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the Longest Day

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
arty_morty
Posts: 282
Joined: 24 Jun 2010, 13:07
Gender: Male
Location: London

the Longest Day

Post by arty_morty »

No, not the WWII epic just my first day alone as firm driver.

Well after 4 whole days of training I was cut loose with 5 postmen and 11 bag drops. Add to that a few packets etc and a walk a few mistakes were inevitable weren't they? Yes. Despite my best efforts I got a bag to the wrong drop point which delayed me and I had a bugger of a time finding an address. Apart from that it went ok. Tomorrow though is another day and I have the mis-sort run to squeeze in.

I wonder though, is 4 days shadowing an experienced postman sufficient as I do feel under pressure to get things right but still find myself asking questions, which I'm sure seem ridiculous to my colleagues.
I staged a Roger Moore impersonator festival in my local village. There were a lot of eyebrows raised, I can tell you.
dave7634
Posts: 289
Joined: 08 Jun 2007, 08:54

Re: the Longest Day

Post by dave7634 »

arty_morty wrote:No, not the WWII epic just my first day alone as firm driver.

Well after 4 whole days of training I was cut loose with 5 postmen and 11 bag drops. Add to that a few packets etc and a walk a few mistakes were inevitable weren't they? Yes. Despite my best efforts I got a bag to the wrong drop point which delayed me and I had a bugger of a time finding an address. Apart from that it went ok. Tomorrow though is another day and I have the mis-sort run to squeeze in.

I wonder though, is 4 days shadowing an experienced postman sufficient as I do feel under pressure to get things right but still find myself asking questions, which I'm sure seem ridiculous to my colleagues.
We're lucky to get 4 minutes! Map and "ask a collegue who's done it" is all you get nowdays :crazy:
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POSTMAN
SITE ADMINISTRATOR
Posts: 32784
Joined: 07 Aug 2006, 03:19
Gender: Male

Re: the Longest Day

Post by POSTMAN »

Don't worry arty it will get easier with time.We've all been there,and 4 days training :shock:
I was shown round once on one and on another i was just let loose. :d'oh!
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.
Straight4ward
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 1621
Joined: 25 Oct 2009, 14:32
Gender: Male

Re: the Longest Day

Post by Straight4ward »

Never feel afraid to ask questions and ask again and again if you're unclear about the answer.

Your work place coach is there to lend you plenty of support, particularly as a newbie, and for you to badger as you see fit. I would expect them to give you a hand, or at least see how you're getting on, with prepping for the first fortnight.
"Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway."
arty_morty
Posts: 282
Joined: 24 Jun 2010, 13:07
Gender: Male
Location: London

Re: the Longest Day

Post by arty_morty »

Straight4ward wrote:Never feel afraid to ask questions and ask again and again if you're unclear about the answer.

Your work place coach is there to lend you plenty of support, particularly as a newbie, and for you to badger as you see fit. I would expect them to give you a hand, or at least see how you're getting on, with prepping for the first fortnight.
I forgot to mention; the work place coach has been on leave since before I joined although he is back on Wednesday! I finished about an hour later than I had been recently and would have been quicker had it not been for the delays. I'm sure speed will come I just want to make sure I don't get sloppy and make silly mistakes.
I staged a Roger Moore impersonator festival in my local village. There were a lot of eyebrows raised, I can tell you.
beinspired
Posts: 64
Joined: 19 Jan 2008, 10:55

Re: the Longest Day

Post by beinspired »

You're doing fine arty, it's your first day alone - you're bound to feel nervous and make mistakes, not just as a RM driver but in any job. I would say just relax and try and enjoy yourself, ask as many questions as you fell neccessary and take FULL advantage of your workplace coach when he gats back - remember he's paid extra money to help you.