Which one do I go for?

[ysbrydtawel]

I'm on a 20-hour contract, however there are two full-time vacancies in my office. I'm guaranteed either one as it's my turn to pick - but I'm torn between the two:

Full time reserve
Pros: Mostly rural duties, if I choose this one I would learn every round in the office I don't already know, variety (not doing the same round every day).
Cons: Don't get 1 in 4 Saturdays off, Christmas tips won't be as good because not regular postie on the same round.

Full time town round (shared van, driving)
The other option is the driver side of a shared van round. Thing is, it's a nice round which I already do quite a lot.
Pros: Get to know round and customers well. Better Christmas tips because you're the regular guy.
Cons: Could get monotonous I suppose


What are your thoughts on this, guys? Got to decide by tomorrow midday and I have no idea what to go for...

[ebbzie]

I would go for option 1
This job is boring enough, the change in duties each week can make it a little less tedious

[oldrope]

Hi,I would go for opp 2 if was you as if it a good duty you can always swop for a week or 2

[douggie68]

I would go for option 2

[Hitcher]

If you know and like the round go for option 2.

[rhino49]

Go for option 2
The longer you do the duty and the more you work with a regular partner, the easier it gets and the fewer mistakes you make. Customers get to know you as well as you knowing them and that generates a degree of goodwill.

As for being monotonous ... you aren't paid to be entertained, but everyday the seasons are changing, the weather is different and getting out of the office is a joy.

[deltaforce]

Go for 1 you'll be mostly working on you own so no personality conflicts. As for tips I would hope that the other duty holders would divi up part of theirs as you would be part of a team of six.

[Hitcher]

Go for 1 you'll be mostly working on you own so no personality conflicts. As for tips I would hope that the other duty holders would divi up part of theirs as you would be part of a team of six.

How do you work that out? A reserve will cover holidays and thus be partnered with someone different every week.

[Luke Skywalker]

Option 2. If it's like my office you'll probably be shifted onto other duties regardless. Also option 1 can be a nightmare throwing off different walks, getting out later and the hassle of cutting off when you need to.

[Postie45]

def #2 , i like to know what days off im getting in advance, and it sounds like its a nice enough duty

[datasaint]

Do you know who you'll be pairing up with? That would the biggest influencing factor for me, you have to work with this person 5 days a week throughout the year.

Personally I would go for the reserve duty purely because the idea in my head I have to walk around the same streets another 4 days in a row would do my head in by the end of Monday. (Disclaimer: unless the round was really nice then maybe that would outweigh the cons. )

[DB1100]

Option 2,and don't sit in the van eating your snap while the other blokes working and you should be fine.

[PhilPott]

Divide the Xmas tips up by 52 and ask yourself if it's worth that much money per week for the monotony. Personally I'd go rural reserve - it'd still get boring but at least you can be bored, miserable and constantly asking where life went wrong on your own. Especially good if you're delivering to big houses full of wealthy people - the jealousy really helps darken the already black cloud over your head.

And when it all gets too much and you decide to plough your van into a wall at 70mph or into a deep fast flowing river there's no partner to worry about.

[Macca9]

I am a full time leave reserve in a rural. Great duty. Different round every week. On your own in the countryside. Tips are split equally between duty holder and myself. No problem. Go for it...

[ysbrydtawel]

I would go for option 2 (name removed)

How did you work that out?? Who are you?