Progressing from Postman/Postwoman

[Rhona]

Is progression/transferring to other roles "easy"?
Would you say there is a common progression route?
Are there many opportunities?

This is a very premature topic for me - I haven't even started yet! I'm soon to start in a permanent Postwoman position (Glasgow, G11-G12 office) and I'm hoping to be able to enjoy the role for a while, but I imagine eventually I'll be looking to get back into admin/office-based work.

On another note - any experiences of the G11-G12 office to share?

Sorry if this discussion crops up often, I've had a good nosy but couldn't find much.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

There is very little chance of going from a Postwoman role to an office based role except through going into Management or going through the Union rep hierarchy to a full time release role.

However, in my opinion both roles are under threat from privatisation.

A new owner, or a new ethos based on profit will need to cut overheads and one easy target is Management. The general feeling even amongst managers is that their ranks will be cut, and a lot may have their roles reduced to team leaders who would responsible for a small number of posties, but still be expected to deliver their own duty.

The number of full time release reps will be under severe pressure after privatisation as very few private companies have "professional" reps who do not directly work for the business.

Most of the other office based roles within a Delivery Office tend to be selected on a Seniority basis so you would need to be in place for a number of years to even have the chance to be considered.

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One gentle word of advice when you do start do not mention progression into a Managerial role if that's what you want to do at some point. Industrial Relations are not good at the moment and managers and people who want to be managers can be treated with suspicion. However, once you have settled in you may change your mind - I certainly did, the Management style in RM is 1880s at best.
But don't let me colour your views, you need to form your own opinion once your in.

[Jynxx]

Originally I read the thread topic and thought you were asking about getting a sex change

[Rhona]

^ Haha, not quite!

Thank you for the concise reply, TrueBlueTerrier. Hopefully my office will be one of the nicer ones to work from then, while I keep an eye out for new jobs.

[krussel]

I

Originally I read the thread topic and thought you were asking about getting a sex change

Yeah I thought this was DGP's thread at first. Kind of been waiting for this to happen for years

[krussel]

^ Haha, not quite!

Thank you for the concise reply, TrueBlueTerrier. Hopefully my office will be one of the nicer ones to work from then, while I keep an eye out for new jobs.

Yes iam afraid TBT is correct as promotion is not something the job offers other than management and some (well most really) don't see that as promotion at all. Speaking from 25 years and someone who has tried a few avenue's its a dead end job.

[barnsleyman]

Hi Rhona,
Welcome to G11/12. When do you start? the office is quite short staffed at the moment so be prepared for a busy and varied time. If you like climbing stairs you have come to the right place and once you get used to it you will not want to go back to an indoor sitting down office job. We only have two lady posties at the moment but they are both very nice and I am sure you will fit in well. the boss at the moment is also a lady but for how long I don't know (being the boss I mean). I look forward to meeting you and will give you a nod when you arrive.

[lekker]

^ Haha, not quite!

Thank you for the concise reply, TrueBlueTerrier. Hopefully my office will be one of the nicer ones to work from then, while I keep an eye out for new jobs.

Yes iam afraid TBT is correct as promotion is not something the job offers other than management and some (well most really) don't see that as promotion at all. Speaking from 25 years and someone who has tried a few avenue's its a dead end job.

I suppose it is but I never really saw it like that. I liked working outside and got on pretty well with the customers and once you left the office you were pretty much your own boss. I viewed becoming a manager as a step down

[DB1100]

^ Haha, not quite!

Thank you for the concise reply, TrueBlueTerrier. Hopefully my office will be one of the nicer ones to work from then, while I keep an eye out for new jobs.

If I were you I would keep a VERY good eye out for other jobs.

[Rhona]

Thanks for the replies and advice, everyone!

Hi Rhona,
Welcome to G11/12. When do you start? the office is quite short staffed at the moment so be prepared for a busy and varied time. If you like climbing stairs you have come to the right place and once you get used to it you will not want to go back to an indoor sitting down office job. We only have two lady posties at the moment but they are both very nice and I am sure you will fit in well. the boss at the moment is also a lady but for how long I don't know (being the boss I mean). I look forward to meeting you and will give you a nod when you arrive.

Hello! I have my induction through in Motherwell next Tuesday (16th), so I should be in the office on the Wednesday. I can't imagine how my legs will be feeling after the first few days, stairs galore! Will be good to have a new challenge, though. I had a voicemail from said lady boss last week looking for some info, but we haven't managed to talk yet (I went to voicemail when I returned her call too). Glad to hear a nice review, suppose I'll be seeing you next week!

[lekker]

Good luck for Tuesday. Sounds like you got someone to look out for you already I loved being a delivery postman and did it for over 30 years until I retired. Don't run round, don't carry above the permitted weight and join the union. Let us know how you get on.

[barnsleyman]

Hi again Rhona,
If you only get 1 day induction before starting at the office, you will have quite an interesting time to come, but don't worry you will enjoy it once you get settled in. It will be nice to have a new face about as some of the old ones we have now are a bit grumpy and crusty. When reading this they will know who they are!! so look forward to seeing you next week.

[Rhona]

Good luck for Tuesday. Sounds like you got someone to look out for you already I loved being a delivery postman and did it for over 30 years until I retired. Don't run round, don't carry above the permitted weight and join the union. Let us know how you get on.

Thank you! Glad to hear you loved your job, very positive. I'm sure I'll stick around here, seems very handy.

Hi again Rhona,
If you only get 1 day induction before starting at the office, you will have quite an interesting time to come, but don't worry you will enjoy it once you get settled in. It will be nice to have a new face about as some of the old ones we have now are a bit grumpy and crusty. When reading this they will know who they are!! so look forward to seeing you next week.

Yep, one day then straight into the office! But I think I'll be mainly meeting people/observing for the first few days. See you next week... Not that I know which name to listen out for!!

[Lateagainpostie]

All Royal Mail vacancies are advertised on the RM website, where you applied, if there are any office based positions in your area, that is where they will be advertised, but don't hold your breath.

[Lateagainpostie]

Good luck for Tuesday. Sounds like you got someone to look out for you already I loved being a delivery postman and did it for over 30 years until I retired. Don't run round, don't carry above the permitted weight and join the union. Let us know how you get on.

Thank you! Glad to hear you loved your job, very positive. I'm sure I'll stick around here, seems very handy.

Hi again Rhona,
If you only get 1 day induction before starting at the office, you will have quite an interesting time to come, but don't worry you will enjoy it once you get settled in. It will be nice to have a new face about as some of the old ones we have now are a bit grumpy and crusty. When reading this they will know who they are!! so look forward to seeing you next week.

Yep, one day then straight into the office! But I think I'll be mainly meeting people/observing for the first few days. See you next week... Not that I know which name to listen out for!!

More like, here's your walk, here's a map, heres the office number, ring if you get lost