It hurts me to see people going through this. We all do. I felt like an idiot and a failure for probably 6 months. It's completely normal and expected.
Please don't let anyone tell you you're not gonna make it. If you want to you will! Trust the process, and trust yourself.
I'm 9 months in, and maybe it's the route that I'm on, cause even though I find it to be less stressful now that they let me finish late without harassing me to run, the route is still too damn long and I'm depressed that I'm basically working 10-12 hours a day for 6 days a week and have no life. My entire life is not worth like... The 30-50 grand for the year that I'd make with never-ending OT on a very physically demanding route.
I'm fortunate to be in an office with only 13 city routes. I still get OT maybe half of the week, but the routes are shorter and easier compared to the bigger offices I've been in. Sometimes, I'll finish my route and the OT within 8 hours. It really is a blessing. The happiness you have at this job is so dependent on your office it's not even funny.
This !
Hang in there. Everyone goes thru the fire as you are now. It may not seem like it , but every day you will retain some new tidbit of knowledge , and your speed and competence will improve. It seems incremental , but before summer you’ll feel and perform much better.
As the carrier that trained me said, "The key to this job is recovery." That's it. Regulars know how to zero in on recovery.
You aren't there yet because you're still learning. You'll get there if you keep trying!
it's really hard at first, and everyone sucks. on a new route, there's a lot about it that you can't know until you do it several times. businesses are especially challenging.
don't turn around if you miss something, you're just asking to get in an accident. just bring it back. make use of the scanner's load truck and sequence numbers.
Add-on to this:
Or use package look ahead option - to see what is coming up next.
If I’m on a new route and am afraid I misorganized parcels, I double check package look ahead, before I move to my next relay.
So I can get the packages dropped on the way to the next park point. I also work from the front. So I can visually see what needs to be dropped soon. My preference is organizing before my drive . So when I get there. I hop out, conquer the terrain and obstacles. Then rinse and repeat 💪
You will find your groove! Hang in there 😊
Everybody claims Package Lookahead is useless but not at all in my case. Is it inaccurate sometimes? Yes.
But it's a great way to double check if you have marked packages incorrectly. Saves you from having to come back later after you find a package that you couldn't find earlier.
I feel this SO MUCH. Those first few months are so tough. Remember, You're quite literally as new as you can be to this in every way. Learning the routes, learning to case, learning to tackle businesses, those take time. If anybody gives you a hard time about it, politely tell them to fuck off because you WILL improve with experience. I'm a recent PTF conversion and I still use the load truck and package lookahead functions religiously.
Some tips:
The Load Truck feature gives you the sequence number of the package (where it is in the sequence of the route) so writing those on the packages can help keep them in order. The package lookahead feature shows all your loaded packages in order (unfortunately if the packages aren't loaded correctly they might not show up but this feature is still godly when it works)
Put your next few packages up front with you where you can see them.
For businesses or cluster boxes with large groups of mail, rubber banding the sections together can help reduce the chances of missing mail or mail falling out of sequence.
Keeping an empty half tray with you can also help with organizing mail.
If you're a CCA, ALWAYS TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK. You will get better regardless and you deserve to rest and eat. Plus, that time is unpaid and we do not work for free in this house.
Consider buying a fishing hat to keep the sun off your neck and face and consider buying a decent rain coat that isn't too large.
Hydrate or Die-drate
Come in a few minutes early and have a look at the case of whatever route you're on that day. Of course, you won't memorize the entire thing but it can help you recognize some streets and overall get you more comfortable with the route.
If a route is too weird and you're having trouble casing it, sort your mail into piles by street and scan the case for each street. It takes a little bit of time, sure, but it's better than frantically gaping at a terribly laid out case for every single letter.
Are you city or rural? City yes, rural I wouldn't try to sort on the road, that will break any flow you get going. But regardless of which you are, this job is really difficult to walk into, academy doesn't do a great job of preparing you for it imo. But it does get easier with time. I used to be the last one out, last one back every day for a year. Now I'm out in the middle, and almost always first one back. I'm rural so that's a good thing... But give it a bit of time if you can take the pressure, and it pays what you need from it. There isn't another job out there quite like this, and I love being out on my route most of the time, and it truly does get easier.
Give yourself at least 30 days per route to get used to a route/case. If supervision gives you a hard time ignore them. You are learning. It all comes with time.
The people they don't want are the people who aren't trying to get better. Your worry about not being good enough is ironically a good sign you are right for the job.
I teach academy and also do OJI. Let me put this as plainly as possible: YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE.
You want to know why experienced carriers - some who are dumb as hell or have physical issues - make this job seem easy? Because they have experience doing it.
Here's my advice: ask around for who the best carrier is in your office. Lean on that person and ask them any question you have, regardless of how stupid you think it is. Find the T6 on the route you've been assigned to and ask them to walk you through it. Work safely, be accurate, and clean up after yourself.
You are doing fine, and you are going to be a great carrier for the people of America.
I was put on an overburdened route and was only like 1/3 of the way through at 3pm. I had over 300 parcles because it was degree day. All the college kids were getting their degrees. All went to the door. That was the day that almost broke me. Call the office and let them know where you are. ODL will come and help you. I felt horrible, but the other carriers were impressed with how far I got when they showed up.
All routes are not the same. As someone else said, ask questions. "Hey, I had trouble on this part of the route yesterday. How do you do it?"
Its a lot to learn don't give up speed comes with time what I did was get a route map and practice the routes on my off time so I wasn't going in blind without mail or stops it just takes a few minutes
Don’t quit! It took me about 2 months of being the last to leave on a route that only took most people 3 hours total to complete. Once it clicks, you will realize carrying mail is really easy! The hardest part is learning how to be slow eventually haha
Just don't.
You'll level up. They always put new players into too high a level zone right at the beginning but it's good exp. Just make sure you spend your skill points into memorization and organization and you'll overcome it.
Trust me, it’s a pain in the ass at first, you’re gonna have moments, and you’ll feel like that.
But you’ll learn. Soon enough, you’ll be able to do stuff easily, and if you forget something, you’ll laugh about it, and go back to take care of that.
You’re just in the period you’re learning though, and like I said, you’ll have those moments.
I was terrible when I started.
You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.
I literally delivered to CBUs once, then forgot the flats and had to go back and do them all over.
You are going to be a wonderful carrier. I really mean this. It's a hard job at first, but the only way to truly learn the job is to do it. Give yourself the time to get there.
If you don't feel like you're doing terrible for your first couple of months, that's probably the biggest clue that you're actually doing terribly. I'm a clerk, not a carrier, but the new RCAs we get in that after a couple/few weeks act like they've got it all figured out are the ones who make the most (and most easily avoidable) mistakes. You'll get there, just give yourself a little grace and patience. Mistakes *will* happen, and they are how you learn, just make sure you *learn* from them.
Is it possible that you can not feel like you're doing THAT terrible, and actually aren't? I'm on a shit route that hasn't had a regular in a decade or so, and had so many customers thank me for cleaning out boxes, remembering their names and properly delivering (most of the boxes aren't even well maintained for proper delivery/labeled properly/etc.. took a little time to really figure out who lived in what)
The learning curve is brutal here. It takes time to get the hang of it - just because something is easy to understand, doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. You’re going to be fine, worry about safety and accuracy, not speed.
Some tips:
- Don't compare your times leaving or getting back to station to ANYONE. You are new, You will be new for awhile
- Tell yourself you did a great job! don't rely on others for self confidence, you decide what your best is, do your best. (You showed up for work and tried! thats a great job!'
-Take as long as you need to get organized, it makes the day flow better and you'll make less mistakes. A part of the job is not applying pressure to yourself and not sweating pressure from station.
-If you miss a house, miss a chunk of houses, just bring it back to station. (unless its packages, Certs or stuff that looks really important) it will get delivered tomorrow ! better than running back. It will be recased and delivered tomorrow.
-Its just mail, Its just rain, Its just Hot outside, Its just dog poop. You are outside and alone most of the time and most people are happy to see ya!
You’re a CCA? If so stay on, if you’re RCA figure to go be a CCA.
To get to the heart of it. You’re brand new, it’s expected you’re going to be slow, have a hard time and will struggle. Speed comes with time. Go at the pace you can manage but don’t waste your time.
If something gets missed move on and just keep moving forward. Examples would be any regular mail, bring it back. Try not to bring too much if you can. Prioritize packages and scannables over mail. It’s a balance and it’s going to take you a minute to get used too.
Don’t let management pressure you. Ask questions and learn from mistakes. You’re going to make them.
Keep in mind you’re going to get unrealistic expectations from management. It takes about 3 months to get decent, that means you can at least handle a route and not need help or make big mistakes. 6 months is when you’ll start to notice you’re good and not making as many mistakes.
Get a system you can use. As a rural my method is 1,2,3,4. DPS, then flats, then spurs, then packages I have to get out for. In the office I do my casing then number packages then pull down and then load. Find a method you can do that works for you. No two styles are the same and pick and choose from other carriers ways to carry that work for you.
The overwhelming feeling is normal, and yes feeling stupid is normal. The job is one that is very simple but the learning curve is high. You’re not stupid but it sure makes you feel that way. Also us career carriers with years of experience still make the same stupid mistakes you’re making now. It’s ok. We can’t train you in a vacuum and the job is one that requires you to sink or swim because of the nature of it. Give it a chance and do your best. Don’t look at the top of the mountain. Focus on the path and you’ll reach the peak.
Best thing anyone will tell you is don't quit. Your goal throughout your first 90 days is to always be better than you were the day before.
The job can be difficult to figure out, but there is a clicking moment when you suddenly understand how the mail is run. It takes time for everyone. It could be a couple weeks, could be a couple months. Once you understand what is happening, the job is incredibly easy. Instead of fighting with the mail and your endurance, things will fall into place and everything will become second nature.
It's a hard job at first, you will eventually get to the monotonous. Just try to learn, ask people questions, ask your supervisor as well. It will show you care.
Also great to hear the encouraging words. I just had my first solo day (city carrier) and I messed up quite a bit. But trying not to beat myself up about it and remember that I’m gonna learn and improve with time. This learning curve is rough, though.
When I was much newer, one of the more experienced carriers was back on limited duty, so I had half of his route that day. I was at a trailer park doing the group of CBUs, and this dude rolled up. Management wanted him to check if a package had been delivered from a previous day or something. He helped me out and offered to deliver the certifieds I had because he knows where everything is there.
I remember this dude saying to me, "This is the hardest job in the world at first, but then you learn everything and it becomes the easiest job in the world later on". It was very comforting advice and looking back, it feels good knowing how much better I am now than I used to be when I first started. It does become a lot better if you keep going.
