what are your plans for the future?

[RetroJunkie]

I understand alot of people are full time and have full commitments and don't really have a choice in the matter, but would like people's honest opinion, basically for around 3 years and 2 months i have worked for RM on a 30hr contract. only after 3 years was a made long term permanent, now i understand how the jobs market is, anyway i keep rolling multiple ideas around in my head of should i go to part time night school and learn a trade or should i get a second job couple hours a day mon to fri say cleaning just to boost my income abit? the thing is in regards to overtime with RM is that its obv never consistent and you could end up doing anything anyway and be more hassle than its worth not to mention hard going to have to do say a 3rd or half a walk 6 days a week. as there is alot of uncertainty within the company in the future anyway, just wondering if theres people in the same boat as me 30hr contract or even less 25/24 etc and what have you done, cause im pretty sure not alot of ppl can live off 30hrs work a week? just really getting to me, alot of people who are part time in my office are single, still live with family etc do anyone working 30hrs feel the wage supports your family?

[bigal383]

hiya mate its hard i suggest learn a trade go down to part time and do some foreigners dont let it get to you theres alot worst people working for minimum wage who work 40 hours a week and dont get no where near what you get for 30 hours work

[RetroJunkie]

in regards to a trade and doing it part time you are limited obv, ive applied to do a welding and fabrication course abc level 2 whatever that means haha its 5.30/8.30 mon and tues, so not to full on, obv i would bring work home with me to do also, just as i say you are limited in regards to doing it part time and in the evening.

[Darren Bent]

There are better and worse and better paid and worse paid jobs than Royal Mail. Develop a passion outside work and hope it will become a career eventually.

[steven100]

I completed a BA Accounting degree (3 years only) last year, still with RM .

[mickeymacca]

How are you going to use your degree Steve? on a part time basis or by leaving RM?

I qualified as an Accounting Technician (AAT) last year finding the Financial sector very competitive, I am just looking for a part time job.

I can relate to where you are coming from with looking for another job due to unreliable overtime, and uncertain future of RM. I'd go down the night school route if I were you.....

[steven100]

How are you going to use your degree Steve? on a part time basis or by leaving RM?

I qualified as an Accounting Technician (AAT) last year finding the Financial sector very competitive, I am just looking for a part time job.

I can relate to where you are coming from with looking for another job due to unreliable overtime, and uncertain future of RM. I'd go down the night school route if I were you.....

Just keeping all my options open at present. Joined Acca (not sure if I did the correct thing), and currently just doing a home sage 50 course. Just because the job market is tough now, you can't take my Degree away.

[RoyalSlave69]

I work 24 hours a week. The only reason I stay is because the pay is not bad. And I could definitely think of worse jobs to do. I would suggest you always keep other options open. Do not become stuck or live to regret. I am currently volunteering and boosting my education on my days off. So in time I plan to move on to what I really want to do. I think if you really want to do something you do it.

[mickeymacca]

No that's right. The dilemma I am finding is I love the RM job, but would like to use the qualification I have gained. However without gaining some experience at an introductory level for a year or so I would\ am finding it difficult to get a part time job which I could do alongside my delivery. I am aware you can take a career break with RM but don't think you can do that and get another job, besides I like my duty and would n't want to give it up and return as a reserve. As I am now 36 I think I need to make a decision or be proactive sooner rather than later.

If you know at some point you will use your degree then the ACCA route is definitely a good move.

[steven100]

Yeah with getting the degree I've already taken 8 exemptions exams(foundation level) and just about to sit the final one. Then it will be on to the professional exams but not going to sit them until I get some sort of accounting job. What I've done I've looked at the job market and seen online what employers are looking for.

Royal Mail job was a good job but now its not. They pay ok and the conditions are properly not to bad compared to some other similar employers. But the management suck!!!!

[Judgee]

The job is only going to get worse not better. Use any means necessary to get out. Study part time, get an apprenceship, whatever you can. It's not worth leaving if all you plan on doing is going into more unskilled work ,as RM for all thier faults do pay pretty well in this regard.

If you are young enough and can muster the enthusiasm go for it. Unfortunately I am neither of these and am stuck at RM until my knees finally give out!

[postman nel]

It took basically my body to fall apart until I decided to retrain myself. ...got my hgv and ADR...took my ihr..start new job in a couple of weeks. ..Monday to Friday....holidays when I want...

[smok3y666]

Plans are to leave as soon as something comes along, I'll even consider less pay (not much though). I did go to college a couple of years back with a view to going to uni to study to work in the hospital but alas it all went tits up. Am currently thinking of going back to college again to train to do something in the motor industry. This job though has to go.

[steven100]

The job is only going to get worse not better. Use any means necessary to get out. Study part time, get an apprenceship, whatever you can. It's not worth leaving if all you plan on doing is going into more unskilled work ,as RM for all thier faults do pay pretty well in this regard.

If you are young enough and can muster the enthusiasm go for it. Unfortunately I am neither of these and am stuck at RM until my knees finally give out!

I agree this job is only going to get worse and I can see this job becoming part-time. What has kept me back is no gameplan. Now I've got one it is all system go. Oh what also kept me back was the overtime I was getting, this was just to easy and sometimes you have to think short-term no money long-term lots of money(hopefully).
Got a couple of mates that are deputy managers in RM and keep telling them to try and get a qualification/training courses to enhance themselves if they get put down back to postie or even worse made redundant.

[Darren Bent]

I had new digital SLR camera and is developing a reputation as photographer and am developing my skills over last 9 months. Hoping this will lead to regular paid work travelling every weekend to congress to take photos in salsa/other dance congress. Need more equipment, new computer, and develop my technical knowledge. I think if I get EVR and I will go to college for 2 years to develop my skills and specialise in events, fashion, sports and travel photography. While I am in College I will try to do something part time if possible.