ANY ADVICE WELCOME

[sabre52]

Hi everyone

I'm starting my new p/t (20hr week) post for delivery with driving next week. I've been reading a lot of posts and am taking on board bits of advice given in the threads. I'm aware that it's going to be tough for the first couple of months, getting used to the rounds and building stamina etc. I normally go running regularly but this week I've been walking fast for long distances, and whatever the weather, to get myself used to it, in the hope that I won't be too exhausted next week. I also have a feeling that it will be a lot more than 20 hours per week!

I would really appreciate any useful advice you can offer me (I'm a 52yr old female btw), especially about .....

- clothes (I've got some really good walking boots, comfortable and smart looking running trousers, and a rain proof jacket) - in one thread someone said not to wear too many layers as you will sweat too much. Does anyone wear thermals underneath trousers in the winter?
- toilets - I think I'm gonna need a wee at least half way through my round. I think there will be plenty of shops and public places like doctor's surgeries on my round so hopefully I will be able to nip in somewhere to relieve myself!!
- any tips for preparing the post for my round?
- any tips re: dogs

Thank you!

[Sharon185]

I started 3 weeks ago on a25 hour contract. 9.30 til 2.30. However started each day at 6.45.

I've had 2 rounds so far and it's hard to prepare as each round is done differently. The frame you work on is also complicated and makes no sense unless you do the round regularly.
As I don't know the streets I'm delivering too, I numbered each bundle of letters so I knew which to post next, which helps massively until I got to know the names of all the roads.

On my 3rd day I spent more time making sure my parcels were sorted which made a big difference, 1st few days I kept forgetting them and ended up running back and forth to deliver.

I took waterproofs and wore under layers to start but now only wear a tshirt and jacket as you really do get hot running around. I wear my old comfortable walking boots and a pair of walking trousers.

Luckily on one of the rounds there is a toilet stop half way round but I find I'm so focused on finishing that I don't even use it and thought I would also being close on 50! I take snacks like cereal bars that I can eat as I go to save time and not stop.

Make sure you take plasters as your fingers do bleed after constant pushing mail through doors.
My manager said if the is a dog in the garden, don't go in! You get given a plastic letter holder thing to post mail where there are dogs, but you soon know the houses with dogs in, and you learn to only put it through slightly and they snatch it from you !

I'm a keen walker, spend all of my holidays in the Lakes walking etc but I have to admit it exhausting! I've been in bed every night so far before 9, unless I'm off the next day! Good luck!

[sabre52]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Sharon. That's all very helpful advice. Will definitely take some plasters with me!

[rhino49]

Two phrases stand out in the above posts - "walking fast for long distances" and " you really do get hot running around"
This job is not extreme sports or a survival exercise - learn to walk at a steady moderate pace that allows you to think ahead and look where you are walking and that way you won't end up like many long servers who take pain killers to get through every day or need rehabilitation because of cartilage and joint wear.
Good luck to you both but don't let your naïve enthusiasm or pressure from above turn a good job into a nightmare :)

[salomon2]

Agree with the above, I'm a marathon runner and obviously quite fit when I started but if you just walk steadily, dont run you will get round. Time can be saved on being organised, it doesn't take long to see how to tie up and sort parcels so you don't miss anything.Be prepared to be taken advantage of, learn to say no early on and don't be afraid to ask questions. I found quite a few posties really helpful also a few quite unpleasant but you soon learn. The first few weeks are very tiring, I'm only 3 years younger than you and have managed ok, now with older children so get help at home etc. It has slightly taken over my life but I do enjoy it, I'm on a 25hour contract and usually work my rest day so do 6 5 hr days.

[sabre52]

Thank you Salomon and Rhino, very wise advice!

[sabre52]

So, I had my first day today, and I think I have been very lucky to have been put in a good depot with a close knit team of very supportive staff. I spent the day shadowing/working with a colleague who explained everything and gave good tips as we worked together. I will continue to be in training for the next couple of days. Really happy! I hope other newbies can be as lucky as I've been.