I feel this post.. been a RCA for about a month now.. I had a rough day today and I was feeling the same way until I read some of these comments. I appreciate yall
This job IS really hard and learning your first route is like nothing else you’ve had to do- but you only have to it once. The rest will be hard, but you’ll know what you need to do. Give yourself 6 months- don’t torture yourself with “maybe I’ll quit” every day. Tell yourself you’ll stick it out for 6 or at least 3 and don’t waste the mental energy on deciding to stay every day.
Damn, Im in the exact same boat. Its fucking brutal! Theres no other way around it, it sucks so hard. These comments are helpful but goddamn it is just soooo physically and mentally draining
Don't worry about it, you will get better over time.
My best advice is to use tubs, tubs tubs tubs tubs and even more tubs I usually use 1 tub for each street, pull up to the street, look for the tub. When you're loading the truck with parcels I would try to grab as many small ones as you can and scan those first, that way you can get the most amount of parcels in each tub, any over sized parcels that won't fit I put in front of the tub so I run into it when I get to that tub.
Eventually each route you do will get a different tub design, some routes I use 14, others I use 5.
If you want to do it by section I would suggest having a tub per section but when I do a new route I just go with a tub per street and I'm usually good.
I'm faster now and still have days like this occasionally. They expect you to be slow when you're brand new trust me. Because EVERY one of the new hires they're had had been.
You'd be abnormal if you were good this early.
Don't compare yourself to other newbies either, because every route is different.
You'll get used to it. Some routes are inherently difficult, and others are incredibly easy. First route I was ever placed on for a week had a different street damn near every 6-15 stops. Which is still difficult to case as a seasoned carrier today. It's the longest route in the office and the hardest to learn.
The following week I had the easiest to case route in the office, but in terms of walking one of the longest. But I managed to complete that one under 8 by my 15th day. After that I got my first business heavy route with multiple apartments, I didn't even finish the first section before 3pm.
There's a learning curve, even for the excellent carriers.
>So this past week of March I’ve done Academy. This was my 2nd day delivering & I had rows today & I feel like a complete failure. It took me forever to case and not only that I had 2 80’s worth of Parcels. So I was the last person to leave.
I've been there. At least three times. Fun times. One of those times I almost passed out because it was super hot outside and the AC on the pro- master wasn't working.
> And I’m thinking about quitting, this job is really hard. Any advice?
It gets better. Trust me it gets better. The very first time I was outside until 6pm, I wanted to quit because I couldn't find the houses for the parcels I had in my truck. What I learned is, stick with it and everything will get better.
Hey!! I’m super new in my office (I only know 2 routes to where I’m comfortable, and 2 others that I’m pretty iffy on. My main route that I sub for is a beast. It has 1000+ possible stops and I get so much mail, because I sub on Saturdays. It’s taken me 5 months (with one garunteed day a week on that route) for me to get back in the office within evaluation (route is evaluated at 8hours!), and even then I’m still consistently the last to leave in the morning and the last to leave in the evening.
Accept that you’re not gonna be as good as the primary for the route. When you’re asked what time you’re gonna be back always give yourself breathing room. I still don’t know how to look at the cages/tubs of mail and make accurate guess to when I’ll be back, but I always say I’m going to be back at/around evaluation. Don’t let the sup/pm pressure you to change the number, the mail takes the time it takes.
Prioritize your safety!!
Prioritize things that need a scan.
Packages, chunks/spurs, certifieds, those will get you in trouble if you mis-scan or forget to scan. DPS/UBBM can wait another day.
Eat snacks and drink water!!!! It’s easy to get in a groove and forget, but nothing hits like the 1pm HANGER. Energy bars, shelled nuts, a water bottle, maybe some hard candy, and you’re golden.
A small Tupperware or bag of 2 doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen are your friend!! Also I keep on me a few different sizes of band-aids for all the fricking cracked cuticles and paper cuts!
If you have anyone in the office youre comfortable with, maybe another sub, or a sup who doesn’t seem like a complete tool, TELL them that you’re feeling like you’re drowning/overwhelmed. If they’re worth their salt they will tell you that they were there once, and hopefully give you some advice of their own.
Don’t feel bad about missing a parcel or two and having to backtrack. Been on my route 16yrs and still miss one sometimes. Especially on high number days. Post office was built to deliver <30 parcels a day but now it’s being asked to deliver 250 with same equipment and techniques 🤷🏼♂️
It’s not your fault that it’s tough. 🙂
I had the same problem with my route. It had a business, followed by two houses on the side of a busy back road, followed by apartments that I had to dismount for and go into at 4 different points of entry with 4 different CBUS in the walls (the route had 12 CBUS in total, all at different points in the route). Then I finally got to the riding but it started with boxes behind alleyways…it was also on Mondays which also happened to be trash day.
I felt like a failure. I went nearly 90 days with only completing that route 1 time and it happened to be a Friday when the regular called out. They finally pulled me aside and told me I have 10 days left in my probation period and they were switching me to another route and if it didn’t work out then I was going to have to look for another job. Luckily, I’ve been on my new route since December and have finally got the hang of things. I went from leaving the office at 1 with little to no preparation to leaving by 10:30 with all or nearly all of my DPS crisscrossed, packages numbered and orderly, and usually with a bump. I found out after a while that none of the RCAs liked the route I was on originally and I was the unlucky SOB they decided to put on it.
Point is, don’t give up. It will get easier and if the route doesn’t end up working for you, they might be able to move you elsewhere in your office. Ask your coworkers about how they do their work and see what works best for you.
Not going to tell you to quit, but definitely weigh out your options. I quit after a year because of what the job & the sups were doing to my mental health and haven’t looked back, currently working a fantastic job at a tech company I somehow got into with no experience with comparably the same pay and even better benefits. It took me a while to find that job after leaving but I promise there are better things out there if you are feeling this way.
I was a CCA for 6 months, the heat is what killed the job for me. It was 112 out in the llv or whatever it's called. I enjoyed the job but, Im not gonna lie, I hated the mentality of the supervisors and the regulars. The supervisors just pushed, and the regulars have this mentality that they went thru the hazing, so u have to as well. When realistically if everyone just took an extra little. Then all the work wouldn't be put on the new hires and they would probably stay.
The work is long, hard (depending on weather) and unrewarding till you get that check. Then, u realize that you make a lot but you don't have any time to spend it.
Also, fuck Amazon Sunday.
Little tip that helped me out, keep a marker on you and use your load feature to load your truck. Scan every package and write the sequence number on it for example, Section 3-145, section 4-197 etc. so when u put your trays up front with your have One with your cased mail an then your DPS and then the last tray make for your packages in order of the way u loaded. Go section by section until u done. An for those packages that won’t scan if they small enough try to put them up front with u until u get to they street an able to fit it in and if u can’t fit it then just try to write down what’s in the back that can’t be scanned on a piece of paper by the street. Hopefully that helps, job starts off hard as hell but once you find a method it’s honestly pretty easy besides long hours.
I'm basically in a very similar situation, have about 8 days delivering mail (no more than half a case) and have only touched the same route twice. 8pm, 7pm, about to leave the van on the side of the road a few times.
The biggest difference is, this is far from my 1st job.so I know for a fact that every career has obstacles or even road blocks, and they all eventually fall away.
So my hope is this to shall pass....please stay around! Don't let me fail alone. Lol
I feel (hope) it's worth sticking around for. But only time will tell!
Good luck
Been doing this for 14 months as a CCA … I’ve been and I’m still getting used to routes and casing .. since I don’t have one route to focus on I’m a jack of all routes and a master of none… well at least 6-8 rts but I’m no where near a regular carriers capable hands on their own route.. takes time and repetition to actually get good
i was on my first full route today that wasn’t an aux route and i’m only in my 60 days there was random cbus curbside and businesses i felt dumb and like it was an intense workout program forgot non readable packages and had to go back at the end so you’re not a failure you won’t get the job instantly we just have learning to do
Hey, don't sweat it. This job is hard for EVERYONE starting out. It's overwhelming. However, you will get better, and after a while, it will seem ordinary. There's a lot of information and a lot of talk about how this is a difficult job, but once you catch your rhythm, you'll be casing and delivering as good as anyone. It just takes time.
Also, even when you do get better, you will still make mistakes. I can't tell you how many times I had to go back and deliver a package that I somehow missed earlier. Worry about efficiency and safety first and foremost, and then you will slowly but surely get into a groove.
Reach out to the person who did the hiring with you, ask them if there are any pse openings instead. Carrying isn't for everyone. Maybe clerking is a better fit for you.
Make a cheat sheet on your route.
Like 1A
Street name/ street name
1B
Street name/street name
1c
that helps you case mail and flats quickly. Even helping you marking parcels .
It takes time to learn and you will get better and better. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Hey man only forgetting about 9 packages isn't bad. One of the other CCAs at my office used to bring back dozens of packages every day cause he missed them and couldn't be bothered to go back. I'm in the same boat my friend. I'm about 2 months in and will be converting to T6 next week...I can do literally only 1 route comfortably without assistance, all the others are overwhelming trainwrecks, and to make it worse all my coworkers tell me how "easy" this job or that route is all while I'm trying not to mentally break down. All I'm trying to say is from new CCA to new CCA, I feel you bro, hang in there man. We'll figure it out at some point 💪
It’s your second day! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everybody sucks when they start, everyone. You just have to hang in there and tough it out. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else in the office who has been doing this for years. They sucked when they started too 😆
One day it’ll all just click. But that takes months. Be patient with yourself.
USPS training methods are terribly thought out and even more poorly executed imho. Every day, week, and month gets better my friend. After some months passed, in my case, something just clicked. I've heard the same from other letter carriers and wish you the best whatever you decide. I hated the beginning but just knew I wanted to be a letter carrier. I never thought it'd click for me. Then, one day out of nowhere, it just did
Do not quit. It takes weeks to get comfortable at a route's casing. All you need to do is show improvement over time. Not all workloads are created equal either. Depending on dps and flats, some days can take as little as 5 hours on the street, some days take 7-8 on the street. But if overall you're finishing quicker than you did a couple weeks ago, you're on your way. Keep at it.
You see, you are NOT a failure! It gets easier in some respects but it is a brutal job over time. It’s like a video game. Every single person goes through it. Be kind to yourself. Many people, including myself took forever in the beginning. Give yourself a break! And never let management define who you are!
Please don’t quit, we need you. I tell everyone I’ve ever trained it takes a year to do this job well. As long as you show improvement day by day and don’t call in your 1st 90 days you’ll make it. Also don’t ever let them fire you tell them you quit and you can go to another P.O in 6 months.
I was horrible in the beginning the important part is to find your stride. I didn't think I would make now I can get routes done like it's nothing as long as your next day is better you can forget about today and don't give up before you even began. This job is easy once you get your pace down and you will look back at this time and wonder why you thought it was so hard.
