can you be a postie if you have ADHD?

[Jen1]

Hi all I'm currently trying to apply for a job as a postwoman with driving. I finally managed to fill out the application form after having to have a crash course on computers (I didn't know what a PDF file was or how to upload my CV)

I then got sent an online test to be completed within 24 hours. I had decided not to disclose that I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because admitting you have a disorder that implies you are habitually late with a memory of a goldfish & the concentration span of a nat is probably not going to help you get selected right?.

I have problems concentrating on computers (these smiley face things jumping around at the side of me are driving me nuts!) and I can sometimes over think questions so the personality question that was supposed to take 8min took me 27min!

So by the time I got to the timed part of the assessment my concentration had been exhausted and I got timed out of about 7 of the answers. I think there was only about 14 questions in total.

I figure that what I lack in reading speed I can make up for in walking speed (I'm built like a whippet just a little less furry )

So first off I guess my question is how much of the job involves reading? and is any of it on computers?
Secondly if I reapplied disclosing my ADHD and getting a time extension would that go against me?
Thirdly how would you other posties feel about working with me if my reading speed is slow? I'm happy to help anyone with the walking part of the job if they helped me with the reading part or doesn't it work like that? please be honest I don't want to go for a job if I'm going to be rubbish at it!

If there's any other posties out there with ADHD I'd really like to here your experiences also any tips on how to sit still in a chair during an interview would be very useful (I can make even the comfiest chairs look like they're made from hedgehogs)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Reading - loads - you have to be able to make sure you are delivering to the correct street and house number. I'd say the vast majority of this job is reading.

Computers - Not many just a handheld device and bit larger than a large smartphone

It would be better to disclose any condition as failure to do can lead to dismissal later on. However, your condition should not be divulged to anyone without your prior consent. But posties being what they are will probably work it out by themselves and most will be okay with you.

Once out on delivery especially, but even in the office, most of the job is done individually. Even if you are in a pairing you are likely to be delivering in different streets.


There is a thread here https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communi ... 26&t=82872" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; started by a Mail Centre Postie that has ADHD.

This one shows that posties do have experience of ADHD and Aspergers https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communi ... =1&t=21789" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hopefully, you'll find my answers helpful and the threads as well.

[Jen1]

Thanks TrueBlueTerrier I looked at the links you sent and found stuff about aspergers and depression but nothing about how not to get distracted by a dancing banana & completely loose your train of thought again!!!!! I get the hitting your head against a brick wall and the violin sob story thing but what has a dancing banana got to do with anything??

When you say a lot of reading is it just addresses? I mean it's not big blocks of text is it? also how much time per day is spent sorting the mail before you set off? does it all have to be done in one go or can you do an hour sorting then go on a round then come back and sort for another round?

I was a delivery driver for 4 years so I can definitely read & find addresses but I only had to spend max 45min sorting my route, writing my delivery sheet out & loading the van before I was off.

Not that any of this probably matters because I'll never be able to get past the timed ability test! There's a frigging timer on it how can you not get distracted by that?"oh look it's turned red now wonder why they don't do amber between green and red?" I should be good at it I used to be pretty awesome at spot the difference!

[Jen1]

I feel I should probably explain my last post. When you write a reply to a post to the right is a bunch of dancing things that are way more interesting to look at than a blank screen. these are what I mean

oh and I just got it the banana is if you want to call someone a nana!

Also the timed ability test is where you have to spot any mistakes between 2 sets of supposedly identical letters and numbers hence the spot the difference thing.

Honestly I'm not really

[TrueBlueTerrier]

has a dancing banana got to do with anything??

we use it to celebrate something good.

When you say a lot of reading is it just addresses? I mean it's not big blocks of text is it?

usually just addresses, though management and the union sometimes give handouts for you to read, sign and return.

also how much time per day is spent sorting the mail before you set off?

Depends on the round you have and the hours you are on. Worst case is no sorting and 6 hours delivering. On average for a partimer on 6 hours a day, it could be 4.5 hours delivering and 1.5 sorting.

does it all have to be done in one go

Yes

or can you do an hour sorting then go on a round then come back and sort for another round?

No. The rounds themselves average between 4.5 and 6 hours so no chance of going back and sorting another.

I was a delivery driver for 4 years so I can definitely read & find addresses but I only had to spend max 45min sorting my route, writing my delivery sheet out & loading the van before I was off.

No need to sort out the route, its set up on the frame in delivery order. Small changes to meet deadlines are possible but in general, they prefer you to the duty as planned.

