If you’ve recently graduated from school, are looking for a new job, or want to get back in the workforce after taking some time off; you should strongly consider pursuing a career in logistics. Logistics careers offer work that not only pays the bills but also leaves you feeling like you’ve really made a difference in the world.

In his landmark book, Outliers, Malcom Gladwell describes three factors that make for meaningful work:

• Autonomy
• Complexity
• A connection between “the fruits and the labor” (Or, put more simply: a connection between effort and reward).

Let’s take a look at how a career in logistics fulfills each of these three needs.

Autonomy

Having some level of independence is critical for job satisfaction. Careers in logistics allow room for employees to make their own decisions and learn something new every day.

Especially with the current supply chain issues such as material shortages, port congestion, and a lack of workers: autonomy is a more important skill than ever for workers in the logistics field. Companies can’t afford to devote time and resources to micromanaging employees. With proper training and onboarding, workers are provided with the tools to make the right decisions, in a timely manner, and seek help when it’s needed.

Some workers may feel that they need more oversight on tasks in order to get better acclimated. But once one gets into the flow of a job and learns the ropes, having autonomy is incredibly satisfying. The tricky part is simply that first step into a new industry or, in some cases, acclimating those new to the workforce in general.

Complexity

It may not be true for everyone, but on average, people enjoy solving problems. There are few among us who want work to be easy for the long haul. Our brains crave complexity so that we can use our mental capacities to the fullest extent.

Logistics careers require critical thinking and creative approaches to problem-solving. In a word, these careers are complex. At first glance, it may seem like this fact would turn workers away. But again, as humans, we are drawn toward complex problems.

With the current issues in the world, logistics complexity is at an all-time high. Workers in the logistics industry have to determine ways to overcome supply and worker shortages all while navigating shifting COVID-19 restrictions. 

Complex problems require complex solutions. To solve the current logistical issues at play today, it may take some time, trial and error, and learning. But once a complex issue has been triaged and overcome, there is no greater feeling in the world.

A Connection Between Effort and Reward

In many fields, there is no ability to see the fruits of one’s labor. One of the easiest ways to envision this connection is through someone who produces food as a result of their labor: a farmer.

A farmer works for many months to prepare the land, plant the seeds, then harvest the crops when they’re ready. Throughout the entire process, they can easily see the connection between their effort and the end reward.

Does everyone enjoy farming? No, of course not. Some people may not see complexity in this work and thus, they are missing a key component of work satisfaction. Others may not feel autonomous if they are working on someone else’s farm who allows them no wiggle room in operations. And some people may just not like farming, plain and simple.

Many of the same points could be made for those working in logistics or any other industry. And for those in the logistics field, the connection between their effort and the reward is no less obvious than the hypothetical farmer, described above.

Through the use of technology, logistics professionals can witness, in real-time, the result of their efforts. They can ensure that goods reach the final destination on time and in full directly due to their own decisions.

Other Important Factors

Besides the big three elements of a fulfilling career described above, there are, of course, other important factors that need to be addressed:

Compensation

With such a broad field, compensation tends to fluctuate, sometimes greatly, depending on the segment in which one is working. It’s hard to determine an average amount of compensation you can expect working in the logistics industry. It simply varies from one position to the next and the logistics industry, as mentioned, it is very broad.

Ziprecruiter has published data on the subject for 2021 here, describing the average salaries of transportation and logistics professionals.

Hours

With wide variability in the types of positions available in the logistics industry, hours can be quite different. However, many companies in all industries are now doing their best to accommodate workers in terms of preferred hours of operation. 

Discussing concerns regarding work hours with the logistics company through whom you are seeking employment might allow you to schedule hours that work best for your unique situation.

Remote or In-person Work

Some positions in logistics can be performed at home, while others require workers to be present at a certain location. Once again, this will come down to a variety of factors that can be discussed with the hiring logistics company in question. The logistics industry is complex and nuanced, allowing for everyone to find meaning in their work, no matter what skills, background, and preferences they bring to the position.

Conclusion

The world has changed in many ways since COVID-19 entered our lives. Some of these changes are due to the nature of available work and the attitudes of workers in general. Others are due to the hurdles we face concerning supply chains, inflation worries, and a whole host of other issues.

For those who are seeking more meaningful employment, a career in logistics is an excellent choice. There is no lack of autonomy, complexity, and it’s easy to see the connection between effort and reward in the logistics field. Moreover, the pay is competitive and many companies can accommodate those who need flexibility in their work location as well as their work hours.

Perhaps most importantly, jobs in logistics are widely available. If you’re currently considering a career in logistics, contact Redwood today! We are hiring for multiple positions and have a full list of these sorted by location on this page.