New Chap

Layor Liam · Post by **Layor Liam** » 26 Jul 2016, 13:06

Hi all,

I’m new here, although I’ve been reading this forum for the past few days.

Last week I applied for a post as a postman with driving. We will see how it goes. At present I work in an office (accounting). I’ve been working in an office environment for the past 16 years and I feel that now it’s the time to try something different because I’m too bored and things are changing too much at my place. I know perhaps somebody may be thinking I’m crazy: I’ll have horrible managers, long hours, low pay, achy feet, useless union, and so on. Well, I haven’t yet won the lottery, therefore I have to carry on working; and whatever workplace you get to, wherever in the world, there will always be issues. And I do need something completely different. Then it’s also a matter of luck ending up in a nice work environment, as each depot is different from another.

Having dropped the preamble, now I would have a very few simple questions, hoping somebody could provide me with answers please.

1. It seems as if the jobs advertised on RM website don’t have a closing date. Am I right?
2. Are dogs an issue for postmen/postwomen? I love dogs but…they have got teeth and can be in a bad mood sometimes.
3. In general, is overtime easy to do? The post I applied for was part-time and I would be willing to work extra hours (I don’t have kids).

Thanks to all also for the precious feedback I found strewn all over this forum.

PS: My username is not my real name.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 26 Jul 2016, 15:01

Welcome and good luck.

1. Turnover is high especially amongst new starters so Royal Mail have generic adverts they put up for each vacancy. Saves them time when they need to place another advert. Also with the background and security checks its difficult to say when they will start you, hence they don't put a closing date on the ads.

2. Yes they are an issue. However there is one golden rule all posties should follow, if you don't feel safe then don't enter the property. Even if the resident says it is safe, still don't enter. Of course you should always have the top notch, anti-canine, super bite stopper tool on hand at all times.

Here is a piccy of this amazing instrument. Don't worry you'll be fully trained on its use:

3. Overtime is generally available, but as its extra walking and delivering I wouldn't class it as easy.

Layor Liam · Post by **Layor Liam** » 26 Jul 2016, 15:16

Thank you very much for your answers, much appreciated, especially the picture.

I didn't know about the existence of that red tool.

Layor Liam · Post by **Layor Liam** » 13 Aug 2016, 16:20

Thanks for the feedback.

salomon2 · Post by **salomon2** » 14 Aug 2016, 08:29

One thing many young new starters don't consider when moving from a full time job to part time hours is if you want a mortgage etc in the future, don't bank on overtime it's not always offered, every now and then it's cut back. Overtime is often cut back through the summer but in the run up to Christmas it is often available but don't presume you will get it straight away.

abzo · Post by **abzo** » 14 Aug 2016, 13:18

salomon2 wrote:One thing many young new starters don't consider when moving from a full time job to part time hours is if you want a mortgage etc in the future, don't bank on overtime it's not always offered, every now and then it's cut back. Overtime is often cut back through the summer but in the run up to Christmas it is often available but don't presume you will get it straight away.

Very true, in my case the reason behind me leaving my full time job to do a part time job in royal mail is due to the pay from my full time job pretty much matching the part time job at royal mail and i know that if i get through the probation period then my pay goes up after 6 and 12 months so overall at the end i will have a greater salary doing a part time job at royal mail than doing a full time job with my previous employer. If my full time job paid better then it would have been better to stay. But I am looking forward to this job at royal mail, I know its not going to be a walk in the park and full time contracts are hard to come by. But i will put my head down and just get on with it and see where that goes.

Layor Liam · Post by **Layor Liam** » 14 Aug 2016, 15:44

Well, concerning me, I already have a mortgage, got it long time ago so my monthly payments have gone down. I don't have children and I won't have any. My age is probably the one of a grandad rather than a dad. Still in a good shape though

But I have got to a stage in my life when you do need a change, and I have to do it before it's too late. I've been working in the same environment (accountancy) for the past 17 years. I think I've reached my limit, my brain is getting very dry, no stimuli left, I'm going forward in a state of inertia, the office is becoming too claustrophobic. In order to change I'm ready to lower my salary considerably, after all my lifestyle is humble compared with most of people nowadays in this materialistic society, who often live beyond their means and have thousands of pounds outstanding on their CC.

I'm aware that working for RM wouldn't be like a walk in the park in terms say perhaps of interaction with management but in life sometimes you just need a shift from one shyte to another. If I decided so it means that I've seen some aspects of RM jobs that would suit me. And this forum has certainly helped me in making certain choices.

heapsy · Post by **heapsy** » 15 Aug 2016, 13:48

Layor Liam wrote:Well, concerning me, I already have a mortgage, got it long time ago so my monthly payments have gone down. I don't have children and I won't have any. My age is probably the one of a grandad rather than a dad. Still in a good shape though

But I have got to a stage in my life when you do need a change, and I have to do it before it's too late. I've been working in the same environment (accountancy) for the past 17 years. I think I've reached my limit, my brain is getting very dry, no stimuli left, I'm going forward in a state of inertia, the office is becoming too claustrophobic. In order to change I'm ready to lower my salary considerably, after all my lifestyle is humble compared with most of people nowadays in this materialistic society, who often live beyond their means and have thousands of pounds outstanding on their CC.

I'm aware that working for RM wouldn't be like a walk in the park in terms say perhaps of interaction with management but in life sometimes you just need a shift from one shyte to another. If I decided so it means that I've seen some aspects of RM jobs that would suit me. And this forum has certainly helped me in making certain choices.

One thing you have going for you is that you are not a youngster, judging by what you are saying. (no offence intended) What I mean is, you seen a bit of life and got experience with people, and have maturity. Many younger ones leave or get sacked because they cannot hack it. Often due to wanting boozy late nights out. Good luck, the job has it's problems but is generally good, and I get the feeling you will make a good go of it. The last thing I would say is ASK. There's always someone who knows the duty you are doing and has experience so don't be afraid to ask.

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 15 Aug 2016, 19:49

heapsy wrote:
The last thing I would say is ASK. There's always someone who knows the duty you are doing and has experience so don't be afraid to ask.

Yep, superb advice, on a lot of rounds there will be little quirks that the experienced guys will know, but unless you don't ask
they won't tell - not because they don't want to but because it's second nature to them as they've been doing it for donkeys ages!!!

Those little nuggets of info can literally save you minutes (which doesn't sound a lot but it adds up) and stress especially when it's cack weather,
getting dark, you want to get home, dog alert!!! etc.......

Layor Liam · Post by **Layor Liam** » 15 Aug 2016, 20:56

@heapsy

I'm not offended

I'm certainly not a youngster anymore, once I was and that was enough. I'm enjoying this phase of my life.

As to ASK, I'm never ashamed of asking, especially in a new environment; after all you never end learning in life, at any age.

Thanks again for the encouraging words. Now though I just need the email, hopefully with invitation for an interview rather than a rejection.

PBgirl · Post by **PBgirl** » 15 Aug 2016, 21:21

I usually ask if I'm curious and probably will when I start on Wednesday... Unfortunately asking questions in my last job got me fired lol