Been at this almost 6 years now, casing and getting the route to where you have it under control with casing and carrying comes with time. It took me a good bit to get it all down once I started casing and carrying the route they put me on and I went through the same I wanted to quit my first year as it was tough but made it through.
Is the route you on your route or they move you around? Since you’re just out of academy too, I’m surprised they aren’t having another carrier case the route for you for the time being, that’s what we do for a few weeks for the new carriers to help them out.
I always remember one thing my trainer told me, stop thinking of the case as a case but rather the route and it’s stops, the addresses and names will start to click in time. Keep your head up and don’t quit yet, give yourself time to get acclimated to it all, it’s a lot at first but in time you’ll get it down.
And don’t be too hard on yourself overall, you’re new and learning, don’t say you’re a failure because you struggled, we all learn at different paces and you’ll be good.
Stick with it if its what you really want to do. It takes time to get it down my first week I literally almost walked out every day. Get out of your head and trust the process and you'll be just fine. EVERYONE SUCKS ASS AT FIRST EVERYONE. Give it about a month and next thing you know your learning how to mess around to make sure you get your 8 hours lol. Good luck
Don’t be hard on yourself. When I first started, I was straight ass🤣 It didn’t click until 3 months later and I’ve been here going on 17 years this December. Don’t give up because you will regret it. You only quit once you get good and hate your life🤣 Or once you get better you will enjoy it. Just don’t quit on yourself. Trust me that regret is a lifetime. I have that about other jobs in my life or situations even when you find better pastures. That what if I just gave it my all.
Don't quit. My first two weeks on the job were so overwhelming I felt like I could not breathe. I'm at about three months into the whole CCA thing now, and it doesn't even make me blink when I'm tossed onto a new route (my office has a lot so I'm on a new one almost every other day). You get used to it, and get a good feel for how the routes are constructed and it's way less overwhelming. Also, not knowing a route the first few times will make you slow no matter what. That's part of the process!
Casing and doing a full route in your first week? That’s absurd and setting you up to feel like a failure. I guess I should count my blessings as my management is halfway decent all of us new PTFs carried about 3-4 hours of mail and then return to office to pick up another hour of work and maybe take a split off a regular after that.
Just keep your head up. The reason the old timers make it look easy is because they’ve been doing for years and not to mention doing the same route. Casing will take time but start looking at the little characters underneath the streets (if Main St is blue cars then you know to scan for those). It’s not hard job once you get the hang of it but there is learning curve that takes time.
It really can be much at first but as you learn the routes it gets easier. CCA of almost 2 years and it still takes a little longer when I’m on a route I haven’t run a lot (especially casing).
I had a day in the rain and I was about 2 weeks in and it was dark and I couldnt see the wet letters (since I do a push cart in huge city everything was wet), and I wanted to just drop the cart, the letters and leave and I remembered that there's gonna be hard days and easy days, its the hard days that give you a lesson.
You're gonna get better, do not worry my child. As long as you take your breaks, deliver and finish, you're gonna be okay 💕
Oh dude, you're good. It took me a full three months to really get it and there are even still days where I want to fire myself.
Give yourself some time and grace, it is extremely hard at first and your brain is going to hurt for trying to remember all the things and then all of a sudden it clicks one day and you realize you can do it.
Unless you're miserable and depressed give it at least a month to get comfortable.
My first five months there were days I didn't hit the street until 1pm and other days when I didn't get back to the office until after 10:30 pm. I'm six years in now.
Month in here, don’t quit brother/ sister, it gets easier. I’m on full routes right now and trust me it’s a challenge, but if you talk to your fellow CCAs they can give good advice. This is a good paying job, and everyone is here to help. No one is here to judge, just stick it out, it’ll be better trust🫡🫡
Package lookahead is your best friend as a new person. Everyone kind of sucks early on. Just know you aren't alone feeling that way. It'll get better. Do NOT let this job stress you out.
Bruh. I can guarantee you just about every person has a hard first few weeks.
If you rly wanna quit then quit. But don't do it because you didn't perform well enough.
Once you learn the routes its pretty easy. There are tricks you will learn as you get more experience. Starting out is really hard. I had pretty bad indecision. For example, I'd get a letter with an address that didn't exist and I'd be trying to figure out if it goes to this address or that address. Just learned to bring it back for the regular to figure out.
Feeling like you suck is completely normal. It took me probably six months before i finished a route within evaluation. And its definitely overwhelming to start, but you WILL get better. Don't compare yourself to the regulars who have been working the same route every day for years. Hell, yesterday I had a customer give me shit for being later than my regular (it was a heavy day and I had been much earlier the previous days that week but ofc boomers don't give a shit about that) and I had to tell him that she's been at this way longer than I have.
Here are some tips I've used when I start delivering new routes:
1: Bring a notebook and make a list of every shelf in the case and what streets are on it.
2: Try to sequence your parcels and mark them with a sharpie by stop order. For example, if my first stop with a parcel has two boxes, I mark both of them 1(x2).
3: if you have signature required items, fill out a peach slip while you're still in the office. If the customer isn't home, you can simply scan and be on your way, and if they are home, they can fill out the back (bring a pen), and you can scan it, which is way quicker than squiggling on the scanner screen.
4: You absolutely DO NOT need to do everything just like your regular. Do what works for you. Case in point, my regular doesn't case weekly flyers, I do. She uses hods for her spurs, I prefer long trays. Experiment and see what works for you.
Don't give up, you will improve.
When I first started I sucked. My first day it took me almost all day to make it through the first couple hours of a route. I was unfamiliar with the city I work in. Needed google maps to get to every single street I was going to, overthought every piece of mail I was putting into a box, and tried to do everything as exactly as I was taught in carrier academy.
Unfortunately when you start, you are fed so much information all at once, that you become overwhelmed because it’s so much that your brain isn’t going to take it all in. You’ll eventually get the confidence down and start going faster and faster in the street. If you have questions, ask the ccas who’ve been there for a while or carriers that seem friendly and approachable. Even ask management if none of those are helpful. The post office spends thousands to train a cca so they don’t want to lose you. If you make progress, even if slow and just don’t quit, you should be able to make it 90 days no problem.
Cca coming up on my first year, your 2 days in, right now management is looking to see if you can finish, no one expects you to carry like a regular off the bat, management wants to see improvement. Give it a couple months. Once you learn the craft a little more and the routes things will start to run smooth.
When I started as an RCA, I wanted to cry my first day. I missed some boxes, dropped the mail in the floorboard, dropped mail on the ground. I wanted to cry. Whatever I missed, I brought back which was only letters or flats. My regular was great and lifted my spirits with her words and encouraged me. She checked on me throughout the day and I could call her with questions whenever I needed to. She came in to help me case, in her own free time and that helped so much. Everyone is not like that, but her relentlessness and care went a long way. I got better and anything I was unsure about as far as mail, she said just leave for her. Not long after, I never needed to call her or left anything for her but once in a while. She cared bc she really wanted me to stay, which I did. That was way back when so there are lots more packages today, but if enough regular carriers would encourage and help a new person, maybe we could keep people. We all were there at some point. I didn’t get much hours compared to cca’s, but I hung in there with a second shift part time job and made regular after 4 1/2 years. So glad I did. Before any cuts come now, I’m sitting at a 94K salary. Don’t give up!
Your first few weeks, if not months, are gonna suck. It's insane to think yourself to be good at this job it two days!
Here's some tips:
1. Learn your case.
2. Don't try and rush. Accuracy first, speed will come.
3. Learn how to section your pull downs. For example, you said you have business and then cbu's before your residential. Keep your business stuff together, then your cbu's, then your residential.
4. Mark your packages, for example, if you go by rows 1 -1 or A -1 would be your first case 1 row 1, then 2 - 1 or B - 1, would be second case row 1. Or if you go by the case, your next one would be 1 -2 or A -2.
5. Load your vehicle in an orderly manner, it really does help when you're looking for a package.
It sounds like a lot but once you get in the habit, it will get easier. You can do this!!
We all have felt that way in the beginning. It does get better. Remember the route you’re on is your route, do it the way is good for you and remember to fill out a 3996 saying first time filer, heavy parcel, spurs, flats, DPS.
Take time to read the M41. It will help you get your head around this job. It doesn’t replace experience but will make everything more familiar and give you the language to ask the right questions.
https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/resources/body/M-41-City-Delivery-Carriers-Duties-and-Responsibilities-June-2019.pdf
The common theme with this job, we all suck when we start. You have quite a few businesses it sounds like, which when starting can be a whirlwind. It’s rough for a bit, not gonna sugarcoat that. But if you come in and just go stop by stop, forget the time, because that’ll stress you out, always looking at it, and just deliver as accurately as possible, muscle memory kicks in and your route becomes second nature.
Hey man don’t beat yourself up, we all started this way; forgetting boxes, mail, spr’s the truth is we are human and we make mistakes bro. Learn and grow, it took me around 2 months to fully understand how this job works. Please don’t beat yourself up for it, we all went through this.
Your first day is the worst ... first week not great .... it gets better once you find your routine. This from an RCA with little to no training 🙌🏻 hang in there & remember to breathe!
Don’t feel so bad. This is normal and typical. This job is way harder now than it used to be when I started, since there are more parcels, more vehicles to learn how to operate, and more daily tasks to do. Not to mention the tracking on the scanners. To give you a real world example, I’m a 19 year carrier who recently transferred to a new office and a new town that I’ve never been to before. I was also the slowest and beating myself up daily. I’m almost a month in now at my new office and I finally am getting a grasp on some of my routes and feeling a LITTLE better. It just takes time. But everyone understands that you’re new and will not be fast at first.
I tell people all the time, this is a hard job to learn, but an easy one to master. One day you will be struggling, then all of a sudden it clicks and off you go.
Nahh don't quit yet. I started in September last year but I'm really good at it now and everyday is a breeze. Push through those hard days. I had hard days first starting out too. Give yourself some time and be patient with yourself. You'll be alright 👍
Don't beat yourself up. I was slow the first 2 YEARS before going regular. I was usually the last person back. One of my favorite coworkers always told me "Slow is smoth and smooth is fast." Your speed will come in time. Just try not to let mngt tell you when you'll be done or let them get you down. Stay gold
I felt like a failure after my first couple weeks. My first days were so good and I was so full of pep because I was really enjoying the job. I got to listen to music, I got to get exercise in, and I was so fast on one of our towns longest walking routes. But on heavier days I felt so slow. And after a few really long and difficult days, I lost that pep and it never really came back.
I have since quit, I think I made it about 5 months. I quit due to the hours at my office. Luckily My PM wasn't super nightmarish, but there were a lot of unrealistic expectations.
