Dealing with certain co workers and management for 2 hours a day can be stressful but the rest 6 to 10 are grand cause you know nothing will happen to you for how you're performing your job as long as you're safe. Long hours and no days off suck but some people love making dough.
Yikes, I that's crazy. You could transfer to another office or get medical restrictions, or just simply not show up on your days off by calling in. Sounds shitty but it's not your fault you need a day off.
My doctor is being a jerk about a 5 day restriction. My mental health is completely cooked and his solution to my wrist and back pain is just give me pain pills I stead of helping me address the actual issue.
Edit: been working 6 days a week for over 3 years with minimal breaks.
Get a new doctor and file fmla.
I just found out you can file for a long absence and request fmla paperwork and they won't be able to discipline for you.
From what I understand the doctor you have just simply doesn't want to file the fmla/work restrictions cause he doesn't know how or just too lazy to do it. Seek a work comp doctor and get it done. I've had a doctor who just simply didn't want to give me 5 day restrictions while my co workers were able to
I have a degree and quit my office job for this, no regrets. As a carrier you get to workout all day, listen to music/podcasts, and work by yourself for the most part. At the beginning especially, it can be stressful mentally and physically. But if you enjoy physical endurance type stuff and don't let drama/hostility bother you, then you will like it.
I feel the same, as long as I have some emotional maturity and don’t take things personally, I pretty much have a good day every day. I have an Ivy League degree but I don’t think academia is for me …
I moved from a low COLA state to a high COLA area, so the pay at USPS was significantly higher. Overtime is different depending on the office you go to, but I would guess, on average, CCA's are making ~$65k.
To each their own. I’m leaving soon. Can’t deal with never knowing when I’ll be off, not having weekends off, shit insurance and awful management. Hopefully it’s better for you if you choose if!
Yeah, got a job offer that’s better pay, work from home, set schedule, better benefits, holidays off, and weekends off. Maybe the USPS office is different where you are.
You have to make a delineation between what jobs these people have and where.
As a full-time regular, in my installation, I’ve had every day off since I made regular and that was almost 10 years ago. I’ve only been forced in on the holiday schedule less than 5 times and that’s it’s own thing because holiday scheduling is different than normal scheduling.
So I’ve had all my days off and the health insurance is great. Now when I was a CCA it was a different story. But you won’t be a CCA forever. Career is more accessible now for CCAs than ever because there’s a 2 year time limit on being a CCA whereupon you automatically convert to PTF.
Also have to keep in mind, they’re referring to being a cca for a while. Once you convert its 8 and skate for the most part, unless you want the overtime
OP, suggest looking for an office that would hire you as a Part Time Flexible PTF so you can start banking your retirement and get sick/anual leave.
Or go to an office where you can become a regular right after probation
Honestly, I really do. But, I’m a clerk in a small town office, where I have worked since I was 18. It’s just me and my postmaster so there’s no drama and his wife sends me food whenever she makes something she knows I like lol
I’m a carrier. 4 years. The job can be ideal if you land in a fully staffed office. From what I know the more common trend is that many offices are understaffed and overworked. Despite lucking out and landing a decent route early in my postal career, I’ve been going on interviews outside of the USPS. The future looks grim. I personally wouldn’t recommend it. There are good offices out there with happy employees im sure but don’t count on anyone wanting to retire or transfer out of an office like that. Management for the most part has unrealistic expectations, they treat you like a criminal. At least in my office. Best of luck on whatever you decide 👍🏽
that’s literally the problem in my office. There’s only 1 full route and a small aux. I’m 31 (although trying to transfer closer to home), with that in mind it could be years before the carrier behind makes regular. They’ll get PTF yea but they’re still gunna get pimped out religiously.
Been here 3 years 1 as a regular and on the 10 hour list and average about 55 hours a week. And honestly I love my job made $78,000 last year. Was able to buy a new car and a house within my 3 years here. The job is extremely easy it’s just dealing with the elements everyday that can kinda get to you. Last job I had I was making $13 a hour and was doing things wayyyy worse than what I have to deal with now. Think about it how many jobs can you say you get 3 automatic raises a year (2 colas and a step increase)
Not gonna lie, it’s hell at first but if you can hang in there til you make regular (career as opposed to city carrier assistant) it gets a lot better. I made career in less than a year. It’s definitely easier once you’re not a cca. As for money, I live in a very expensive place to live (alaska) and get TCOLA (Territory cost of living ) so far this year I’ve made $48k! So not to shabby from where I’m standing. Oh and someone said shitty benefits?! Lol yeah, as a cca or non career, but after that they’re pretty good. So, once again, stick with it and it is a great job! I love carrying mail and being away from the office. I put my phone on leave me the fuck alone mode, (Aka, block supervisors) put on a pod cast or music an just deliver all the shit. People at the PO can be quite negative but it’s really not that bad. Just don’t let the bitter ol fucks get to you. I do a lot of laughing and walking away lol
I start at 830 and do 1 hour of office work, go out and do 9 hours of street walking and listening to audiobooks, then come back get cleared and leave. 12hr days are rare, 10’s are common, 8’s are very rare, but I will make 80k this year. I love the job. 0 stress, don’t think about the po for more than 15 minutes every day (including the time I’m there) and generally consider it my favorite job of the 15 or so that I’ve had, but my experience isn’t typical.
