New Starter

itinerant · Post by **itinerant** » 11 Oct 2017, 18:51

Hi all, I have finally got my start date as a postie and join mid November (30 hours, 12 mth contract). After 25 years stuck behind a desk I was bored so decided to do something to keep me fit and active and after a couple of failed applications I have finally got in.

Slightly concerned that I will be joining at peak time of year combined with the possible industrial action/unrest I am not sure how things will be with everyone else in the office but on the other hand if I can get through the first few months I figure I should be ok.

wannabeek · Post by **wannabeek** » 11 Oct 2017, 19:31

Yes, it is the worst time to start a new job in some ways.

The weather will be dreadful.

There will be tons of mail.

This next few weeks there will be political unrest.

However on the flipside - many posties quit and jack it in within the first few weeks even under normal conditions.

I would say massive respect to you if you can stick it out - keep bearing in mind that it is the worst possible time to start a pretty demanding job at the best of times.

If you are able to bear this then, should we be in some way successful with this campaign, you will hopefully find the job a doddle come February!

postbuster · Post by **postbuster** » 12 Oct 2017, 12:39

Very similar to me. I start soon and come from an office background. Why do you think people pack it in within the first few weeks under normal circumstances?

Post by **fb1969** » 13 Oct 2017, 07:44

I think a lot of people look at the postie and think it is a pretty easy job - all you do is put letters through letterboxes. So actually doing the job can be an eye opener. I'm not saying people naively apply thinking it will be easy, but the reality can be a big shock.

It can be that people can't take the pressure of the job, or in other cases people are not prepared to put up with some of things that go on. I wouldn't judge people either way if they felt it wasn't for them - more a failing of management for either employing unsuitable people, or more likely not being realistic about what is involved. You only have to look at a typical job advert - employing people on part time contracts but expecting them to do whatever hours are needed, telling them they need to start earlier than the advert said - taking advantage of people wanting a job and feeling they must do whatever is said.

I joined in my late 40s after spending 95% of my working life on a chair behind a desk, so I was similar to you. If I knew then what I know now, I probably wouldn't have joined in the first place!!

postbuster · Post by **postbuster** » 13 Oct 2017, 12:56

I'm not looking at it as an easy job. I see it as a massive physically challenging job and in turn dealing with that mentally. I'm certainly trying to keep my fitness up and have been out walking in all weathers as prep. The best prep I guess is doing the job.

The negative feeling on the forum is sometimes concerning as to what you've let yourself in for. However, like in anything in life, I think humans are always quicker to 'complain' than praise.

Angwyn · Post by **Angwyn** » 13 Oct 2017, 19:20

I think you have the right attitude mike_mic - as you say if you can get through the first few months you'll be fine

It's starting to get busier already.
It's true what fb1969 says though the reality could be a shock

Finding this forum and being part of it for a long time before I started certainly helped. Nothing has surprised me yet as I've already heard all about it on here lol
I knew the score but still wanted to do this, I'm enjoying it so far but I am still very new

Congrats on the job and good luck

Pongo Waring · Post by **Pongo Waring** » 17 Oct 2017, 17:20

mike_mlc wrote:Hi all, I have finally got my start date as a postie and join mid November (30 hours, 12 mth contract). After 25 years stuck behind a desk I was bored so decided to do something to keep me fit and active and after a couple of failed applications I have finally got in.

Slightly concerned that I will be joining at peak time of year combined with the possible industrial action/unrest I am not sure how things will be with everyone else in the office but on the other hand if I can get through the first few months I figure I should be ok.

Ive been in the job just coming up 4 years and I started at 59. I went home after my first day which was on 31 Jan and it was freezing cold, raining, and howling wind. I had no proper footwear and I could hardly walk when I got home after following an experienced postie round like a faithful puppy on an 8 mile hike round town. My head was spinning at the thought of one day soon having to remember the walk and do it on my own. The amount of info I was expected to absorb was totally unexpected and I have to admit I,d already decided this wouldn't be long term for me. I went home, soaked in a hot bath for an hour and then went into town and bought some proper walking boots. Unbelievably, the next day didn't seem half as bad and I was quite chuffed at how I coped. Since then Ive grown into the job and apart from the days when my manager makes life harder than it needs to be, I love it. I,m in a small Scottish town with 6 town walks and 11 rural. Ive learned all the town and 6 rural so far and in the summer theres no better way to earn a living. Yes, Xmas is hard but the quiet summer months are some compensation. Theres much more to the job than you,ll be expecting, and its also more varied too. There are days when I could cheerfully hand my pouch in but on the whole its not a bad number. Good luck and the job will be what you make it.

itinerant · Post by **itinerant** » 21 Nov 2017, 19:58

Well I have been in a week and yes it's tough but I am now beginning to enjoy it. 1st day on my own was a disaster as i was as slow as a 3 legged donkey but things have improved loads since as I pick up the details of the route. I expect it will take a few weeks to fully nail it (and parcels are ramping up) but after initially being a bit disheartened (I used to do loads of long distance running but was completely knackered after 1st couple of days) I am now enjoying it and speeding up a lot.

My fellow posties have been really great supporting me in office and checking I am ok on the round (all of their own backs) so that has been really good

My only concern is that I have been asked to work my day off and have declined. I do 5 days normally and my round is a bit longer than my contracted hours (which I am ok with) + i take longer as new + xmas is coming so takes even longer. So I am doing loads of hours more than I (naively) thought I would be doing and am knackered so need my 2 days off a week. Colleagues have told me to stand firm which i intend to do but dont know if i can be forced to do extra days?

DRM · Post by **DRM** » 21 Nov 2017, 20:38

I'm interested in replies to this, as I've also been asked to do overtime as it's 'getting to a busy period!'.

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 21 Nov 2017, 20:42

All overtime in RM including Christmas is voluntary.

MissKazzyB · Post by **MissKazzyB** » 21 Nov 2017, 22:39

Don’t let them make you feel like you have to do over time & work your rest day - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO

It’s entirely upto you. It’s voluntary & if you haven’t completed by your contracted hours then you are also entitled to cut off if you don’t want to go over.

Good luck