Will I ever get use to this job….

[Ben78]

Good evening all,
I started with royal mail last may 21. Postperson with driving duties. I’m not gonna lie my body is still struggling with the physicality of the job. The actual job itself is fine!
Saying that Christmas was daunting but I got through it.
I find covering the driving duties when people are on holiday or sick great coz I’m on my own and go at my own pace. I’m then put back on walks which is fine but my body doesn’t like it. There are about 60 walks in my office and I reckon I’ve only done 40% of them. When I’m put on a walk I haven’t yet done I feel like a complete newby again it’s so frustrating! I don’t always get a full week on walks either as I’m a reserve. I find the job quite frustrating as a whole tbh..when I’m put on a new walk that I’ve not done before and it pairs up im expected to be as quick as the person who’s walk im covering. Not all but some get so frustrated with me if im not as quick as what there partner would be. If im on a walk for a week by the 3/4th shift I pick up speed as im getting used to the frame and walk itself. Im on a 28.5 contract and do bits of overtime here and there. I find the environment quite over whelming at times too. Lots that work at my office have been there 10+ years. It’s a bit clicky! It’s not the first physical job I’ve had but I was younger and fitter! Im a woman of 44 and feel like I should be able to cope better than what I am..
Is this normal ?

[Sir Henry]

Everything you have outlined is entirely normal unfortunately. The physical stress on your body, I'm afraid only you can do something about that. Use the tools provided (trolleys), go at a steady rate (use the over running duty procedure if you want to finish on time) and don't give a toss about your partners' whinging (they also have the same choices you have [trolleys, finish time etc] but they're taking their frustrations out on you, so balls to them.)

Don't let the bastards grind you down.

[2yearpostie]

Well done, you already probably know more jobs than most full timers in your office so beat yourself up.

As a reserve you should be in a certain pool of jobs and you shouldnt be expected to know all of them so get on to your rep as i think you probably know enough walks to be useful.

Use the trolley it will save your back massively.

You need to buy your own decent gel insoles.

If your finding it a bit overwhelming maybe when your on a singleton job your com would let you start a bit later when the runners have gone out so it preserves your mental health a bit better, thats what we do with some members of our team.

[Ben78]

Everything you have outlined is entirely normal unfortunately. The physical stress on your body, I'm afraid only you can do something about that. Use the tools provided (trolleys), go at a steady rate (use the over running duty procedure if you want to finish on time) and don't give a toss about your partners' whinging (they also have the same choices you have [trolleys, finish time etc] but they're taking their frustrations out on you, so balls to them.)

Don't let the bastards grind you down.

This is definitely something I need to work on! “Not caring what others think” thing is I know I’m good at the job I was told quite often in the first few months. Tbh my back is absolutely fine, it’s my legs (aching)
Once I know the walk we always make time, which is a big thing in my office (scurrying is the word used haha)
I feel unless you have been there 10+ years your just an extra body!

Thank you for your kind words

[Ben78]

Well done, you already probably know more jobs than most full timers in your office so beat yourself up.

As a reserve you should be in a certain pool of jobs and you shouldnt be expected to know all of them so get on to your rep as i think you probably know enough walks to be useful.

Use the trolley it will save your back massively.

You need to buy your own decent gel insoles.

If your finding it a bit overwhelming maybe when your on a singleton job your com would let you start a bit later when the runners have gone out so it preserves your mental health a bit better, thats what we do with some members of our team.

Thank you for your reply, it’s much appreciated
There’s me thinking I need to learn all the walks and everything!

I have gel insoles and they do help, it’s more my legs that ache, a lot!

I struggle with finding my voice in a work environment, but that is on me. It’s the biggest environment I’ve ever worked in. I liken it to school!

[Woody Guthrie]

I liken it to school!

Primary school.
With a 20 year old trainee supply teacher in charge of a class of 120 spoilt brats with ADHD.
That sort of thing?

[aiden01]

Well done, you already probably know more jobs than most full timers in your office so beat yourself up.

As a reserve you should be in a certain pool of jobs and you shouldnt be expected to know all of them so get on to your rep as i think you probably know enough walks to be useful.

Use the trolley it will save your back massively.

You need to buy your own decent gel insoles.

If your finding it a bit overwhelming maybe when your on a singleton job your com would let you start a bit later when the runners have gone out so it preserves your mental health a bit better, thats what we do with some members of our team.

Some members of our TEAM.. wtf. Simons in your head lolol

[2yearpostie]

Well done, you already probably know more jobs than most full timers in your office so beat yourself up.

As a reserve you should be in a certain pool of jobs and you shouldnt be expected to know all of them so get on to your rep as i think you probably know enough walks to be useful.

Use the trolley it will save your back massively.

You need to buy your own decent gel insoles.

If your finding it a bit overwhelming maybe when your on a singleton job your com would let you start a bit later when the runners have gone out so it preserves your mental health a bit better, thats what we do with some members of our team.

Some members of our TEAM.. wtf. Simons in your head lolol

thought id sneek it in there see if anyone noticed!

[richietns]

I liken it to school!

Primary school.
With a 20 year old trainee supply teacher in charge of a class of 120 spoilt brats with ADHD.
That sort of thing?

I've often said to some of my better colleagues over the years its like being in a primary school there really is an element of truth to that,managers talking to you like your 12 and colleagues throwing tantrums at each other.