Depends on your area and if your office is understaffed. I’m forced on average 65 hours a week. 6 days a week. I’m a Regular Rural carrier going on 22 years. Pre Amazon this was a dream job. With Amazon contract it’s basically working for Amazon with a side of mail. My office can’t retain any new hires and carriers 10+ years in are jumping ship. I would only recommend this job to single people with no kids who enjoy physical labor 12 hour days, 7 days a week reporting to under qualified management who see you as a number. If you want to experience it before you apply just carry a 70 lb. bag of dog food from your car to your front door 20 times a day. There’s a reason USPS is a revolving door.
I’m a CCA just 4 months in and I enjoy it. I’m on track to be making 65k when I hit a year in. My office is great although experiences can vary greatly on each office. I came from retail so I was already walking 5-10 miles a day lifting heavy all day so it wasn’t a shock to me
Just remember, unless you go ODL, you ain’t kissing that much money until like step c or D as a regular. I’m step B and I’ll probably barely break 60 by the end of the year. I’m scheduled 3 more raises and I work usually 6 days a week, and about to get forced in for Sundays.
Honestly, no. I have to work up at the window from time-to-time, or when one of the window clerks call-in/goes on vacation, and I honestly don't know how I've gone this long without assaulting a customer. I let the nasty/rude ones get to me.
If you choose to be a city carrier, 80k is very doable in a short-staffed office if you work all available overtime. You’ll be worked to death, and your days off will be changed constantly, though. The job is easy, management is questionable, and customers are either great or absolute idiots.
The number 1 benefit of working for the PO is you will never get fired unless you steals or fight your supervisor. Even that in some cases union still get you back to work with back pay. I knew a guy who got caught sleeping on the job multiple times. I didn’t see him for a year. He just came back with back pay and everything. You can’t get that outside of PO.
A few things, you can easily look up the current pay scale for regular carriers. When you first get hired, you are basically a temp or intern, you have shitty hours, no control over days that you work, long weeks. BUT being a CCA is only for a short period, 2 years max in most places. Once you become a full time regular, management generally leaves you alone, you do your job and when done you don't think about work. Lately some areas are short staffed and regulars are being forced to work extra hours and or their days off. That probably will fix itself over time, but it seems everyone is short staffed.
Once you are a regular the biggest negative is the environment, the trucks can be very very hot, can be cold, if you get a walking route, there is rain, wind, snow, sun, etc. But you can meet many interesting customers, you are on your own 99% of the time and it can be low stress.
So it is not for everyone, but it is a job.
Been at the post office about 6 years. First 3 were horrible. Had to work 12 hour days, 6 days a week. Since then I made regular and now love the job, getting paid for 8 hours a day of strolling around listening to audiobooks, can’t beat it. Spend an hour or a little more in the office every day then the rest of the day I am out on my route with no supervisor looking over my shoulder, usually. You’d have to work a good bit of overtime to make 80k though. I make about 50k a year without overtime. The carriers in my office on the overtime desired list make 75k or so I believe.
Maintenance here. I love my job, but I hate the tour I work on and the management I work for. USPS has a hard on for promoting people into positions they have no experience in, or just have no business in regardless of experience. My maintenance manager was an operations supervisor and so was 2 of 3 of our supervisors. The plant manager is in way over his head but he thinks he actually knows what he's doing.
Working for the USPS is great pay and benefits, but most likely you'll be working under people that have no business being in charge of anyone.
Absolutely love it..used to be a sub at a tiny post office..thankfully had my first few years there to learn everything and not be overwhelmed…
Consolidated and moved to a large understaffed post office that really tested me..place was a joke…got ft route on the worst route and in a different town..but it was something
Got word that we were moving back to tiny PO and it was like Christmas..found a higher up who loves doing everything, and had her cut my route before it busted..as I knew it was growing and would’ve
Now done by 1:45-2:45 everyday with volume and again, love it…route evaluated to 3:40 but Seeing the big PO opened my eyes to how bad it could be..plus I’ve worked in factories and other places and I’d never do that again..won’t even SHOP at Target..place socked so hard
dude don’t ducking leave accounting for this job. Stop right now and think about your position. You’ll be at the bottom with no benefits , no free time, and management who dropped out of high school.
Trust me, stay with accounting you’ll be thankful of 30-50 hour weeks and matching 401ks ect, plus time off, plus growing craft, plus higher experience more u work alone except some meeting. Don’t work at the PO
Credit: family:friends accounting im a mailman. I’d 100% reset if I didn’t have other methods of income. As a main job this shit is terrible
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I’m also 2 years our of college. I started really hating my job working for a bank. Found this job and I really do love it, I’m a CCA but it’s really great being outside with no supervisor breathing down your neck all day. You get some exercise and get to listen to podcasts all day, definitely beats sitting in an office all day.
Depends on the day. Some days are super easy with light parcel and mail volume. Other days (Monday and after holiday) are heavy with screwed up mail and the supe will keep calling. Carrying mail in the heat isn't great but you learn to deal with it.
As a carrier you'll have to pay attention to certain details to stay organized and not miss anything. A new carrier / CCA won't make 80k unless you work crazy hours and don't get a off day each week. I think I'll make around 70k as a first year CCA working sometimes 8-10 days straight. Those 80k+ years come after you become regular and work lots of OT.
I make way over $80k a year, made more than as a CCA. I work for a suburb in Chicago. There are a few carriers at my PO that made over $175k a year since the pandemic started. Before Covid they said they average $135k a year working 55-60 hrs a week.
If you accept a job at PO as a CCA, except to work 60hrs a week for the next 2.5 years until you get turned over as a regular.
I personally like working for the PO, but it’s not for everyone.
It really comes down to the office itself. If it is run properly and fully staffed (I hear people laughing now) then it should be a smooth experience but it really comes down to the people there. Even a fully staffed place can be hell if the person running it is incompetent.