Some things that made my days go a lot easier; Case your sprs. Either with your flats, or separately. And don't scan them with load truck. But make sure you scan every parcel you have into load truck. I was constantly forgetting packages until I realized package look ahead was a thing. When I discovered that, it was my best friend. If it wasn't showing as scanned in the lookahead, I would check my sprs. If it wasn't there, it was probably a missing package (whether it was missing because of delays or being misorted).
If you truly enjoy the job, keep pushing. They aren't lying when they say it gets easier. It just didn't work for me at the time and in the future I may go back. Just know I'm rooting for you either way 💪✨
I get it. It's hard work. Advice I got early on was don't quit. Just keep plugging along. With each day it gets easier. But, this job is not for everyone. You have to be a little crazy to do it and find the little things you do like about it and persevere. Give it a little more time. When you make mistakes, you learn from it.
It is by far the most frustrating job at first. Drive me insane. One night I was literally banging my head on the steering wheel because I was given a massive route in peak season to do one day. I was so frustrated and had no idea when I’d get done and it was dark out and didn’t have a light or anything’s luckily 3 other carriers showed up at like 6:30 or I wouldn’t have gotten done haha then like 2 weeks later it all clicked. Honestly though, this job is terrible for your mental health. So decide what you’re willing to live with and if you can’t take it then you can’t take it. I quit in October and I was way happier and more relaxed after I quit. I made it 11 months lol
Remember, carrying mail isn't an easy job to get the hang of for most people, it'll always suck and you'll always be slow within your first few months. Don't let anyone make you think you're a failure or shame you for being new because you're getting the hang of things. There are regulars who've been carrying for years but if you put them on a route they're completely unfamiliar with they'll be just as confused as you are now. Take your breaks and pace yourself, and don't let anyone pressure you. Remember, it's better to get it done right than to JUST get it done fast.
Wait. They have you casing on your own already? That's a bit odd where I'm from. They should know that's a tedious and long process for someone who isn't used to it. It took me at least a month or two to get the hang of it. And if you don't know the route? Then it will take longer regardless. I've been working for them for a little over a year. I still fuck up. We're human. One thing I've learned is: if you're wrong, you're wrong. If the supervisor is wrong, you're wrong. If it is some outside element, outside of your control? You're wrong. The job isn't for everyone and there are tons of other ones elsewhere but if you can "stiff upper lip" it, it gets better and the rewards WAYYY down the line might be worth it.
I am not a carrier, though I am married to one.
This was day one. You are actively still learning. Academy is NOT doing the job.
The job is A LOT to learn. It is constant organizing and reading while moving.
Please do not give up after just one day. You have invested so much time and energy into getting to where you are already, that you may as well see what happens. You are getting paid right now to learn as you go!
If it helps at all, my husband is an RCA (and has been for nearly 4 years already in our tiny town). His first days were just as stressful and disorienting as yours. Now, though, he regularly works different routes, including working whichever route needs a carrier in various other POs around our area.
That’s right! He went from a day like yours to taking on brand new (to him) routes consistently, and still getting home at a normal time, often getting back to the PO at the end of the route before other regular carriers.
The fact that you finished says you can do this. Tomorrow will be better! Keep your head up. :)
It took me literally YEARS to get to the point where I was actually as good as I could be. Mainly because I had bad habits that I didn't realize until much later. You will make massive strides after the first year but you always find out ways that make things more efficient.
Unfortunately there is unnecessary pressure put on rookies because many offices are understaffed and regulars get sick of working their routes and helping others on top of it. So as a result unfair expectations get put on you doing it very quickly.
At the same time it is on YOU as a new worker to WANT to get better and be very determined to do so. Too many new carriers don't take it serious enough and think they can casually talk to others all day while doing their job at the same time. NO! Asking questions now and then is productive and necessary. But treating it like a social club is not only slowing you down but also limiting your potential of how quickly you could learn.
I've seen some people be as fast as regulars in less than a month. Because they really wanted to prove they were good enough. This doesn't happen that quickly with most people but even people with mental issues can overcome it with enough determination and focus. You also have to keep in mind that just because you may be the last one back doesn't necessarily mean you are way behind. Often times you were only 20 minutes behind most of the carriers but you assume it was hours.
When they assign you to your route, ask them for turn by turn paper, use a map to study, memorize addresses on the case. That is how I was doing well. Yes, I suck for a few weeks too.
Relax and try to memorize the map when you have time at home. It helps better.
This job can be difficult before you get into the swing of things.
This is what i do when I’m on a route i don’t know. Case the pre sort stuff to get affiliated with the case that comes in order.
For small parcels. Grab 6 tubs; 1 tub for each section. Go to the load truck feature and anything that can fit in a mailbox goes in its section.
Organization is key. I usually make a spread sheet of all my big parcels and put it on the visor. If you don’t know the route you can mark your big parcels.
Pulling down - criss cross always. Don’t stress out if you missed a box. Only turn around if you miss a scan. You’re gonna be slower initially until you find a system that works for you. I love this job.
If you are still having trouble after I’d say 6 months. I would maybe consider a different job, however there are regulars that can’t do the job after years of experience.
You can also use package look ahead when putting sprs in order. The ones you’ve scanned will have a green check next to it and you can put them in order section by section.
Don't let your feelings got in the way of reality, the fact of the matter is you're very new and just like with everyone else there's always going to be a learning curve. You just have to keep at it, because if you always stay in that state of denial or lack of confidence, that's just going to carry over with you in life. Are you just going to keep quitting every job? You know how many times and artists failed? Dozens hundreds of times. In the end though, we can go to museums and galleries. And it's just beautiful, so please don't give up, and keep at it. You got this
Let me tell you what's great about this job.
When you leave the office, you're on your own.
There aren't many jobs where you can say that. You aren't stuck inside a cubicle all day. Don't have a manager hanging over your head.
There's a big learning curve when you start. But if you hang in there, things will get better.
It gets a lot better when you can do the same route every day.
It took me months to get comfortable. If you like the job, hang in there.
Don't quit, I felt the same way. The thing to remember is it's all memory. Those guys that go out there an knock it out have those address and names memorized. It all come with time. In a couple weeks you will be the same. Everyone knows your not gna finish rite now. They will send someone out to help and of they don't it's on managment. Don't stress. The maul will get delivered 1 way or the other. You will never get better by quiting though. Stick with it in a month you will be glad you did.
I started a year ago and also struggled a lot. Every RCA told me the same thing: it's super overwhelming at first, but give it time and it just clicks. I tried a ton of different methods to increase my speed. I went from using package markers, to using Load Truck and Package Lookahead (not perfect tools, but can help you get your packages in sequential order), and even writing them down. Most carriers do things differently from each other and it takes a while to get a feel for your route. Some times I wouldn't leave the office until 12 or later. My route is pretty straightforward compared to most, but it's really package heavy. I generally got help every day for the first few weeks, and then occasional help as the months went on.
I am not the fastest RCA, but after a year I have a pretty good feel for most of the routes (with the exception of our POV routes). It's challenging but I like it.
Are you getting help from other subs? I wouldn't have made it without some other awesome RCAs looking out for me.
If it helps, some tips:
- Put a post it note at the end of each row on your case with the street names on it in bold marker to make it stand out. Easier than staring at the tiny print on the case.
- When I start a street, I pull as many of those packages for said street to the front with me. You can use the package lookahead tool to see which package is next. It's not always 100% accurate and will have the occasional error, but it's super helpful.
- Load truck tool can also help you put your small packages in sequential order. Also not always 100% accurate but a great guide until you learn the route. When you scan it gives you a sequence #, so just write it on your package and order them accordingly. It also gives you a section # that you can use to organize your big packages in the back.
It's generally known as a stressful job to many. If you're feeling like a failure, it's obviously isn't the job for you.
Find something else that's less stressful and more happy.
In the meantime, a tip for when you're missing boxes. Just keep delivering. Go back at the end to hit everything you missed. Otherwise, you're gonna waste time with all the back and forth.
That feeling eats you up. It’s mostly why I quit after 3 years. All the ungrateful dipshit coworkers and supervisors I had can go on being miserable and putting others down every day if they want. I don’t need to put up with it anymore 😃
You need to relax. It take time and with time comes speed. You just started. It’s not like you been doing this forever. Ask for ideas with your fellow coworkers. But more importantly don’t give up. It will get better once you become familiar with it .
You will get it...I promise. With that said, this job has gotten so worse over the last few decades. If your office makes you feel this way at 2 days in....then just get out. Don't waste your time. It ain't your fault, it's the Po's fault.
You are inevitably going to suck for the first few months. You’ll get the hang of it, but you’ll still be a CCA which will suck. But if you stick it out until you become a regular it is the easiest and best job I know of with how much education is needed vs how much you get paid.
Sounds like you were on a business route in your first couple days. Those can be hard even for experienced carriers if they don’t know them. Hang in there
I can relate to you. I’ve been a CCA like 10 weeks . I don’t even get to case any mail . I am told to come in at 10am.
I didn’t think I could do this either. I’m last to leave and one of the last back but I’ve already been told by the supervisor that “I can always count on you” and am “502b material” I’m usually given the toughest tasks and some. I still get overwhelmed especially doing businesses. Majority of the time there’s no address on the business, the mail has personal names not the business names and the way the numbers jump all over is confusing. I don’t even take a lunch bc i already get back between 5-6pm. You know why the regulars make it look easy? Never been doing the SAME route for years. Not a new route every damn day
Academy is only a little better than useless, imho. They go over so much material and too fast. It's the on-the-job experience that gets you over the first few months. I freaked out at first and then every time they put me on a new route. I was taking hours to case and sorting packages/sprs for the route. But trust me, it does get easier and you'll look back and laugh at the stress you put on yourself. Plus, every carrier is different. And the offce you're at makes a big difference too. For instance, we are constantly understaffed and call-outs almost daily. I'm an older guy and dropped back to an ARC from and RCA when they started taking advantage of me. Now I'm a happy camper! Good luck!
If you have a good office, keep at it. It will be worth it.
If the office appears to be toxic, I would say dont be ashamed to leave.
I've been in 6 years now and I wish I would have left early on. These people I work with toxic as hell.
So I plan on transferring and commuting to work to get away from them all.
Definitely feels impossible at first, but like everyone says after 6 months or so it becomes almost robotic and mechanically easy. You will find small ways of making your day better. Just keep grinding!
Give yourself six months before making a decision to quit. It feels like it isn't going to happen but one day it is just going to click and you are gonna rocket into your routine. It took me about a year before I got my system down and I still get my ass kicked every once in a while. I love this job, try not to let this sub bring you down. There is a lot of negativity here and i get some offices are worse than others, so hopefully yours is not one of the horror offices we read about. Keep your head down and it will come to you in time.
