Hello everyone!
Just so you're wondering I am sane. I chose this job because I have a passion in transportation and logistics and I thought it would be a great way to get a foot in the door as well as start my experience/portfolio ready for other companies alike.
I'm on a PT contract as a Postman w/D. I'm incredibly nervous as its a huge step from customer service retail/hospitality to distribution as I've heard it can get quite brutal especially for younger lads starting off fresh. I won't let my age get in the way but I know for sure it'll be used as a joke I suppose, but that's part of the job right?
I have a few questions...I'll just simplify them below;
- How long does it usually take before you can start asking for overtime or more hours? (I used to be working 40-50hrs a week, cut down to 25 now)
- Is it more about cardiovascular rather than strength?
- How many Postmen/Postwomen have other part-time jobs? (obviously if there's no OT available)
- Is it a rewarding company to work for, can you progress onto other jobs such as Parcelforce/GLS? Or take it on upwards to UPS, TNT etc. and are there development paths to take? I have asked this but I'd like to hear from people who have had the experience working at the bottom of the ladder.
- Is it okay to be nervous upon starting and is it easy to get along with others?
Thanks every so much! Looking forward to this new career step :)
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Yet another newbie!
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POSTMAN
- SITE ADMINISTRATOR
- Posts: 32587
- Joined: 07 Aug 2006, 03:19
- Gender: Male
Yet another newbie!
Welcome to the site and the job, overtime is always there that is why you are on a small contract, that is all you really need to know for the time being while you get used to the job/ the way this firm works.
Check our our new starers forum for more newbie bits.
Check our our new starers forum for more newbie bits.
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
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Navalron
- EX ROYAL MAIL
- Posts: 1044
- Joined: 12 Aug 2017, 10:40
- Gender: Male
- Location: Glasgow
Yet another newbie!
Hi everyone. I'm an ex postman driver. I left in 1997 to become a bus driver as I was only part time(21.5) hours per week for six years but was constantly doing full time duties. Before that I done about 11 months on delivery but got the chance to drive which I enjoy. I worked at Glasgow mail centre mainly doing firm duties on the late shift and airport/train station duties on nights. Like I've said I couldn't get made up and hated the fact that when on annual leave I only got my basic hours. Also I was always made to feel that I as a (associate) grade driver, that we part timers were never really postman drivers and there was and still is a them and us mentality. I've actually applied and have an interview in two weeks time for postman 30 hrs. But ,lol, since I came on this forum and talking to some of my mates who are still in the job I really don't know what to do. I've had to give up with driving buses because of eyesight problems but still have my 600 (7.5) tonne license. I really hope that things aren't that bad because I am a staunch union man and only 48. Maybe delivery these days is a younger mans game. I knew I should have stayed in the Royal Navy. Cheers.
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POSTMAN
- SITE ADMINISTRATOR
- Posts: 32587
- Joined: 07 Aug 2006, 03:19
- Gender: Male
Yet another newbie!
It does depend if you're lucky enough to have a decent office/rep/colleagues/manager....how's ya luck! 
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
-
Lounge Lizard
- EX ROYAL MAIL
- Posts: 9458
- Joined: 06 Aug 2007, 21:54
Yet another newbie!
There will still be a considerable delay in being made up from part time, 30 hours, to full time, 39 hours possibly being reduced to 35.Navalron wrote:Hi everyone. I'm an ex postman driver. I left in 1997 to become a bus driver as I was only part time(21.5) hours per week for six years but was constantly doing full time duties. Before that I done about 11 months on delivery but got the chance to drive which I enjoy. I worked at Glasgow mail centre mainly doing firm duties on the late shift and airport/train station duties on nights. Like I've said I couldn't get made up and hated the fact that when on annual leave I only got my basic hours. Also I was always made to feel that I as a (associate) grade driver, that we part timers were never really postman drivers and there was and still is a them and us mentality. I've actually applied and have an interview in two weeks time for postman 30 hrs. But ,lol, since I came on this forum and talking to some of my mates who are still in the job I really don't know what to do. I've had to give up with driving buses because of eyesight problems but still have my 600 (7.5) tonne license. I really hope that things aren't that bad because I am a staunch union man and only 48. Maybe delivery these days is a younger mans game. I knew I should have stayed in the Royal Navy. Cheers.
It was most commendable of you to give up driving buses because of health, eyesight, problems, unlike Harry Clarke, but decent eyesight is also needed for driving Royal Mail vehicles.
Staying with a life on the ocean wave would have kept your full time hours but hindsight is a marvellous thing.
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Lounge Lizard
- EX ROYAL MAIL
- Posts: 9458
- Joined: 06 Aug 2007, 21:54
Yet another newbie!
Ron,Navalron wrote:Hi everyone. I'm an ex postman driver. I left in 1997 to become a bus driver as I was only part time(21.5) hours per week for six years but was constantly doing full time duties. Before that I done about 11 months on delivery but got the chance to drive which I enjoy. I worked at Glasgow mail centre mainly doing firm duties on the late shift and airport/train station duties on nights. Like I've said I couldn't get made up and hated the fact that when on annual leave I only got my basic hours. Also I was always made to feel that I as a (associate) grade driver, that we part timers were never really postman drivers and there was and still is a them and us mentality. I've actually applied and have an interview in two weeks time for postman 30 hrs. But ,lol, since I came on this forum and talking to some of my mates who are still in the job I really don't know what to do. I've had to give up with driving buses because of eyesight problems but still have my 600 (7.5) tonne license. I really hope that things aren't that bad because I am a staunch union man and only 48. Maybe delivery these days is a younger mans game. I knew I should have stayed in the Royal Navy. Cheers.
There will still be a considerable delay in being made up from part time, 30 hours, to full time, 39 hours possibly being reduced to 35.
It was most commendable of you to give up driving buses because of health, eyesight, problems, unlike Harry Clarke, but decent eyesight is also needed for driving Royal Mail vehicles.
Staying with a life on the ocean wave would have kept your full time hours but hindsight is a marvellous thing.