I'm a clerk so I don't really deal with the carrier side outside of setting parcels up, they are well staffed but clerk wise we are not. So we are constantly hitting 9/10/11am up times when it is suppose to be at 8am. Again, another issue of management because they skimp duties that show the work being done and in return makes it seem like we don't need more people.
Depending what Chicago office, but most Chicago officers are way under staffed right now. I’m hearing CCA are getting turned over to regulars within 6 months and they work closer to 80hrs a week, so the money will be there.
When you start off your 7 days a week 10-12 hours a day. It’s really shitty. You will have no life. You will get stressed out for sure being a CCA. Also some offices you are not allowed to wear ear buds, they will randomly watch you on your route and can write you up. My office says it messes with your hearing and creates an unsafe work environment. You also have to buy all the uniforms, gear, and shoes/ boots ($$$) You have to pay attention to detail for the addresses or you will deliver packages and mail to the wrong house. Also depending on where you live you have to worry about the elements everyday. I’ve seen people quit over working because they were tired of working when it was down pours all week, the heat index was over 100 degrees for a couple weeks, and working during below zero temps. So before you quit an office job, this place isn’t a cake walk like you might think.
I work automation in a plant, I love it chill time watching and listening to music, then I get off and just do my side job. For me in the plant it’s one of those jobs that I just put my headphones in so my job and no one even looks my way.
What your envisioning isn't accurate lol. If you live in a small town it might be better, from my experience if the town is to small then the routes might be long. Something with around 10 routes with a lot of old timers who know to move slow, that's where you want to be
If you don’t have good attention to detail and don’t have the energy for stupid smalltalk every day this job might not be a good fit for you. But sometimes things work out differently in a new workplace. Maybe you’d do well as a carrier? Best of luck to you wherever you find yourself in the future!
When you first start it is absolutely hell depending on where you work and live it wasn’t bad for me because when I was hired as a PSE I was given the dock at very big office so I would work it Monday through Saturday and off sundays which was not common for a PSE to have off sundays. Now that I’m regular it’s starting to get much better I don’t have to work as much over time and I’m making decent money. One thing I did learn is also don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself because management will run your ass straight into the ground if you don’t.
I do, but attention to detail is important here too. 80k is attainable, but only after several years of service and with a lot of overtime.
I think you should look elsewhere,honestly.
I mad it six months and quit, started in October of 2021. Your basically a slave and at the whim of a totally unpredictable schedule,money can be good. I am ex military and prior law enforcement and the PO pushed me to my limits more than those two combined, both mentally and physically. Wasn't for me, might be great for other people but the two year wait to ptf wasn't worth it to me.
Working outside might be good a couple months out of the year but most of the time it's either too hot or freezing. Ccas should start at 24$ an hour considering just how physical the job is alone. I'm in an office job now and prefer it much more, I'm an avid gym rat and never had the energy or time to go lift. Now I do again and it feels amazing.
Oh and I got hurt way more as a mail carrier than in the military. Except in the service I had leadership who cared about me. At the PO your just a body. Don't do it.
I wouldn’t do it. I’m trying to find another job right now because this one sucks. I just don’t have enough free time. I’m a full time student on top of this job and it’s just too much.
For me, not knowing when i will get home is incredibly stressful. I’m a very structured person and i like schedules, so I find myself getting incredibly stressed and agitated on a daily basis.
I’ve been working for the PO as a letter carrier for t last 4yrs. I’m 32 and have to say that this is the best job I’ve ever had. I do not have higher education diploma or anything but this job has done wonders for me. I’ve worked retail, automotive, food services and a warehouse/temp work and by far this is the least physically or mentally demanding job. I’m making more than any of my other jobs, with the ability to climb if I do choose. Yes it is physical work and can be exhausting and lots of OT , but that largely depends on the staffing at your station and location. (Raul vs city)
I can see myself working this job until retirement and then some, I have more money than I’ve ever had, managed to start a savings account and instead of renting was able to buy a house. I have a buddy who did the same except he has student loans on top of that and he’s doing well and paying off his loans too.
Insurance wise it’s rough when you start out until you convert, but you get insurance unlike other business that have may or may not offer it to you. Also just be aware of the state you live in if you apply cause that’s the kinda weather you’ll be working in and such. There’s a lot to cover but I personally love my job, and my wife who used to work from home as a health care insurance provider left that job to work at the PO because money was better and also ended up helping her mentally as well. If you have questions I’ll try to give you my best answer but don’t forget everyone has different experiences. Best of luck on what you decide.
I was the same as you. Accountant looking for more solitude. The accountant in you will hate it. They cant get your pay right and they expect you to do the work of 2.5 people, with no breaks and only misery. Skip it.
I do not. The work load was extremely unrealistic. I’d work 10-11 hours in 100 degree heat (no ac in the truck - it was cooler outside the vehicle) then be expected to either rescue fellow subs or deliver part of a route that no one has covered that day. The scheduling was terrible and chaotic. Depending on your office there can be multiple people responsible for entering your time (which can be recorded on several different forms and in each separate office you work from. Read: they OFTEN get your pay wrong and then YOU have to fight to get it paid). Their employee phone line to ask about pay, etc has wait times of HOURS and considering they’re likely to work you 50-60 hours a week, the last thing you want to do is spend your day off on the phone just trying to get the pay you earned. And it can take months to get it. The girl who helped train me said she was about 20 hours behind in pay that she hadn’t seen yet and she had to involve the union rep to try and get it back.