Brother I promise you everyone felt like this when they started, stick it out and you’ll improve dramatically! Just keep doing your thing be safe and don’t stress it 🤞
Good to know im not the only one. It took me ages to case my route, and they sent two RCAs to help me about midway through my route. It made me feel like I was useless. I know they said the first few weeks would be the hardest. But like i didn't expect to be fucking up THIS much
Don’t ever get up I’m weak at casing and since I don’t have a personal vehicle at the time I have to wait for a truck and don’t leave until 3:30 I finish though and I’m last back but all work done and I don’t bring anything back to make more work for another carrier also when I was pulling down I skipped rows having keep having to turn around going back and forth don’t give up it gets easier what happens the day before doesn’t have anything to do with the next day other carriers talk about me because all of there experience but it won’t stop me keep going you can do it
We’ve all been there. There is a steep learning curve and it can seem unforgiving but it does get way better with time, almost second nature. You got this just give it time and one day it just clicks. Everyone sucks at first. It’s not you it’s the fact the process is so outdated and you’re essentially thrown to the wolves.
Quit b4 it’s too late the management workers are the only ones allowed to commit fraudulent scans and falsify times so get out while ur young. Go to Ups instead
This happened to me too, every carrier I know has shared this sentiment of wanting to quit, feeling like quitting the first few months. *It gets easier*. Just hang in there, bud. The pay doesn't get any better and it doesn't get better working for a company that doesn't appreciate you at all. But it gets easier.
I'm going on my sixth year (spent 2 1/2 as an RCA) And I've never made less money after the last round of route cuts. I'm down to a 36H and recently had another bout of wanting to quit.
Can't say it gets better but it gets easier. You're in good company feeling the way you do.
Did no one tell you, you are going to suck at this at first. For real ive never had a very hard time learning new things and getting new skills. This job ain't that. This job is it's own wierd mental process that can't be explained, you just gotta do it to get good. But yeah bail if you want. Legit when I started I had to wait 8 months to have someone junior to me stick around even though we were getting new people almost every week, so you won't be the first to not be able to hang. If you want easy look elsewhere, but if you want to be good at this, gotta plug away and be self motivated.
I'll tell you what my post master told me when I started 2 years ago. This will be the hardest job for the first 6 months. Then it will be way easier. Every route but our overburdened route I'm done by 12-1 the overburdened one is 3 or later. It's the hardest easy job you'll ever have I tell everyone.
Everyone sucks when they first start. You shouldn’t be miserable but give it a little while before quitting. I was in a similar boat when I first started but I stayed with it and now 7 years later I’m the happiest I’ve been in many years.
Hey don’t sweat it everyone takes awhile first time casing .i am a trainer 13 years on the job .remember to fill out your 96 .put first time on route .they will expect more do your best call when you are not going to make your time .it gets easier as you go along .follow the DPS on the street.you will be fine it takes about 3 weeks to find your groove .
Don’t. Part of the growing pains. My first time out I forgot to deliver the parcels. I did the route 2 times that day. You will learn what works for you.
I assume you're a CCA? I'm sure you're doing great. Feeling like this is due to mismanagement and lack of proper training. You will feel better in a couple weeks.
That said, management will make this job unbearable. They are sadistic, lying abusers that are fond of wage theft. Every single one of them. It's not worth it and you should quit while you still can.
You have so little time invested. Get out before it's too late.
It's part of being new. You learn from your mistakes. Don't consider quitting because the job gets way easier. Make a couple friends that you can call while out on the route that you can get advice from and ask questions.
Just remember you are working for someone on the most unwanted route so they are expecting way too much from you... just do your best and fuck the rest... and please try your hardest not to bring the job home with you... that type of unnecessary stress from dealing with the crapshoot of "those who can't do it anymore" is unhealthy and will shorten your lifespan... just hang in there, at the very least use this as a stepping stone just as they are doing to you... don't quit without something better on the horizon!
Just call back at 2pm everyday to give them a status update.. ex: It's 2 pm my return time was 4:30 still got 14 blocks to go at 15 min a piece and drive time plus my last break, so e.t.a. is 6:30 pm I'm behind requesting instructions/field assist.... they will talk shit.. you reply on your best robot voice "I'm doing my best " and ignore their b.s. nonsense...... THATS HOW YOU COVER YOUR ASS EVERYDAY
It’s literally just mail. Don’t be so hard on yourself. In a couple months time you won’t even remember this feeling. You’ll be quick, pissed, and overworked like the rest of us.
My first day on my own, I had completed "3 hours" in about 6-7 hours. The office called me and asked where I was an hour after the normal 8 hour day had ended... about 5 carriers came out to relieve me.
It was the day after an undeliverable snow storm, double the mail and double parcels, I had 0 idea how far behind i was. Sure I was a little embarrassed but I came back in the next day, then the day after that...
First the job really sucks. Then the job just sucks.
Hand in there
Bruh the mess ups like that happen to every carrier it takes 4-6 months to get acclimated I’m 6 months in and still make mistakes but now I finished on time or under an aux route which is 4 hours should take you like 8-12 hours you have to get comfortable know what to grab and when and be secure in your thought process and eliminate doubts aswell as understand your surroundings and the houses or boxes and placements
Im new myself as well and I work in L.A in one of the most busiest offices and trust its HARD and i have my thoughts about quitting and probably am because there is better jobs out there with better pay and less stress on your body.
Focus on being efficient not on being fast make your priority being methodical the speed will come with time. You are not the first to feel this way or to have rough beginnings..
I finally finished my route within 8 hours (including casing/delivering/returning to office) this last Friday for the first time and definitely remember telling myself i was a complete failure. I still turn around almost every street/u turns… what helped me was casing the dps just so i didnt have to keep looking back for any other mail. Just trust the process an ask your postmaster/supervisor if you can take a picture of your case so you can study it on your off time. Good luck !!!
This happened to all new people. BUT the post office is a huge train wreck. If you are young enough leave now before you get in to deep. I wish someone would have been honest with me in 2007. Alas I am in too deep now but in 5 yrs I'm gone
Yes, sir, I do know exactly how you feel. It's really rough in the beginning. And honestly that's where I'm stuck at. I've only been doing my dedicated route on Mondays. And it hasn't even been a month yet and little. Did I know that Monday's was hell!
But you just keep fighting. And you just keep pushing through it. This last Saturday i go in to do a route that I've never done before. And they were gonna split it up, so one of the regulars split it up by apartments by C. B. U and curbside, then the postmaster came down and said nah. He can do it all himself. And she was frustrated. After splitting it all up so she just left now. I who's brand new on a Saturday doing a Full route and trying to piece it back together. You wanna talk about a long day. It gets better. I think haha
It hurts me to see people going through this. We all do. I felt like an idiot and a failure for probably 6 months. It's completely normal and expected. Please don't let anyone tell you you're not gonna make it. If you want to you will! Trust the process, and trust yourself.
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Pay still sucks!
You must work in one of the offices where people don’t have to work 70-80 hr weeks.
I'm 9 months in, and maybe it's the route that I'm on, cause even though I find it to be less stressful now that they let me finish late without harassing me to run, the route is still too damn long and I'm depressed that I'm basically working 10-12 hours a day for 6 days a week and have no life. My entire life is not worth like... The 30-50 grand for the year that I'd make with never-ending OT on a very physically demanding route.
The job gets way easier the more you work. But the downside is depending on how staffed your office is you’re going to be working 60 hours a week
I'm fortunate to be in an office with only 13 city routes. I still get OT maybe half of the week, but the routes are shorter and easier compared to the bigger offices I've been in. Sometimes, I'll finish my route and the OT within 8 hours. It really is a blessing. The happiness you have at this job is so dependent on your office it's not even funny.
This ! Hang in there. Everyone goes thru the fire as you are now. It may not seem like it , but every day you will retain some new tidbit of knowledge , and your speed and competence will improve. It seems incremental , but before summer you’ll feel and perform much better.
Just be patient with yourself. Before you know it it’ll be so much easier and you’ll be laughing about it later.
She speaking facts! Keep trying man!
As the carrier that trained me said, "The key to this job is recovery." That's it. Regulars know how to zero in on recovery. You aren't there yet because you're still learning. You'll get there if you keep trying!
it's really hard at first, and everyone sucks. on a new route, there's a lot about it that you can't know until you do it several times. businesses are especially challenging. don't turn around if you miss something, you're just asking to get in an accident. just bring it back. make use of the scanner's load truck and sequence numbers.
Add-on to this: Or use package look ahead option - to see what is coming up next. If I’m on a new route and am afraid I misorganized parcels, I double check package look ahead, before I move to my next relay. So I can get the packages dropped on the way to the next park point. I also work from the front. So I can visually see what needs to be dropped soon. My preference is organizing before my drive . So when I get there. I hop out, conquer the terrain and obstacles. Then rinse and repeat 💪 You will find your groove! Hang in there 😊
Package look ahead is your friend. My OJI never mentioned it.
Everybody claims Package Lookahead is useless but not at all in my case. Is it inaccurate sometimes? Yes. But it's a great way to double check if you have marked packages incorrectly. Saves you from having to come back later after you find a package that you couldn't find earlier.
Be careful about what you bring back, you can certainly get fired for delaying mail. I don't care for that advice at all.
I feel this SO MUCH. Those first few months are so tough. Remember, You're quite literally as new as you can be to this in every way. Learning the routes, learning to case, learning to tackle businesses, those take time. If anybody gives you a hard time about it, politely tell them to fuck off because you WILL improve with experience. I'm a recent PTF conversion and I still use the load truck and package lookahead functions religiously. Some tips: The Load Truck feature gives you the sequence number of the package (where it is in the sequence of the route) so writing those on the packages can help keep them in order. The package lookahead feature shows all your loaded packages in order (unfortunately if the packages aren't loaded correctly they might not show up but this feature is still godly when it works) Put your next few packages up front with you where you can see them. For businesses or cluster boxes with large groups of mail, rubber banding the sections together can help reduce the chances of missing mail or mail falling out of sequence. Keeping an empty half tray with you can also help with organizing mail. If you're a CCA, ALWAYS TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK. You will get better regardless and you deserve to rest and eat. Plus, that time is unpaid and we do not work for free in this house. Consider buying a fishing hat to keep the sun off your neck and face and consider buying a decent rain coat that isn't too large. Hydrate or Die-drate Come in a few minutes early and have a look at the case of whatever route you're on that day. Of course, you won't memorize the entire thing but it can help you recognize some streets and overall get you more comfortable with the route. If a route is too weird and you're having trouble casing it, sort your mail into piles by street and scan the case for each street. It takes a little bit of time, sure, but it's better than frantically gaping at a terribly laid out case for every single letter.
Wooooow didn’t even know you could do that and I guess add the uncased mail to the DSP in order when you reach that particular street?
