Transferring to a new office vs 80 quid less a month.

[postiewhite]

Our office has taken a hit in what overtime is available. We now do not lapse anymore which means the lapsing duties are covered which is a good thing. However on the downside there is no OT available now ( I mean none) and even any morning OT now doesn't exist this has taken a hit on my 6-8hrs I do a week in any OT available. I like the office i'm in, im a duty holder and I know my days off, I also like the duty i'm on but because my start time is now strict at 9am I have to face endless "Grulling" motorway peak time queues to get there even though it's a 25mile round trip most mornings take around 40 minutes now.
There is an office close to my house within a 6-8 min drive and within 2miles that are recruiting, the office is double the size of my office so it would mean the pain of learning everything again, uncertainty of days off and things I probably didn't really enjoy as a reserve.On the plus side i'd save £80 a month in fuel as well as 3hrs a week in travel time, even if there was no OT available there i'd still save at least something.
I spoke to my manager and he has been good and will even arrange a week's trial at the other office. I have 6yrs service under my belt so there "may" be a chance of a cover duty or duty in the future, both options I would have to speak to the other gaffer.
It's a horrible decision to make and Im the one that's got to make it, and in a way I have to think that in the long run when i'm used to the new office and duties I shall benefit from being in an office not far from my home that would save me hours of travel time and fuel.
Anyone been through the same or that can offer advice, or what would you do in my shoes? Stick or Twist

[leolion855]

i transfered im reasonably happy

[Sledge4211]

I’ve just transferred from a 24 miles round trip a day to 2 miles a day and it has saved me a lot of hassle plus I save money as well. I say go for it!

[Interested-seeker]

Hi there,

I started at an office that was 20 miles away, I did like it there but I got fed up of being put on 4 hours a day 5 days a week most of the time. I was put on a mix of delivery and collection. With all the fuel money I was spending, I was hardly making any money. I do miss my old office mainly because of the people, most of them were really friendly and cheerful.

At my new office which is a 5 minute drive away, I am saving fuel money, doing more hours and mostly on delivery so I finish earlier. I am also given days other than Tuesday off now which is great. I used to do 4 evenings and a weekend day at my old office.

My new manager is nice enough. My only issue is that I dislike 75% of the office, it is full of miserable, grumpy bastards...and I am not the only one to say that. Feel like I am walking on eggshells all the time. Even when trying to be helpful, you get someone having a go at you.... . Many others who transferred there have gone back to their old office.

If you have people you get on with at your current office, don't take it for granted. Make sure you get a proper feel for the other office during the trial.

[Celgar]

I would say transfer to the other office especially if you can get a week's trial to check if you like it there.

[LaggyBand]

Two mains points:

Don’t forget how horrible it can be to be a reserve. I transferred in the past and ended up a reserve for approximately ten years. Daily battles, arguing with duty holders over door to doors, being switched duties an hour into your day, customers expecting you to do job ending favours like the usual guy does, being put on walks that haven’t been cleared, no single frame you can keep nice and tidy, etc

On the other hand I’m sure you’ll love saving on travel.

It’s between those two things i’d say; good luck.

[Cedar_Room]

Our office has taken a hit in what overtime is available. We now do not lapse anymore which means the lapsing duties are covered which is a good thing. However on the downside there is no OT available now ( I mean none) and even any morning OT now doesn't exist this has taken a hit on my 6-8hrs I do a week in any OT available. I like the office i'm in, im a duty holder and I know my days off, I also like the duty i'm on but because my start time is now strict at 9am I have to face endless "Grulling" motorway peak time queues to get there even though it's a 25mile round trip most mornings take around 40 minutes now.
There is an office close to my house within a 6-8 min drive and within 2miles that are recruiting, the office is double the size of my office so it would mean the pain of learning everything again, uncertainty of days off and things I probably didn't really enjoy as a reserve.On the plus side i'd save £80 a month in fuel as well as 3hrs a week in travel time, even if there was no OT available there i'd still save at least something.
I spoke to my manager and he has been good and will even arrange a week's trial at the other office. I have 6yrs service under my belt so there "may" be a chance of a cover duty or duty in the future, both options I would have to speak to the other gaffer.
It's a horrible decision to make and Im the one that's got to make it, and in a way I have to think that in the long run when i'm used to the new office and duties I shall benefit from being in an office not far from my home that would save me hours of travel time and fuel.
Anyone been through the same or that can offer advice, or what would you do in my shoes? Stick or Twist

I did it after over a decade at my old office. Took me a month or so to bed in,different ways of working etc but since I haven’t looked back. 5minute walk to works beats the 30minute drive any day of the week!

[Jiperjuper]

i transfered im reasonably happy

I go to sleep every night hoping to die.
Ive recently transfer to a smaller office, i thought it would run better.Nearly 3 mths in and im still not on there PSP system,The manager has admitted he has enough staff but has taken another two staff on,leaving me as not registered to that office, unable to claim ot, unable to book leiu days and now it seems im the one that's supposed to go to other offices on loan as we are overstaffed.
Im good at my job, i deal with customers properly, i drag myself in when im ill,i arrive early, i stay behind or do extra if required (without pay since ive been at the new office) i dont know how i can be any more helpful,yet every day i come to the conclusion that ive done everything i want to do with my life and hope for a heart attack or something while i sleep.

Do i need to find another company to work for?

‘I’m reasonably happy’
‘I want to die’

[Dorset Plodder]

Id go for the Transfer PW I know it's a pain going back to Reserve Duties but the saving in Travel Time & Fuel would swing it for me, and you should be experienced enough by now not to get too messed about by the DOM. The £80 Fuel saving is as good as OT (plus it's only going to increase) and you'll save 3 hours travel = £33, get a pushbike and think of the wear & tear you'll save on the car. The larger Delivery Office will probably throw up more OT (if that's what you want) and they've offered you a trial so you can question the regular guys.

I've transferred several times, and TBH it basically comes down to luck sometimes. I've arrived at DOs just after a resign (and missed out on FT Duties)..... I've left DOs and soon after they've had resigns (and I've missed out again) All I would suggest is... Make sure you get the transfer details in writing, especially the hours... I once transferred DO "Thinking" it would be on the same contract (and was verbally told it was) only to be shafted with a PT contract. Well you Live & Learn. Good Luck with your choice.

[NewPostieUK]

I'm in the same situation as you, except the distances involved are far greater (if I told you how many miles I travel to work, you wouldn't believe me).
List your priorities to help you decide.

Personally, I hated being a reserve and floater. Hated it. I have my own duty now and that's my priority. I don't care about overtime. I'm scared of the unknown.

I decided to stay where I am, just leave early to avoid the traffic and chill when I get there. I'm hoping to move nearer to work this year, but I'll still have a 20-30 min drive. I'll have a re-think after I've moved house.

I'd say, if you like your duty, stay there and put up with the travelling. If you are in financial difficulty, the choice is made for you, transfer.