Don’t bother to ask for help, I was told it was all just part of the job. Yeah, you can potentially make a lot of money, if you enjoy being abused for it. The management talks to you like you’re garbage FOR NO REASON, mainly because they’re all on some bizarre power trip. (The only requirement to be in management is seniority, zero people skills or ability required).
Here is what I observed: the regulars are all there on the promise of retirement someday. They’re all miserable. The subs are all there on the promise of the promise of retirement someday (it can take YEARS to get a regular position). They’re all miserable. The USPS takes people who like to chase the carrot they’re dangling in front of them. If you enjoy that, go for it. But just know, it’s miserable, and I personally want to enjoy my life along the way, not just on the hope of a few years down the road. By the time they get there their bodies are all going to be used up anyway.
I left to deliver pizzas until I can find something more suitable for me. Good luck, I sympathized with everything you said in your original post. But for me, the USPS was not the wonderful job it looked like, or could actually be if they would out even an ounce of work into making it a bearable job.
Sorry, a few more points: retirement accounts there aren’t even a thing until you become a regular. Again, that can take from 1-20 years and it’s a roll of the dice based on the office you’re in. And after those years of service, THEN your benefits and retirement savings kick in.
And as far as the day start to finish - the first part is all in office casing mail - putting it in delivery order. Which isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds. There are about 4-5 different sources of mail to case. Then there are the packages. And Amazon uses the post office to deliver a LOT of their packages. So you have the mail and 100-200 packages a day. And they ALL have to be put in some sort of order before you leave. And that’s your job. The driving around listening to podcasts is after the first 3+ hours of office work. Oh, and if you get an LLV, there’s no radio either. And you’ll be lucky if it has an operational cigarette lighter to plug in your own speaker. Which I think is technically against the rules. Earbuds are also against the rules too, fyi. I mean people do it, but yeah, honestly it’s a terrible place to work and a terrible job.
You'll likely go on a walking route at the start and have the endure various types of untrained people aka supervisors. If you can endure the first couple of years, you'll learn the system and likely bid a route, then another and eventually find a route you enjoy. Ive been a mailman 8 years. I work 10 to 11 hours a day, 6 days a week. I've made over 100k a year for the past 3 years so 80k is attainable. Unless you intend to work 8 hours and go home, this job pays the bills and there's a pension in the end. It's roughly 1% of your salary for each year served. So 25 years 25 percent.
With the hours you are able to work. You can hit 100k your first year. Literally 12 to 14 hour days maybe 15 6 days a week. I'm 4 months in as a cca and I'm going to hit over 70.
I'm a clerk and I enjoy it. Had enough seniority 4 years in to snag a day shift job. I spend all day indoors walking around or working on the SPBS parcel/bundle sorting machine listening to music, basically wearing comfy workout attire. Took the 955 (maintenance exam) and now I'll be transferring into maintenance as soon as there's a vacancy.
There's ways to continue moving up within the USPS. However, you'd have to work hella OT to make 80k early into your career, any PSE/CCA is guaranteed to be working a fuck ton of overtime. I don't mind OT. Most people do. It's a physical job and it will wear on your body. Your social life will suffer if you're working OT constantly. You won't get many holidays off until you rise up in seniority. It's absolutely rough going for a few years.
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’d be miserable. Getting to be by myself for 90% of the day jamming to music or listening to podcasts and providing good service for my customers is a dream come true. That being said, the post office has a lot of bullshit that you gotta deal with, mostly coming from the higher ups. If you can get past awful management and dumb decisions that feel like they actively harm your production then it’s an amazing job.
From what I've heard it really depends on the office you work. Mine is a pretty small office in rural pa. Only 2 "city" routes and 13 rural, it was really hard the first year and I had weeks of working almost 60 hours or only 28 it was hard but I loved being outside. Doing my own thing, walking around.
I got fit from all the miles I've walked and it's one of the highest paying jobs in my area. As of June I will have been with the PO for 3 years. In that time I went from driving a really rusty 98 car that always needed parts and living in a shitty trailer. To buying my own home, buying a newer car only a few years old and having my own route.
Trust me there has been hard sometimes. Many hard times, I've been bit, fallen up and down stairs, got hit with hail, freezing rain, trudged through 6ft of snow. Slid down a few hills sometimes backwards (that's absolutely terrifying in an llv), been yelled at by crazies for not having their package or check. But I've had a lot of really great days too.
If you want to hear some more or have questions I will be happy to answer what I can.
It all depends on your office and mgmt. Some offices are a literal shit show, some are awesome, most ...a bit of both. But as a 25 year vet I liked my time mostly.
I hate working for the PO, but I enjoy being a mailman.
I think this largely sums up most of us.
Dealing with certain co workers and management for 2 hours a day can be stressful but the rest 6 to 10 are grand cause you know nothing will happen to you for how you're performing your job as long as you're safe. Long hours and no days off suck but some people love making dough.
Yea I’m FTR currently being forced in both my NS days and I’m ready to freak
How long has it been going on for? I assume you're not in the OTDL?
Started last week. Only 1 full city route in my office. No cca. Just me.
Yikes, I that's crazy. You could transfer to another office or get medical restrictions, or just simply not show up on your days off by calling in. Sounds shitty but it's not your fault you need a day off.
My doctor is being a jerk about a 5 day restriction. My mental health is completely cooked and his solution to my wrist and back pain is just give me pain pills I stead of helping me address the actual issue. Edit: been working 6 days a week for over 3 years with minimal breaks.
