#113: Working at a Grocery Store in the Middle of a Pandemic with Adam Kaat
In January 2020, Adam Kaat quit his corporate job to focus on creative pursuits. To help support his new path, he took a job at a grocery store. Things were going swell until, as you may have heard, the Covid-19 pandemic shut down life just a few weeks later.
Suddenly, Adam was working at virtually the only place on earth that was still open. While everyone else was rocking masks and practicing social distancing, Adam was in the thick of things, watching and interacting with people who were mere moments away from a breaking point.
He started blogging about his experiences, and people quickly responded to his stories, which showcased our humanity in the middle of one of the worst times in history. Adam used that great feedback to write Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic. And we’re chatting all about what that life was like.
Highlights of our conversation
Why Adam quit his job in the corporate world and took a job as a grocery cashier — and how that was BEFORE the pandemic hit. (3:00)
The moments Adam witnessed that indicated Covid-19 was much more serious than any of us could have guessed. (7:23)
Why Adam started writing about his life working in a grocery store. (9:47)
Some stories around pandemic interactions, and how grocery store cashiers became both the target of people’s ire and makeshift therapists. (12:19)
How Adam transitioned from his blog posts to writing a novel. (18:40)
Some of the marketing tactics that have worked for Adam — as well as a couple that haven’t. Plus, a glimpse into Adam’s next project. (22:36)
The two different types of groups Adam’s book resonates with the most. (27:26)
Adam’s top three favorite authors. (33:13)
Where to find Adam Kaat
See Adam’s blog at www.lifeonthegroceryline.com.
Connect with Adam on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
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