Hello!

[PostalOfficer]

Worked for the PO for 28+ years (and did 2 weeks as a Christmas Casual before that). Ended up working here as they were the first place to come up with a job offer after I dropped out of uni. Worked on the counter, then did a bit at head office before escaping back to the counter in the options exercise in 198?.

Used to love the job, chatting to customers, balancing (when it worked!) and everywhere I worked there were great mates who would help if you got stuck. Eventually 'promoted' to the back room, ordering everything, putting up posters and what seemed like hundreds of other jobs. Anything that went wrong with any of it would be my fault, so worked hard to make sure it was all up-to-date. Took me several days to unwind when we went on hols., but wouldn't have given it up for a gold brick. Boss was an old-time gruff sort, bit miserable at times, but you knew you're back was covered, the duties would work and your o/t claim would be right. Goodness help you if you balanced more than £5 short.

Then he retired. Oh dear! New boss was a sales fanatic but totally stupid at times i.e. "What do you mean it doesn't balance?" "I mean the form says A must equal B and the two numbers are different". She must have quickly identified me as a "round peg in a round hole" and swapped me onto different work accordingly. She came with a new ABM to match. Couple of weeks of upheaval and I was off sick visiting the shrink. I wasn't the only one, as sick leave reached 13% that year.

Well, I've learned my lesson. Don't volunteer for anything. It doesn't matter how good you are, you won't be appreciated. If the manager isn't too worried about the job being done well, why am I? Balancing isn't the end of the world, so don't worry too much. Make sure you finish on time, because time spent with wife and model train are more fun. Try not to let stress beat you - if you crack up it won't bother the manager, but will upset you and your family.

So I plod on, trying to do sales and not let the stress overcome me. Not easy at times. Got a great support network at work, keeping an eye on each other, encouraging anybody who's down, because they'll do the same for you next week. And somebody always checks to see if anybody has rung up the latest stress casualty for a chat.

Thought for a long time it would be a great idea to have a forum where we could share stories and problems. All too often we're told that things are great in other offices...until you speak to them and find out differently. Anyway, I came across the forum, laughed like mad at an entry under "Another Bad Day" and signed up.

Postal Officer for my username? I was proud to be one once. After being CSCs and all sorts of other initials, I don't even know what my grade is officially called, so Postal Officer it is!

[johnnyp]

Welcome to RMC PostalOfficer
Great intro mate Enjoy and spread the word friend.