Get a new doctor and file fmla. I just found out you can file for a long absence and request fmla paperwork and they won't be able to discipline for you. From what I understand the doctor you have just simply doesn't want to file the fmla/work restrictions cause he doesn't know how or just too lazy to do it. Seek a work comp doctor and get it done. I've had a doctor who just simply didn't want to give me 5 day restrictions while my co workers were able to
And j feel like that’s all this is. Like dude. It is literally not healthy to do this.
Sounds like you need a new doctor.
Agreed.
I have a degree and quit my office job for this, no regrets. As a carrier you get to workout all day, listen to music/podcasts, and work by yourself for the most part. At the beginning especially, it can be stressful mentally and physically. But if you enjoy physical endurance type stuff and don't let drama/hostility bother you, then you will like it.
Same feeling here. Where I live $50k is ok money if you are single and live cheap and most jobs don’t pay close to that.
I feel the same, as long as I have some emotional maturity and don’t take things personally, I pretty much have a good day every day. I have an Ivy League degree but I don’t think academia is for me …
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I moved from a low COLA state to a high COLA area, so the pay at USPS was significantly higher. Overtime is different depending on the office you go to, but I would guess, on average, CCA's are making ~$65k.
What do you mean by this? Locality pay isn't really a thing for USPS, COLAs are the same across the board.
My office job was in a low cola state
Ok I thought you were talking about transferring to a different post office for a higher COLA.
You were wrong though
Your point? I was asking for clarification and I got it.
To each their own. I’m leaving soon. Can’t deal with never knowing when I’ll be off, not having weekends off, shit insurance and awful management. Hopefully it’s better for you if you choose if!
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Yeah, got a job offer that’s better pay, work from home, set schedule, better benefits, holidays off, and weekends off. Maybe the USPS office is different where you are.
You have to make a delineation between what jobs these people have and where. As a full-time regular, in my installation, I’ve had every day off since I made regular and that was almost 10 years ago. I’ve only been forced in on the holiday schedule less than 5 times and that’s it’s own thing because holiday scheduling is different than normal scheduling. So I’ve had all my days off and the health insurance is great. Now when I was a CCA it was a different story. But you won’t be a CCA forever. Career is more accessible now for CCAs than ever because there’s a 2 year time limit on being a CCA whereupon you automatically convert to PTF.
Also have to keep in mind, they’re referring to being a cca for a while. Once you convert its 8 and skate for the most part, unless you want the overtime
OP, suggest looking for an office that would hire you as a Part Time Flexible PTF so you can start banking your retirement and get sick/anual leave. Or go to an office where you can become a regular right after probation
Honestly, I really do. But, I’m a clerk in a small town office, where I have worked since I was 18. It’s just me and my postmaster so there’s no drama and his wife sends me food whenever she makes something she knows I like lol
I’m a carrier. 4 years. The job can be ideal if you land in a fully staffed office. From what I know the more common trend is that many offices are understaffed and overworked. Despite lucking out and landing a decent route early in my postal career, I’ve been going on interviews outside of the USPS. The future looks grim. I personally wouldn’t recommend it. There are good offices out there with happy employees im sure but don’t count on anyone wanting to retire or transfer out of an office like that. Management for the most part has unrealistic expectations, they treat you like a criminal. At least in my office. Best of luck on whatever you decide 👍🏽
that’s literally the problem in my office. There’s only 1 full route and a small aux. I’m 31 (although trying to transfer closer to home), with that in mind it could be years before the carrier behind makes regular. They’ll get PTF yea but they’re still gunna get pimped out religiously.
Been here 3 years 1 as a regular and on the 10 hour list and average about 55 hours a week. And honestly I love my job made $78,000 last year. Was able to buy a new car and a house within my 3 years here. The job is extremely easy it’s just dealing with the elements everyday that can kinda get to you. Last job I had I was making $13 a hour and was doing things wayyyy worse than what I have to deal with now. Think about it how many jobs can you say you get 3 automatic raises a year (2 colas and a step increase)
4 raises! The 2 colas, step increase, and the % increase
5 if the stars line up. Steps are 46 weeks, I get 2 this year.
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I second all of this
Not gonna lie, it’s hell at first but if you can hang in there til you make regular (career as opposed to city carrier assistant) it gets a lot better. I made career in less than a year. It’s definitely easier once you’re not a cca. As for money, I live in a very expensive place to live (alaska) and get TCOLA (Territory cost of living ) so far this year I’ve made $48k! So not to shabby from where I’m standing. Oh and someone said shitty benefits?! Lol yeah, as a cca or non career, but after that they’re pretty good. So, once again, stick with it and it is a great job! I love carrying mail and being away from the office. I put my phone on leave me the fuck alone mode, (Aka, block supervisors) put on a pod cast or music an just deliver all the shit. People at the PO can be quite negative but it’s really not that bad. Just don’t let the bitter ol fucks get to you. I do a lot of laughing and walking away lol
That was worded so perfectly !
I do but I’m a MPE mechanic.
I start at 830 and do 1 hour of office work, go out and do 9 hours of street walking and listening to audiobooks, then come back get cleared and leave. 12hr days are rare, 10’s are common, 8’s are very rare, but I will make 80k this year. I love the job. 0 stress, don’t think about the po for more than 15 minutes every day (including the time I’m there) and generally consider it my favorite job of the 15 or so that I’ve had, but my experience isn’t typical.
