Amazon Pathways Operations Manager sparks debate as he talks testing times at US online retail giant

Amazon Pathways Operations Manager, Joseph Black, has taken to social media to discuss what it’s like to work at the US online retail giant.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Let’s be honest - Amazon isn’t a place where you coast. It just isn’t. If you’re looking for a cushy ride, this isn’t it. Amazon is where the grind never stops, and the pressure is relentless. Deadlines don’t care about your comfort, and numbers don’t sleep. They just don’t.”

He added: “Every day is a test - a test of your resilience, your grit, and your ability to deliver, no matter what.”

“There are no handouts here. You earn your spot by pushing through the tough days, making hard decisions, and never settling for just good enough.”

“And yeah, it’s tough. But that’s exactly why we’re here. We’re not interested in easy wins. We’re here to push boundaries, break barriers, and redefine what’s possible - every single day.”

He concluded: “Amazon isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those who thrive in the chaos, who live for the challenge, and who refuse to quit - this is where you belong.”

The post has thus far received almost 2,500 reactions and not far off 200 comments.

Some have been positive, thanking Black for providing insight into life at Amazon, whilst others have lambasted him for pushing an unhealthy ‘work until you drop’ agenda, particularly given the criticism that his employer often attracts from the likes of unions.

For instance: “Not sure why we are that proud saying all day seven days a week though. If deadline don't care about your comfort, you and your family should start caring about your comfort.”

“Not a post to be proud of, there are many other leadership principles Amazon is proud of, more appealing to attract talent. This marketing has to stop, people deserve to shine and raise the bar, challenge the status quo while maintaining their sanity and disconnecting when disconnect is needed.”

Such was the extent of the backlash that Black felt compelled to defend himself.

He said: “I never stated I work seven days a week. Literally did not write that.”

“I didn’t insinuate that Amazon is a bad place to work. Tough ≠ bad. I said it’s a grind, and yeah, the operations side of Amazon is a grind. Again, in my brain, grind ≠ bad.”

“I will absolutely tell my story. I owe that to my tribe. The Honor Foundation. I will gladly tell my story to any cohort. I enjoy Amazon. Is it tough, yep. Is it rewarding, yep. Is it always pretty, nope. As Chris Lord (founder of Bridge Builder Coaching) coached me, know what you want and go get it.”

He concluded: “Haters will hate, and I’m cool with that. It’s really dramas for me.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.