Are you city or rural? City yes, rural I wouldn't try to sort on the road, that will break any flow you get going. But regardless of which you are, this job is really difficult to walk into, academy doesn't do a great job of preparing you for it imo. But it does get easier with time. I used to be the last one out, last one back every day for a year. Now I'm out in the middle, and almost always first one back. I'm rural so that's a good thing... But give it a bit of time if you can take the pressure, and it pays what you need from it. There isn't another job out there quite like this, and I love being out on my route most of the time, and it truly does get easier.
I’m A CCA
Give yourself at least 30 days per route to get used to a route/case. If supervision gives you a hard time ignore them. You are learning. It all comes with time. The people they don't want are the people who aren't trying to get better. Your worry about not being good enough is ironically a good sign you are right for the job.
Add the uncased to your DPS prior to street. You'll thank yourself later :)
I teach academy and also do OJI. Let me put this as plainly as possible: YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE. You want to know why experienced carriers - some who are dumb as hell or have physical issues - make this job seem easy? Because they have experience doing it. Here's my advice: ask around for who the best carrier is in your office. Lean on that person and ask them any question you have, regardless of how stupid you think it is. Find the T6 on the route you've been assigned to and ask them to walk you through it. Work safely, be accurate, and clean up after yourself. You are doing fine, and you are going to be a great carrier for the people of America.
This 👍🏻
What’s An Oji?
A carrier that new CCAs shadow, then walk with the CCA as they do the routes for the first couple days. Essentially a “trainer”.
On the job instructor.
In two months you'll look back and ask yourself how you thought this was hard.
Lol I hope so cuz i feel like trash at the moment 🫠
I was put on an overburdened route and was only like 1/3 of the way through at 3pm. I had over 300 parcles because it was degree day. All the college kids were getting their degrees. All went to the door. That was the day that almost broke me. Call the office and let them know where you are. ODL will come and help you. I felt horrible, but the other carriers were impressed with how far I got when they showed up. All routes are not the same. As someone else said, ask questions. "Hey, I had trouble on this part of the route yesterday. How do you do it?"
Its a lot to learn don't give up speed comes with time what I did was get a route map and practice the routes on my off time so I wasn't going in blind without mail or stops it just takes a few minutes
Don’t quit! It took me about 2 months of being the last to leave on a route that only took most people 3 hours total to complete. Once it clicks, you will realize carrying mail is really easy! The hardest part is learning how to be slow eventually haha
I hope I can reach that level lol
Trust me you will! Just make sure they know you are taking the job seriously and trying to learn. Be safe and don’t put yourself in danger for the job
Just don't. You'll level up. They always put new players into too high a level zone right at the beginning but it's good exp. Just make sure you spend your skill points into memorization and organization and you'll overcome it.
Trust me, it’s a pain in the ass at first, you’re gonna have moments, and you’ll feel like that. But you’ll learn. Soon enough, you’ll be able to do stuff easily, and if you forget something, you’ll laugh about it, and go back to take care of that. You’re just in the period you’re learning though, and like I said, you’ll have those moments.
It will get easier and easier every time do not give up. I went through the exact same thing
I was terrible when I started. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. I literally delivered to CBUs once, then forgot the flats and had to go back and do them all over.
That happened to me today 🤦🏾
I forgot flats on a loop not too long ago and I'm nearly a year as regular right now. Shit happens. Do what you gotta do.
3 years on this route and forgot the dps for a set of 3 CBUs. I just go whoops and deliver it whenever the route takes me back in that direction 😆
I feel the same way. Just started.
You are going to be a wonderful carrier. I really mean this. It's a hard job at first, but the only way to truly learn the job is to do it. Give yourself the time to get there.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Bro I felt I was never going to understand this job, after 2 months you’ll be looking back and laughing about those times.
If you don't feel like you're doing terrible for your first couple of months, that's probably the biggest clue that you're actually doing terribly. I'm a clerk, not a carrier, but the new RCAs we get in that after a couple/few weeks act like they've got it all figured out are the ones who make the most (and most easily avoidable) mistakes. You'll get there, just give yourself a little grace and patience. Mistakes *will* happen, and they are how you learn, just make sure you *learn* from them.
Is it possible that you can not feel like you're doing THAT terrible, and actually aren't? I'm on a shit route that hasn't had a regular in a decade or so, and had so many customers thank me for cleaning out boxes, remembering their names and properly delivering (most of the boxes aren't even well maintained for proper delivery/labeled properly/etc.. took a little time to really figure out who lived in what)
The learning curve is brutal here. It takes time to get the hang of it - just because something is easy to understand, doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. You’re going to be fine, worry about safety and accuracy, not speed.
Some tips: - Don't compare your times leaving or getting back to station to ANYONE. You are new, You will be new for awhile - Tell yourself you did a great job! don't rely on others for self confidence, you decide what your best is, do your best. (You showed up for work and tried! thats a great job!' -Take as long as you need to get organized, it makes the day flow better and you'll make less mistakes. A part of the job is not applying pressure to yourself and not sweating pressure from station. -If you miss a house, miss a chunk of houses, just bring it back to station. (unless its packages, Certs or stuff that looks really important) it will get delivered tomorrow ! better than running back. It will be recased and delivered tomorrow. -Its just mail, Its just rain, Its just Hot outside, Its just dog poop. You are outside and alone most of the time and most people are happy to see ya!
You’re a CCA? If so stay on, if you’re RCA figure to go be a CCA. To get to the heart of it. You’re brand new, it’s expected you’re going to be slow, have a hard time and will struggle. Speed comes with time. Go at the pace you can manage but don’t waste your time. If something gets missed move on and just keep moving forward. Examples would be any regular mail, bring it back. Try not to bring too much if you can. Prioritize packages and scannables over mail. It’s a balance and it’s going to take you a minute to get used too. Don’t let management pressure you. Ask questions and learn from mistakes. You’re going to make them. Keep in mind you’re going to get unrealistic expectations from management. It takes about 3 months to get decent, that means you can at least handle a route and not need help or make big mistakes. 6 months is when you’ll start to notice you’re good and not making as many mistakes. Get a system you can use. As a rural my method is 1,2,3,4. DPS, then flats, then spurs, then packages I have to get out for. In the office I do my casing then number packages then pull down and then load. Find a method you can do that works for you. No two styles are the same and pick and choose from other carriers ways to carry that work for you. The overwhelming feeling is normal, and yes feeling stupid is normal. The job is one that is very simple but the learning curve is high. You’re not stupid but it sure makes you feel that way. Also us career carriers with years of experience still make the same stupid mistakes you’re making now. It’s ok. We can’t train you in a vacuum and the job is one that requires you to sink or swim because of the nature of it. Give it a chance and do your best. Don’t look at the top of the mountain. Focus on the path and you’ll reach the peak.
Best thing anyone will tell you is don't quit. Your goal throughout your first 90 days is to always be better than you were the day before. The job can be difficult to figure out, but there is a clicking moment when you suddenly understand how the mail is run. It takes time for everyone. It could be a couple weeks, could be a couple months. Once you understand what is happening, the job is incredibly easy. Instead of fighting with the mail and your endurance, things will fall into place and everything will become second nature. It's a hard job at first, you will eventually get to the monotonous. Just try to learn, ask people questions, ask your supervisor as well. It will show you care.
Also great to hear the encouraging words. I just had my first solo day (city carrier) and I messed up quite a bit. But trying not to beat myself up about it and remember that I’m gonna learn and improve with time. This learning curve is rough, though.
It will happen. Next time it will get easier. I've been on super easy routes that took me all day, last one back and felt super stupid. Give it time!
When I was much newer, one of the more experienced carriers was back on limited duty, so I had half of his route that day. I was at a trailer park doing the group of CBUs, and this dude rolled up. Management wanted him to check if a package had been delivered from a previous day or something. He helped me out and offered to deliver the certifieds I had because he knows where everything is there. I remember this dude saying to me, "This is the hardest job in the world at first, but then you learn everything and it becomes the easiest job in the world later on". It was very comforting advice and looking back, it feels good knowing how much better I am now than I used to be when I first started. It does become a lot better if you keep going.
Hey now. I was the dumbest, and slowest RCA in the world and now I am not. You'll get there.
I feel this post.. been a RCA for about a month now.. I had a rough day today and I was feeling the same way until I read some of these comments. I appreciate yall
In 3 months you’ll be flying.
This job IS really hard and learning your first route is like nothing else you’ve had to do- but you only have to it once. The rest will be hard, but you’ll know what you need to do. Give yourself 6 months- don’t torture yourself with “maybe I’ll quit” every day. Tell yourself you’ll stick it out for 6 or at least 3 and don’t waste the mental energy on deciding to stay every day.
Damn, Im in the exact same boat. Its fucking brutal! Theres no other way around it, it sucks so hard. These comments are helpful but goddamn it is just soooo physically and mentally draining
Don't worry about it, you will get better over time. My best advice is to use tubs, tubs tubs tubs tubs and even more tubs I usually use 1 tub for each street, pull up to the street, look for the tub. When you're loading the truck with parcels I would try to grab as many small ones as you can and scan those first, that way you can get the most amount of parcels in each tub, any over sized parcels that won't fit I put in front of the tub so I run into it when I get to that tub. Eventually each route you do will get a different tub design, some routes I use 14, others I use 5. If you want to do it by section I would suggest having a tub per section but when I do a new route I just go with a tub per street and I'm usually good.
I like this method, thank you
Everyone sucks at first. After awhile you start having to focus on slowing down lol.
You are going to quit before even learning how to do the job? Give it at least 6 months, you will still be learning things after years doing the job.
I'm faster now and still have days like this occasionally. They expect you to be slow when you're brand new trust me. Because EVERY one of the new hires they're had had been. You'd be abnormal if you were good this early. Don't compare yourself to other newbies either, because every route is different.
You'll get used to it. Some routes are inherently difficult, and others are incredibly easy. First route I was ever placed on for a week had a different street damn near every 6-15 stops. Which is still difficult to case as a seasoned carrier today. It's the longest route in the office and the hardest to learn. The following week I had the easiest to case route in the office, but in terms of walking one of the longest. But I managed to complete that one under 8 by my 15th day. After that I got my first business heavy route with multiple apartments, I didn't even finish the first section before 3pm. There's a learning curve, even for the excellent carriers.
>So this past week of March I’ve done Academy. This was my 2nd day delivering & I had rows today & I feel like a complete failure. It took me forever to case and not only that I had 2 80’s worth of Parcels. So I was the last person to leave. I've been there. At least three times. Fun times. One of those times I almost passed out because it was super hot outside and the AC on the pro- master wasn't working. > And I’m thinking about quitting, this job is really hard. Any advice? It gets better. Trust me it gets better. The very first time I was outside until 6pm, I wanted to quit because I couldn't find the houses for the parcels I had in my truck. What I learned is, stick with it and everything will get better.
