cap with my name on it will make the sting a little duller!
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