There’s a scene in the 1991 movie Career Opportunities that sums up my career life right now.
No, not the part with the horse.
It’s the moment when Jim, the main character, talks with Josie. They converse:
“I set my sights on something and go for it. Like janitor?”
“It’s a beginning, no it’s an end.”
That line hit me like a spotlight. Because here I am, decades later, living my own version of that exchange.
Side note: Jim was working at a Target store in the movie that no longer exists. Similar to how 1,800 jobs no longer exist for the same company as of late in 2025.
Coming Full Circle
I just came FULL CIRCLE. My very first job was as a stockboy at a local liquor store, scrubbing toilets and stacking shelves for $3.50 an hour. In the movie, Jim was making $4.44 as a janitor. Different numbers, same grind.
Fast forward to 2025: after my “job elimination” in corporate America, I’m back in retail, earning minimum wage at a local liquor store. Does it cover my expenses? NO. Not even close. But it gives me something priceless — purpose, humility, and a chance to learn new skills.
Magic in the Mundane
In my first week, an older gentleman showed me a magic trick. Eyes closed, he walked straight to the bottom shelf and grabbed his favorite vodka. No hesitation, no help needed. Graceful. Smiling. Happy.
Another customer wanted a smaller bottle of liquor. She only saw the big ones. I guided her to the right section, pointed out the last two bottles, and she grabbed them both. She joked about hiding one from her partner later. That moment reminded me: selling isn’t about pushing products — it’s about helping people feel seen.
And then there was the lady who sheepishly told me she knew where everything was. I admired her confidence. Me? I’m still learning the maze of brands and labels. Back in the day, it was simple: keg, beer, wine. Now? Every bottle has a flashy name, every label screams marketing. The industry escalated, and I’m catching up.
Humbling Moments
Yesterday, a man asked me to get him a cart from across the store. I sprinted, delivered, and wished him a great weekend. He barely noticed. I felt small.
And yet, that humility is the lesson. Not long ago, I was leading global teams, managing multimillion-dollar accounts, and ensuring the delivery of billions of data records. Now I’m sprinting for carts.
It’s humbling. It’s grounding. It’s real.
It’s an end.
Ego vs. Reality
At times, stocking shelves feels like cleaning toilets all over again — only with bigger explosions. My ego whispers: This is beneath you. But reality shouts louder: This is shaping you.
God is humbling me. Rock bottom? Maybe. But even here, there are sparks of light. My boss high-fived me after my first week, praising my hustle. My trainer was impressed. I hadn’t heard positive affirmation in months. That moment mattered.
IT’S A BEGINNING.
Life Imitates Art
Back to Career Opportunities: Jim took the job nobody wanted… and got the girl everybody did.
Me? I already got the girl years ago. Now I just need the job. Another job. A better job. But for now, being a stockboy is strangely fun. Lifting, loading, helping customers — it burns energy and builds resilience.
And here’s the truth: I’m not just a stockboy.
I AM STOCKMAN.
Rock on!!!