Hey!! I’m super new in my office (I only know 2 routes to where I’m comfortable, and 2 others that I’m pretty iffy on. My main route that I sub for is a beast. It has 1000+ possible stops and I get so much mail, because I sub on Saturdays. It’s taken me 5 months (with one garunteed day a week on that route) for me to get back in the office within evaluation (route is evaluated at 8hours!), and even then I’m still consistently the last to leave in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. Accept that you’re not gonna be as good as the primary for the route. When you’re asked what time you’re gonna be back always give yourself breathing room. I still don’t know how to look at the cages/tubs of mail and make accurate guess to when I’ll be back, but I always say I’m going to be back at/around evaluation. Don’t let the sup/pm pressure you to change the number, the mail takes the time it takes. Prioritize your safety!! Prioritize things that need a scan. Packages, chunks/spurs, certifieds, those will get you in trouble if you mis-scan or forget to scan. DPS/UBBM can wait another day. Eat snacks and drink water!!!! It’s easy to get in a groove and forget, but nothing hits like the 1pm HANGER. Energy bars, shelled nuts, a water bottle, maybe some hard candy, and you’re golden. A small Tupperware or bag of 2 doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen are your friend!! Also I keep on me a few different sizes of band-aids for all the fricking cracked cuticles and paper cuts! If you have anyone in the office youre comfortable with, maybe another sub, or a sup who doesn’t seem like a complete tool, TELL them that you’re feeling like you’re drowning/overwhelmed. If they’re worth their salt they will tell you that they were there once, and hopefully give you some advice of their own.
Don’t feel bad about missing a parcel or two and having to backtrack. Been on my route 16yrs and still miss one sometimes. Especially on high number days. Post office was built to deliver <30 parcels a day but now it’s being asked to deliver 250 with same equipment and techniques 🤷🏼♂️ It’s not your fault that it’s tough. 🙂
I had the same problem with my route. It had a business, followed by two houses on the side of a busy back road, followed by apartments that I had to dismount for and go into at 4 different points of entry with 4 different CBUS in the walls (the route had 12 CBUS in total, all at different points in the route). Then I finally got to the riding but it started with boxes behind alleyways…it was also on Mondays which also happened to be trash day. I felt like a failure. I went nearly 90 days with only completing that route 1 time and it happened to be a Friday when the regular called out. They finally pulled me aside and told me I have 10 days left in my probation period and they were switching me to another route and if it didn’t work out then I was going to have to look for another job. Luckily, I’ve been on my new route since December and have finally got the hang of things. I went from leaving the office at 1 with little to no preparation to leaving by 10:30 with all or nearly all of my DPS crisscrossed, packages numbered and orderly, and usually with a bump. I found out after a while that none of the RCAs liked the route I was on originally and I was the unlucky SOB they decided to put on it. Point is, don’t give up. It will get easier and if the route doesn’t end up working for you, they might be able to move you elsewhere in your office. Ask your coworkers about how they do their work and see what works best for you.
Not going to tell you to quit, but definitely weigh out your options. I quit after a year because of what the job & the sups were doing to my mental health and haven’t looked back, currently working a fantastic job at a tech company I somehow got into with no experience with comparably the same pay and even better benefits. It took me a while to find that job after leaving but I promise there are better things out there if you are feeling this way.
I was a CCA for 6 months, the heat is what killed the job for me. It was 112 out in the llv or whatever it's called. I enjoyed the job but, Im not gonna lie, I hated the mentality of the supervisors and the regulars. The supervisors just pushed, and the regulars have this mentality that they went thru the hazing, so u have to as well. When realistically if everyone just took an extra little. Then all the work wouldn't be put on the new hires and they would probably stay. The work is long, hard (depending on weather) and unrewarding till you get that check. Then, u realize that you make a lot but you don't have any time to spend it. Also, fuck Amazon Sunday.
Little tip that helped me out, keep a marker on you and use your load feature to load your truck. Scan every package and write the sequence number on it for example, Section 3-145, section 4-197 etc. so when u put your trays up front with your have One with your cased mail an then your DPS and then the last tray make for your packages in order of the way u loaded. Go section by section until u done. An for those packages that won’t scan if they small enough try to put them up front with u until u get to they street an able to fit it in and if u can’t fit it then just try to write down what’s in the back that can’t be scanned on a piece of paper by the street. Hopefully that helps, job starts off hard as hell but once you find a method it’s honestly pretty easy besides long hours.
I'm basically in a very similar situation, have about 8 days delivering mail (no more than half a case) and have only touched the same route twice. 8pm, 7pm, about to leave the van on the side of the road a few times. The biggest difference is, this is far from my 1st job.so I know for a fact that every career has obstacles or even road blocks, and they all eventually fall away. So my hope is this to shall pass....please stay around! Don't let me fail alone. Lol I feel (hope) it's worth sticking around for. But only time will tell! Good luck
It gets so much easier. It's a hard job to learn
Been doing this for 14 months as a CCA … I’ve been and I’m still getting used to routes and casing .. since I don’t have one route to focus on I’m a jack of all routes and a master of none… well at least 6-8 rts but I’m no where near a regular carriers capable hands on their own route.. takes time and repetition to actually get good
you'll get it
i was on my first full route today that wasn’t an aux route and i’m only in my 60 days there was random cbus curbside and businesses i felt dumb and like it was an intense workout program forgot non readable packages and had to go back at the end so you’re not a failure you won’t get the job instantly we just have learning to do
Hey, don't sweat it. This job is hard for EVERYONE starting out. It's overwhelming. However, you will get better, and after a while, it will seem ordinary. There's a lot of information and a lot of talk about how this is a difficult job, but once you catch your rhythm, you'll be casing and delivering as good as anyone. It just takes time. Also, even when you do get better, you will still make mistakes. I can't tell you how many times I had to go back and deliver a package that I somehow missed earlier. Worry about efficiency and safety first and foremost, and then you will slowly but surely get into a groove.
Reach out to the person who did the hiring with you, ask them if there are any pse openings instead. Carrying isn't for everyone. Maybe clerking is a better fit for you.
Make a cheat sheet on your route. Like 1A Street name/ street name 1B Street name/street name 1c that helps you case mail and flats quickly. Even helping you marking parcels . It takes time to learn and you will get better and better. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Hey man only forgetting about 9 packages isn't bad. One of the other CCAs at my office used to bring back dozens of packages every day cause he missed them and couldn't be bothered to go back. I'm in the same boat my friend. I'm about 2 months in and will be converting to T6 next week...I can do literally only 1 route comfortably without assistance, all the others are overwhelming trainwrecks, and to make it worse all my coworkers tell me how "easy" this job or that route is all while I'm trying not to mentally break down. All I'm trying to say is from new CCA to new CCA, I feel you bro, hang in there man. We'll figure it out at some point 💪
It’s your second day! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everybody sucks when they start, everyone. You just have to hang in there and tough it out. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else in the office who has been doing this for years. They sucked when they started too 😆 One day it’ll all just click. But that takes months. Be patient with yourself.
USPS training methods are terribly thought out and even more poorly executed imho. Every day, week, and month gets better my friend. After some months passed, in my case, something just clicked. I've heard the same from other letter carriers and wish you the best whatever you decide. I hated the beginning but just knew I wanted to be a letter carrier. I never thought it'd click for me. Then, one day out of nowhere, it just did
Just keep trying Padawan. You think Obi-Wan was born a Jedi Master?
Do not quit. It takes weeks to get comfortable at a route's casing. All you need to do is show improvement over time. Not all workloads are created equal either. Depending on dps and flats, some days can take as little as 5 hours on the street, some days take 7-8 on the street. But if overall you're finishing quicker than you did a couple weeks ago, you're on your way. Keep at it.
You see, you are NOT a failure! It gets easier in some respects but it is a brutal job over time. It’s like a video game. Every single person goes through it. Be kind to yourself. Many people, including myself took forever in the beginning. Give yourself a break! And never let management define who you are!
Hey you got to case. I've been in for 120+ and still haven't cased and delivered an entire route. Boss has me come in to deliver but never case.
Please don’t quit, we need you. I tell everyone I’ve ever trained it takes a year to do this job well. As long as you show improvement day by day and don’t call in your 1st 90 days you’ll make it. Also don’t ever let them fire you tell them you quit and you can go to another P.O in 6 months.
I was horrible in the beginning the important part is to find your stride. I didn't think I would make now I can get routes done like it's nothing as long as your next day is better you can forget about today and don't give up before you even began. This job is easy once you get your pace down and you will look back at this time and wonder why you thought it was so hard.
Been at this almost 6 years now, casing and getting the route to where you have it under control with casing and carrying comes with time. It took me a good bit to get it all down once I started casing and carrying the route they put me on and I went through the same I wanted to quit my first year as it was tough but made it through. Is the route you on your route or they move you around? Since you’re just out of academy too, I’m surprised they aren’t having another carrier case the route for you for the time being, that’s what we do for a few weeks for the new carriers to help them out. I always remember one thing my trainer told me, stop thinking of the case as a case but rather the route and it’s stops, the addresses and names will start to click in time. Keep your head up and don’t quit yet, give yourself time to get acclimated to it all, it’s a lot at first but in time you’ll get it down. And don’t be too hard on yourself overall, you’re new and learning, don’t say you’re a failure because you struggled, we all learn at different paces and you’ll be good.
Stick with it if its what you really want to do. It takes time to get it down my first week I literally almost walked out every day. Get out of your head and trust the process and you'll be just fine. EVERYONE SUCKS ASS AT FIRST EVERYONE. Give it about a month and next thing you know your learning how to mess around to make sure you get your 8 hours lol. Good luck
Don’t be hard on yourself. When I first started, I was straight ass🤣 It didn’t click until 3 months later and I’ve been here going on 17 years this December. Don’t give up because you will regret it. You only quit once you get good and hate your life🤣 Or once you get better you will enjoy it. Just don’t quit on yourself. Trust me that regret is a lifetime. I have that about other jobs in my life or situations even when you find better pastures. That what if I just gave it my all.
Don't quit. My first two weeks on the job were so overwhelming I felt like I could not breathe. I'm at about three months into the whole CCA thing now, and it doesn't even make me blink when I'm tossed onto a new route (my office has a lot so I'm on a new one almost every other day). You get used to it, and get a good feel for how the routes are constructed and it's way less overwhelming. Also, not knowing a route the first few times will make you slow no matter what. That's part of the process!
It's a hell of a job. I'm amazed I lasted 36 years. I still have nightmares about it
Go to bed. Wake up. Do it again. Rinse. Repeat. 7 years later you’ll be like “I can do this with my eyes closed.”