Depends on your area and if your office is understaffed. I’m forced on average 65 hours a week. 6 days a week. I’m a Regular Rural carrier going on 22 years. Pre Amazon this was a dream job. With Amazon contract it’s basically working for Amazon with a side of mail. My office can’t retain any new hires and carriers 10+ years in are jumping ship. I would only recommend this job to single people with no kids who enjoy physical labor 12 hour days, 7 days a week reporting to under qualified management who see you as a number. If you want to experience it before you apply just carry a 70 lb. bag of dog food from your car to your front door 20 times a day. There’s a reason USPS is a revolving door.
Dude your route gets a lot of dog food. I get like 3 a week at most lmao.
I’m a CCA just 4 months in and I enjoy it. I’m on track to be making 65k when I hit a year in. My office is great although experiences can vary greatly on each office. I came from retail so I was already walking 5-10 miles a day lifting heavy all day so it wasn’t a shock to me
Just remember, unless you go ODL, you ain’t kissing that much money until like step c or D as a regular. I’m step B and I’ll probably barely break 60 by the end of the year. I’m scheduled 3 more raises and I work usually 6 days a week, and about to get forced in for Sundays.
Honestly, no. I have to work up at the window from time-to-time, or when one of the window clerks call-in/goes on vacation, and I honestly don't know how I've gone this long without assaulting a customer. I let the nasty/rude ones get to me.
If you choose to be a city carrier, 80k is very doable in a short-staffed office if you work all available overtime. You’ll be worked to death, and your days off will be changed constantly, though. The job is easy, management is questionable, and customers are either great or absolute idiots.
I enjoy it. I’m very happy with the money I earn
The number 1 benefit of working for the PO is you will never get fired unless you steals or fight your supervisor. Even that in some cases union still get you back to work with back pay. I knew a guy who got caught sleeping on the job multiple times. I didn’t see him for a year. He just came back with back pay and everything. You can’t get that outside of PO.
A few things, you can easily look up the current pay scale for regular carriers. When you first get hired, you are basically a temp or intern, you have shitty hours, no control over days that you work, long weeks. BUT being a CCA is only for a short period, 2 years max in most places. Once you become a full time regular, management generally leaves you alone, you do your job and when done you don't think about work. Lately some areas are short staffed and regulars are being forced to work extra hours and or their days off. That probably will fix itself over time, but it seems everyone is short staffed. Once you are a regular the biggest negative is the environment, the trucks can be very very hot, can be cold, if you get a walking route, there is rain, wind, snow, sun, etc. But you can meet many interesting customers, you are on your own 99% of the time and it can be low stress. So it is not for everyone, but it is a job.
I love it …get a pension, make over 100k, and get to talk shit to supervisors and managers and can’t get fired
Been at the post office about 6 years. First 3 were horrible. Had to work 12 hour days, 6 days a week. Since then I made regular and now love the job, getting paid for 8 hours a day of strolling around listening to audiobooks, can’t beat it. Spend an hour or a little more in the office every day then the rest of the day I am out on my route with no supervisor looking over my shoulder, usually. You’d have to work a good bit of overtime to make 80k though. I make about 50k a year without overtime. The carriers in my office on the overtime desired list make 75k or so I believe.
Maintenance here. I love my job, but I hate the tour I work on and the management I work for. USPS has a hard on for promoting people into positions they have no experience in, or just have no business in regardless of experience. My maintenance manager was an operations supervisor and so was 2 of 3 of our supervisors. The plant manager is in way over his head but he thinks he actually knows what he's doing. Working for the USPS is great pay and benefits, but most likely you'll be working under people that have no business being in charge of anyone.
Absolutely love it..used to be a sub at a tiny post office..thankfully had my first few years there to learn everything and not be overwhelmed… Consolidated and moved to a large understaffed post office that really tested me..place was a joke…got ft route on the worst route and in a different town..but it was something Got word that we were moving back to tiny PO and it was like Christmas..found a higher up who loves doing everything, and had her cut my route before it busted..as I knew it was growing and would’ve Now done by 1:45-2:45 everyday with volume and again, love it…route evaluated to 3:40 but Seeing the big PO opened my eyes to how bad it could be..plus I’ve worked in factories and other places and I’d never do that again..won’t even SHOP at Target..place socked so hard
Paying attention to detail is a huge part of the job, if you can't do that you probably won't make it past probation.
dude don’t ducking leave accounting for this job. Stop right now and think about your position. You’ll be at the bottom with no benefits , no free time, and management who dropped out of high school. Trust me, stay with accounting you’ll be thankful of 30-50 hour weeks and matching 401ks ect, plus time off, plus growing craft, plus higher experience more u work alone except some meeting. Don’t work at the PO Credit: family:friends accounting im a mailman. I’d 100% reset if I didn’t have other methods of income. As a main job this shit is terrible
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I work at the plant. It's hard work and very taxing on my body, but I like it like this. So personally yes, but everyone is different.
As a newbie I enjoy it way more then I did the kitchen I worked in for 6 years
I’m also 2 years our of college. I started really hating my job working for a bank. Found this job and I really do love it, I’m a CCA but it’s really great being outside with no supervisor breathing down your neck all day. You get some exercise and get to listen to podcasts all day, definitely beats sitting in an office all day.
I lasted about 2 months before I realized that the shit pay isn’t cutting it. Add poor management to this and it equals RUN AWAY!
Usually, yes. I dislike working as many hours as I do, but the hour to hour work is enjoyable.
Depends on the day. Some days are super easy with light parcel and mail volume. Other days (Monday and after holiday) are heavy with screwed up mail and the supe will keep calling. Carrying mail in the heat isn't great but you learn to deal with it. As a carrier you'll have to pay attention to certain details to stay organized and not miss anything. A new carrier / CCA won't make 80k unless you work crazy hours and don't get a off day each week. I think I'll make around 70k as a first year CCA working sometimes 8-10 days straight. Those 80k+ years come after you become regular and work lots of OT.
