What I'm really thinking: the postie

[fishtank]

"It's pretty obvious you're living beyond your means'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/ ... ale-postie" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



You'd be surprised at the picture that builds up of your life after a few months as your post(wo)man. I pretend not to notice final demands, letters from county court, countless Amazon packages, handing them over with a cheery "Morning", though these days it's probably afternoon. Nor do I break stride as your second car gets towed. It's pretty obvious you're living beyond your means.

Of course, not everyone is a spendthrift, and that, too, is reflected in your mail – you don't get any and we're both happy. You nod at my high-capacity trolley, telling me, "That's progress." I think, where's the job that I used to love gone? No bicycle, no second delivery, no time any more for lonely customers.

After fifteen years I've seen streets grow old and delivered cards marking these life-changing moments. Death, house sale, new occupants, marriage, birth. The world keeps turning.

Pre-dawn starts, heavy bags, permanent backache, snow, ice, monotony – all this is fine. The worst thing about my job is dogs, and any dog with teeth has potential. The unholy trinity of irresponsible owner/loose dog/open gate can mean pounding heart and narrow escape, but more likely A&E, antibiotics and a new scar. Best sight of all has been newborn babies coming home for the first time.

As time passes, and we become more overloaded I wonder how much longer I can cope with the physical demands of this job. What comes first: a hip replacement or a divorce? Nobody wants a partner who falls asleep the minute they sit down. But most of all I'm thinking, is it too late for a change? Still, I'll do it all again tomorrow: who'd be without their postie?

[farstrider]

nice..... my thoughts exactly, 20 odd years in the job how much more of this can i take

[postman nel]

I've had the hip operation...i've got the bad back...i've been told if it gets worse next option will be spinal surgery..time as come..so i've took the money and run

[spoodoo]

Think we are all worried bout the state of our bodies ,ESP with the workload and demands the royalSlavery is putting upon us ,like many other I don't know how much longer my body can take this job .

[dvbuk55]

I must admit I never gave a moments thought about the minutiae of other peoples lives when I was delivering and certainly wouldn't judge their lifestyle unless it impinged on mine of course.

[UnhappyGremlin]

I usually think 'it can't get any worse'.
But it always does.
And I think it's about to get considerably worse in the next year or two.

[Groundpounder]

Notice some of the health concerns above me too knee gone and now back probs. Been in the job for long time now it's not looking good I think I've got a real shitstorm coming my way real soon.

[Darren Bent]

I am nervous about the impact of our job and workload on my body (especially my knees) in long term as I love dancing. I hope I doesn't get any serious injuries as I know what it is like when your body is not 100%.

I am talking to management about being a manager and I heard today one is quitting to become a postman again and other quit management job in a month, and my main manager in neighbour delivery office doesn't recommend it at all. He will arrange me to have a chat with area manager. But from what I heard it is not worth the hassle. I see no one had recommend the job at all from the people I have spoken to. It is interesting.

[dvbuk55]

I am nervous about the impact of our job and workload on my body (especially my knees) in long term as I love dancing. I hope I doesn't get any serious injuries as I know what it is like when your body is not 100%.

I am talking to management about being a manager and I heard today one is quitting to become a postman again and other quit management job in a month, and my main manager in neighbour delivery office doesn't recommend it at all. He will arrange me to have a chat with area manager. But from what I heard it is not worth the hassle. I see no one had recommend the job at all from the people I have spoken to. It is interesting.

In the event of privatisation there will be a cull of managers without a shadow of a doubt. Most of their functions can be carried out by a team leader at a much lower cost - I think there'd be plenty of takers for that role.

[worktotime]

Notice some of the health concerns above me too knee gone and now back probs. Been in the job for long time now it's not looking good I think I've got a real shitstorm coming my way real soon.

yeah same 2 ops on 1 knee and 1 op on the other but the surgeon said if that one didn't work it would have to be a full knee replacement ,SINCE P&L 3 YEARS later its started giving me pain again so what do the dims do more walk collapeing and he wants it everyday , cwu deal of the century comes to mind.

[UnhappyGremlin]

I am nervous about the impact of our job and workload on my body (especially my knees) in long term as I love dancing. I hope I doesn't get any serious injuries as I know what it is like when your body is not 100%.

I am talking to management about being a manager and I heard today one is quitting to become a postman again and other quit management job in a month, and my main manager in neighbour delivery office doesn't recommend it at all. He will arrange me to have a chat with area manager. But from what I heard it is not worth the hassle. I see no one had recommend the job at all from the people I have spoken to. It is interesting.

In the event of privatisation there will be a cull of managers without a shadow of a doubt. Most of their functions can be carried out by a team leader at a much lower cost - I think there'd be plenty of takers for that role.

I agree. Think there will be a massive cull of managers to save money. But I wouldn't want to be a team leader, very little money for too much responsibility.
If it happens, and I'm assuming it will, then I can't see former managers getting any sympathy should they remain in RM, nor will those that get the bullet, though I bet they end up with a decent payoff.
The managers and their union should wake up and smell the coffee, and join forces with the CWU to help protect us all from the inevitable whirlwind that is looming large. But they are too short sighted for that, and will only realise and wake up to what is about to happen AFTER we, and they, have been screwed. At least they deserve it.

[pokos27]

i can see them getting rid of ill health retirement payment, not many companies offer that, it does take its toll on the body the feet, the back, days of having poor posture will catch up, and sometimes death in service which is rather s**t.

[ihatedogs]

/

[Judgee]

I'm holding out for Moyas job... I like the pay and conditions it has to offer ie feck all work for a bucket load of money!

[dvbuk55]

I'm holding out for Moyas job... I like the pay and conditions it has to offer ie feck all work for a bucket load of money!

You've already got that