Not that any of this probably matters because I'll never be able to get past the timed ability test! There's a frigging timer on it how can you not get distracted by that?"oh look it's turned red now wonder why they don't do amber between green and red?" I should be good at it I used to be pretty awesome at spot the difference!

Keep trying - hopefully, others will offer advice from an ADHD perspective.

[Jen1]

Just updating for anyone else in a similar position to me. I kept trying, I got sent a link on my phone for a game to improve your concentration, I spent a while doing that whilst listening to the rocky theme tune. I was determined!

I decided to declare that I have ADHD and requested a time extension. I got a time extension, did the test... Failed it again with the extension!!

So I went through a rainbow of emotions, tried not to cry, had a little talk with myself & got upset that I couldn't even concentrate properly just for 10min to do a test for a job that I really wanted.

Then I got annoyed that my ability to do a mostly physical job that doesn't involve computers should be defined by a computer test!

So I sent an email to the test company asking if I could have a longer time extension & asked why it's necessary to take the test as I don't feel it to be an accurate assessment of my ability to do a non computer based job I also explained why I have problems with computers.

Anyway I got offered an interview the following day. I don't know if it was anything to do with my email or maybe my test was the best of a really really bad bunch or there's something I should know about that particular post depot that nobody wants to work there?????

So next step Interview!!! got eye of the tiger back on, looking at the map for that area and trying to think of answers for possible interview questions!

[Glp28357]

Good for you! Well done and good luck with the interview. Someone with your determination deserves success.

[Jen1]

Thank you so much Glp your kind words meant a lot.

[Jen1]

In answer to my own question, Can you be a postie if you have ADHD? Yes you can!!!

I had the interview and they phoned me the following day to say I'd got the job! think that deserves a visit from my old friend the dancing banana

The whole process has been an eye opener for me as I've never worked for a big company before or ever had an interview and as I've recently learned RM is the second biggest employer in the country!

I think it's only a temporary position I've been offered but I'm planning on working really hard and making a good impression so hopefully I can get offered something permanent. I figure getting my foot in the door is the best way to go about it right?

My advice to anyone else struggling with the recruitment process is be persistent, and if you know any other posties get them to put a good word in for you, I think that's what really helped me out!

Thank you True Blue Terrier and Glp for your replies to my topic. I had got really disheartened I knew I'd be good at the actual posting of letters (I deliver leaflets for some extra cash) but didn't think I'd ever get past the timed ability test.

Just waiting for my security checks to be completed then I can start a new chapter of my life (hope it's as good as the last chapter)

See you all on the other side!!!!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

[Glp28357]

In answer to my own question, Can you be a postie if you have ADHD? Yes you can!!!

I had the interview and they phoned me the following day to say I'd got the job!

Well done you!

I'm so pleased that your determination got the result you were hoping for.

Good luck with the job.

[Jen1]

Just an update for anyone similar to me considering being a postie.

Over 2 months into the job & still loving it! Got transferred to a depo closer to me before I'd even started which was good.

Got soaked to the bone on Sat & was still smiling! The other posties said my initiation was complete & I'm a proper postie now (was well made up)

I was fast at the outdoor work from day 1 (probably due to my hyperactive traits) but have struggled with the indoor bit.

Think it's because it's noisy & there's lots going on & I'm very easily distracted. Not worked out a suitable coping strategy for that yet just keep getting bollocked for not listening or paying attention or concentrating.

I figure once I get into a routine it'll be fine.

I haven't told my colleges, management(don't know if HR has informed them or not?) or trainer that I have ADHD just because it's too tempting to try & use it as an excuse to get out of things I don't like doing (like indoor work)

Also I kind of feel that people with disorders seem to have more rights & should you offend them by taking the mick out of their particular disadvantage you could end up getting sacked & that's no good because I like the banter.

My co-workers have however realised that my memory is rubbish, I struggle to concentrate & am completely oblivious to any instructions given by the management over the tannoy.

My postie partner said it took him 10 years to learn to ignore the management & I came along and did it in the first week!

So in conclusion I love the job, posties are the coolest people on the planet & somehow I've got a suntan (it must be rust!)

Hope all you other new starters are having as much fun as me?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

definitely a Proper postie

Got soaked

Survived Christmas

Ignore managers (even if not on purpose)

Have a tan

Are you in shorts

[Jen1]

Yes I am in shorts!!! haven't survived Christmas though didn't start til Jan. I've got that joy to come yet. Got attacked by a dog that launched itself out of a stationary van at me & got the tip of my thumb nipped off by a dog through a letterbox in my first week (wont be putting my fingers through letterboxes again)