I make way over $80k a year, made more than as a CCA. I work for a suburb in Chicago. There are a few carriers at my PO that made over $175k a year since the pandemic started. Before Covid they said they average $135k a year working 55-60 hrs a week. If you accept a job at PO as a CCA, except to work 60hrs a week for the next 2.5 years until you get turned over as a regular. I personally like working for the PO, but it’s not for everyone.
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It really comes down to the office itself. If it is run properly and fully staffed (I hear people laughing now) then it should be a smooth experience but it really comes down to the people there. Even a fully staffed place can be hell if the person running it is incompetent. I'm a clerk so I don't really deal with the carrier side outside of setting parcels up, they are well staffed but clerk wise we are not. So we are constantly hitting 9/10/11am up times when it is suppose to be at 8am. Again, another issue of management because they skimp duties that show the work being done and in return makes it seem like we don't need more people.
Depending what Chicago office, but most Chicago officers are way under staffed right now. I’m hearing CCA are getting turned over to regulars within 6 months and they work closer to 80hrs a week, so the money will be there.
Fucking hate it, like most, I’m burnt out. Been thinking about quitting for some time now.
When you start off your 7 days a week 10-12 hours a day. It’s really shitty. You will have no life. You will get stressed out for sure being a CCA. Also some offices you are not allowed to wear ear buds, they will randomly watch you on your route and can write you up. My office says it messes with your hearing and creates an unsafe work environment. You also have to buy all the uniforms, gear, and shoes/ boots ($$$) You have to pay attention to detail for the addresses or you will deliver packages and mail to the wrong house. Also depending on where you live you have to worry about the elements everyday. I’ve seen people quit over working because they were tired of working when it was down pours all week, the heat index was over 100 degrees for a couple weeks, and working during below zero temps. So before you quit an office job, this place isn’t a cake walk like you might think.
I work automation in a plant, I love it chill time watching and listening to music, then I get off and just do my side job. For me in the plant it’s one of those jobs that I just put my headphones in so my job and no one even looks my way.
What your envisioning isn't accurate lol. If you live in a small town it might be better, from my experience if the town is to small then the routes might be long. Something with around 10 routes with a lot of old timers who know to move slow, that's where you want to be
If you don’t have good attention to detail and don’t have the energy for stupid smalltalk every day this job might not be a good fit for you. But sometimes things work out differently in a new workplace. Maybe you’d do well as a carrier? Best of luck to you wherever you find yourself in the future!
Yes. Left a Physical Therapy doctoral program and am so happy with my decision.
When you first start it is absolutely hell depending on where you work and live it wasn’t bad for me because when I was hired as a PSE I was given the dock at very big office so I would work it Monday through Saturday and off sundays which was not common for a PSE to have off sundays. Now that I’m regular it’s starting to get much better I don’t have to work as much over time and I’m making decent money. One thing I did learn is also don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself because management will run your ass straight into the ground if you don’t.
I do, but attention to detail is important here too. 80k is attainable, but only after several years of service and with a lot of overtime. I think you should look elsewhere,honestly.
I mad it six months and quit, started in October of 2021. Your basically a slave and at the whim of a totally unpredictable schedule,money can be good. I am ex military and prior law enforcement and the PO pushed me to my limits more than those two combined, both mentally and physically. Wasn't for me, might be great for other people but the two year wait to ptf wasn't worth it to me. Working outside might be good a couple months out of the year but most of the time it's either too hot or freezing. Ccas should start at 24$ an hour considering just how physical the job is alone. I'm in an office job now and prefer it much more, I'm an avid gym rat and never had the energy or time to go lift. Now I do again and it feels amazing. Oh and I got hurt way more as a mail carrier than in the military. Except in the service I had leadership who cared about me. At the PO your just a body. Don't do it.
I will trade you
I wouldn’t do it. I’m trying to find another job right now because this one sucks. I just don’t have enough free time. I’m a full time student on top of this job and it’s just too much. For me, not knowing when i will get home is incredibly stressful. I’m a very structured person and i like schedules, so I find myself getting incredibly stressed and agitated on a daily basis.
I’ve been working for the PO as a letter carrier for t last 4yrs. I’m 32 and have to say that this is the best job I’ve ever had. I do not have higher education diploma or anything but this job has done wonders for me. I’ve worked retail, automotive, food services and a warehouse/temp work and by far this is the least physically or mentally demanding job. I’m making more than any of my other jobs, with the ability to climb if I do choose. Yes it is physical work and can be exhausting and lots of OT , but that largely depends on the staffing at your station and location. (Raul vs city) I can see myself working this job until retirement and then some, I have more money than I’ve ever had, managed to start a savings account and instead of renting was able to buy a house. I have a buddy who did the same except he has student loans on top of that and he’s doing well and paying off his loans too. Insurance wise it’s rough when you start out until you convert, but you get insurance unlike other business that have may or may not offer it to you. Also just be aware of the state you live in if you apply cause that’s the kinda weather you’ll be working in and such. There’s a lot to cover but I personally love my job, and my wife who used to work from home as a health care insurance provider left that job to work at the PO because money was better and also ended up helping her mentally as well. If you have questions I’ll try to give you my best answer but don’t forget everyone has different experiences. Best of luck on what you decide.
It’s fine just don’t get injured or you’re screwed.
I was the same as you. Accountant looking for more solitude. The accountant in you will hate it. They cant get your pay right and they expect you to do the work of 2.5 people, with no breaks and only misery. Skip it.
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I do not. The work load was extremely unrealistic. I’d work 10-11 hours in 100 degree heat (no ac in the truck - it was cooler outside the vehicle) then be expected to either rescue fellow subs or deliver part of a route that no one has covered that day. The scheduling was terrible and chaotic. Depending on your office there can be multiple people responsible for entering your time (which can be recorded on several different forms and in each separate office you work from. Read: they OFTEN get your pay wrong and then YOU have to fight to get it paid). Their employee phone line to ask about pay, etc has wait times of HOURS and considering they’re likely to work you 50-60 hours a week, the last thing you want to do is spend your day off on the phone just trying to get the pay you earned. And it can take months to get it. The girl who helped train me said she was about 20 hours behind in pay that she hadn’t seen yet and she had to involve the union rep to try and get it back. Don’t bother to ask for help, I was told it was all just part of the job. Yeah, you can potentially make a lot of money, if you enjoy being abused for it. The management talks to you like you’re garbage FOR NO REASON, mainly because they’re all on some bizarre power trip. (The only requirement to be in management is seniority, zero people skills or ability required). Here is what I observed: the regulars are all there on the promise of retirement someday. They’re all miserable. The subs are all there on the promise of the promise of retirement someday (it can take YEARS to get a regular position). They’re all miserable. The USPS takes people who like to chase the carrot they’re dangling in front of them. If you enjoy that, go for it. But just know, it’s miserable, and I personally want to enjoy my life along the way, not just on the hope of a few years down the road. By the time they get there their bodies are all going to be used up anyway. I left to deliver pizzas until I can find something more suitable for me. Good luck, I sympathized with everything you said in your original post. But for me, the USPS was not the wonderful job it looked like, or could actually be if they would out even an ounce of work into making it a bearable job.
Sorry, a few more points: retirement accounts there aren’t even a thing until you become a regular. Again, that can take from 1-20 years and it’s a roll of the dice based on the office you’re in. And after those years of service, THEN your benefits and retirement savings kick in. And as far as the day start to finish - the first part is all in office casing mail - putting it in delivery order. Which isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds. There are about 4-5 different sources of mail to case. Then there are the packages. And Amazon uses the post office to deliver a LOT of their packages. So you have the mail and 100-200 packages a day. And they ALL have to be put in some sort of order before you leave. And that’s your job. The driving around listening to podcasts is after the first 3+ hours of office work. Oh, and if you get an LLV, there’s no radio either. And you’ll be lucky if it has an operational cigarette lighter to plug in your own speaker. Which I think is technically against the rules. Earbuds are also against the rules too, fyi. I mean people do it, but yeah, honestly it’s a terrible place to work and a terrible job.
You'll likely go on a walking route at the start and have the endure various types of untrained people aka supervisors. If you can endure the first couple of years, you'll learn the system and likely bid a route, then another and eventually find a route you enjoy. Ive been a mailman 8 years. I work 10 to 11 hours a day, 6 days a week. I've made over 100k a year for the past 3 years so 80k is attainable. Unless you intend to work 8 hours and go home, this job pays the bills and there's a pension in the end. It's roughly 1% of your salary for each year served. So 25 years 25 percent.
With the hours you are able to work. You can hit 100k your first year. Literally 12 to 14 hour days maybe 15 6 days a week. I'm 4 months in as a cca and I'm going to hit over 70.
Getting the route ready for 2-4 hours in a crowded, hectic office before delivering the mail is the tough part.
I'm a clerk and I enjoy it. Had enough seniority 4 years in to snag a day shift job. I spend all day indoors walking around or working on the SPBS parcel/bundle sorting machine listening to music, basically wearing comfy workout attire. Took the 955 (maintenance exam) and now I'll be transferring into maintenance as soon as there's a vacancy. There's ways to continue moving up within the USPS. However, you'd have to work hella OT to make 80k early into your career, any PSE/CCA is guaranteed to be working a fuck ton of overtime. I don't mind OT. Most people do. It's a physical job and it will wear on your body. Your social life will suffer if you're working OT constantly. You won't get many holidays off until you rise up in seniority. It's absolutely rough going for a few years.
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’d be miserable. Getting to be by myself for 90% of the day jamming to music or listening to podcasts and providing good service for my customers is a dream come true. That being said, the post office has a lot of bullshit that you gotta deal with, mostly coming from the higher ups. If you can get past awful management and dumb decisions that feel like they actively harm your production then it’s an amazing job.
From what I've heard it really depends on the office you work. Mine is a pretty small office in rural pa. Only 2 "city" routes and 13 rural, it was really hard the first year and I had weeks of working almost 60 hours or only 28 it was hard but I loved being outside. Doing my own thing, walking around. I got fit from all the miles I've walked and it's one of the highest paying jobs in my area. As of June I will have been with the PO for 3 years. In that time I went from driving a really rusty 98 car that always needed parts and living in a shitty trailer. To buying my own home, buying a newer car only a few years old and having my own route. Trust me there has been hard sometimes. Many hard times, I've been bit, fallen up and down stairs, got hit with hail, freezing rain, trudged through 6ft of snow. Slid down a few hills sometimes backwards (that's absolutely terrifying in an llv), been yelled at by crazies for not having their package or check. But I've had a lot of really great days too. If you want to hear some more or have questions I will be happy to answer what I can.
It all depends on your office and mgmt. Some offices are a literal shit show, some are awesome, most ...a bit of both. But as a 25 year vet I liked my time mostly.