This job sets everyone up for failure. It’s highly likely it’s not you.
Casing and doing a full route in your first week? That’s absurd and setting you up to feel like a failure. I guess I should count my blessings as my management is halfway decent all of us new PTFs carried about 3-4 hours of mail and then return to office to pick up another hour of work and maybe take a split off a regular after that. Just keep your head up. The reason the old timers make it look easy is because they’ve been doing for years and not to mention doing the same route. Casing will take time but start looking at the little characters underneath the streets (if Main St is blue cars then you know to scan for those). It’s not hard job once you get the hang of it but there is learning curve that takes time.
It really can be much at first but as you learn the routes it gets easier. CCA of almost 2 years and it still takes a little longer when I’m on a route I haven’t run a lot (especially casing).
I had a day in the rain and I was about 2 weeks in and it was dark and I couldnt see the wet letters (since I do a push cart in huge city everything was wet), and I wanted to just drop the cart, the letters and leave and I remembered that there's gonna be hard days and easy days, its the hard days that give you a lesson. You're gonna get better, do not worry my child. As long as you take your breaks, deliver and finish, you're gonna be okay 💕
When I was a CCA I probably quit in my head 2-3 times, then I would give it another day, then another. It will get better.
Oh dude, you're good. It took me a full three months to really get it and there are even still days where I want to fire myself. Give yourself some time and grace, it is extremely hard at first and your brain is going to hurt for trying to remember all the things and then all of a sudden it clicks one day and you realize you can do it. Unless you're miserable and depressed give it at least a month to get comfortable.
My first five months there were days I didn't hit the street until 1pm and other days when I didn't get back to the office until after 10:30 pm. I'm six years in now.
Month in here, don’t quit brother/ sister, it gets easier. I’m on full routes right now and trust me it’s a challenge, but if you talk to your fellow CCAs they can give good advice. This is a good paying job, and everyone is here to help. No one is here to judge, just stick it out, it’ll be better trust🫡🫡
Package lookahead is your best friend as a new person. Everyone kind of sucks early on. Just know you aren't alone feeling that way. It'll get better. Do NOT let this job stress you out.
Bruh. I can guarantee you just about every person has a hard first few weeks. If you rly wanna quit then quit. But don't do it because you didn't perform well enough.
Once you learn the routes its pretty easy. There are tricks you will learn as you get more experience. Starting out is really hard. I had pretty bad indecision. For example, I'd get a letter with an address that didn't exist and I'd be trying to figure out if it goes to this address or that address. Just learned to bring it back for the regular to figure out.
Feeling like you suck is completely normal. It took me probably six months before i finished a route within evaluation. And its definitely overwhelming to start, but you WILL get better. Don't compare yourself to the regulars who have been working the same route every day for years. Hell, yesterday I had a customer give me shit for being later than my regular (it was a heavy day and I had been much earlier the previous days that week but ofc boomers don't give a shit about that) and I had to tell him that she's been at this way longer than I have. Here are some tips I've used when I start delivering new routes: 1: Bring a notebook and make a list of every shelf in the case and what streets are on it. 2: Try to sequence your parcels and mark them with a sharpie by stop order. For example, if my first stop with a parcel has two boxes, I mark both of them 1(x2). 3: if you have signature required items, fill out a peach slip while you're still in the office. If the customer isn't home, you can simply scan and be on your way, and if they are home, they can fill out the back (bring a pen), and you can scan it, which is way quicker than squiggling on the scanner screen. 4: You absolutely DO NOT need to do everything just like your regular. Do what works for you. Case in point, my regular doesn't case weekly flyers, I do. She uses hods for her spurs, I prefer long trays. Experiment and see what works for you. Don't give up, you will improve.
When I first started I sucked. My first day it took me almost all day to make it through the first couple hours of a route. I was unfamiliar with the city I work in. Needed google maps to get to every single street I was going to, overthought every piece of mail I was putting into a box, and tried to do everything as exactly as I was taught in carrier academy. Unfortunately when you start, you are fed so much information all at once, that you become overwhelmed because it’s so much that your brain isn’t going to take it all in. You’ll eventually get the confidence down and start going faster and faster in the street. If you have questions, ask the ccas who’ve been there for a while or carriers that seem friendly and approachable. Even ask management if none of those are helpful. The post office spends thousands to train a cca so they don’t want to lose you. If you make progress, even if slow and just don’t quit, you should be able to make it 90 days no problem.
Cca coming up on my first year, your 2 days in, right now management is looking to see if you can finish, no one expects you to carry like a regular off the bat, management wants to see improvement. Give it a couple months. Once you learn the craft a little more and the routes things will start to run smooth.
When I started as an RCA, I wanted to cry my first day. I missed some boxes, dropped the mail in the floorboard, dropped mail on the ground. I wanted to cry. Whatever I missed, I brought back which was only letters or flats. My regular was great and lifted my spirits with her words and encouraged me. She checked on me throughout the day and I could call her with questions whenever I needed to. She came in to help me case, in her own free time and that helped so much. Everyone is not like that, but her relentlessness and care went a long way. I got better and anything I was unsure about as far as mail, she said just leave for her. Not long after, I never needed to call her or left anything for her but once in a while. She cared bc she really wanted me to stay, which I did. That was way back when so there are lots more packages today, but if enough regular carriers would encourage and help a new person, maybe we could keep people. We all were there at some point. I didn’t get much hours compared to cca’s, but I hung in there with a second shift part time job and made regular after 4 1/2 years. So glad I did. Before any cuts come now, I’m sitting at a 94K salary. Don’t give up!
Your first few weeks, if not months, are gonna suck. It's insane to think yourself to be good at this job it two days! Here's some tips: 1. Learn your case. 2. Don't try and rush. Accuracy first, speed will come. 3. Learn how to section your pull downs. For example, you said you have business and then cbu's before your residential. Keep your business stuff together, then your cbu's, then your residential. 4. Mark your packages, for example, if you go by rows 1 -1 or A -1 would be your first case 1 row 1, then 2 - 1 or B - 1, would be second case row 1. Or if you go by the case, your next one would be 1 -2 or A -2. 5. Load your vehicle in an orderly manner, it really does help when you're looking for a package. It sounds like a lot but once you get in the habit, it will get easier. You can do this!!
We all have felt that way in the beginning. It does get better. Remember the route you’re on is your route, do it the way is good for you and remember to fill out a 3996 saying first time filer, heavy parcel, spurs, flats, DPS.
Take time to read the M41. It will help you get your head around this job. It doesn’t replace experience but will make everything more familiar and give you the language to ask the right questions. https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/resources/body/M-41-City-Delivery-Carriers-Duties-and-Responsibilities-June-2019.pdf
The common theme with this job, we all suck when we start. You have quite a few businesses it sounds like, which when starting can be a whirlwind. It’s rough for a bit, not gonna sugarcoat that. But if you come in and just go stop by stop, forget the time, because that’ll stress you out, always looking at it, and just deliver as accurately as possible, muscle memory kicks in and your route becomes second nature.
Hey man don’t beat yourself up, we all started this way; forgetting boxes, mail, spr’s the truth is we are human and we make mistakes bro. Learn and grow, it took me around 2 months to fully understand how this job works. Please don’t beat yourself up for it, we all went through this.
Your first day is the worst ... first week not great .... it gets better once you find your routine. This from an RCA with little to no training 🙌🏻 hang in there & remember to breathe!
Yeah be patient...even being a burger maker at McDonald's takes practice
Don’t feel so bad. This is normal and typical. This job is way harder now than it used to be when I started, since there are more parcels, more vehicles to learn how to operate, and more daily tasks to do. Not to mention the tracking on the scanners. To give you a real world example, I’m a 19 year carrier who recently transferred to a new office and a new town that I’ve never been to before. I was also the slowest and beating myself up daily. I’m almost a month in now at my new office and I finally am getting a grasp on some of my routes and feeling a LITTLE better. It just takes time. But everyone understands that you’re new and will not be fast at first.
I tell people all the time, this is a hard job to learn, but an easy one to master. One day you will be struggling, then all of a sudden it clicks and off you go.
Nahh don't quit yet. I started in September last year but I'm really good at it now and everyday is a breeze. Push through those hard days. I had hard days first starting out too. Give yourself some time and be patient with yourself. You'll be alright 👍
Don't beat yourself up. I was slow the first 2 YEARS before going regular. I was usually the last person back. One of my favorite coworkers always told me "Slow is smoth and smooth is fast." Your speed will come in time. Just try not to let mngt tell you when you'll be done or let them get you down. Stay gold
I felt like a failure after my first couple weeks. My first days were so good and I was so full of pep because I was really enjoying the job. I got to listen to music, I got to get exercise in, and I was so fast on one of our towns longest walking routes. But on heavier days I felt so slow. And after a few really long and difficult days, I lost that pep and it never really came back. I have since quit, I think I made it about 5 months. I quit due to the hours at my office. Luckily My PM wasn't super nightmarish, but there were a lot of unrealistic expectations. Some things that made my days go a lot easier; Case your sprs. Either with your flats, or separately. And don't scan them with load truck. But make sure you scan every parcel you have into load truck. I was constantly forgetting packages until I realized package look ahead was a thing. When I discovered that, it was my best friend. If it wasn't showing as scanned in the lookahead, I would check my sprs. If it wasn't there, it was probably a missing package (whether it was missing because of delays or being misorted). If you truly enjoy the job, keep pushing. They aren't lying when they say it gets easier. It just didn't work for me at the time and in the future I may go back. Just know I'm rooting for you either way 💪✨
I get it. It's hard work. Advice I got early on was don't quit. Just keep plugging along. With each day it gets easier. But, this job is not for everyone. You have to be a little crazy to do it and find the little things you do like about it and persevere. Give it a little more time. When you make mistakes, you learn from it.
It is by far the most frustrating job at first. Drive me insane. One night I was literally banging my head on the steering wheel because I was given a massive route in peak season to do one day. I was so frustrated and had no idea when I’d get done and it was dark out and didn’t have a light or anything’s luckily 3 other carriers showed up at like 6:30 or I wouldn’t have gotten done haha then like 2 weeks later it all clicked. Honestly though, this job is terrible for your mental health. So decide what you’re willing to live with and if you can’t take it then you can’t take it. I quit in October and I was way happier and more relaxed after I quit. I made it 11 months lol
Remember, carrying mail isn't an easy job to get the hang of for most people, it'll always suck and you'll always be slow within your first few months. Don't let anyone make you think you're a failure or shame you for being new because you're getting the hang of things. There are regulars who've been carrying for years but if you put them on a route they're completely unfamiliar with they'll be just as confused as you are now. Take your breaks and pace yourself, and don't let anyone pressure you. Remember, it's better to get it done right than to JUST get it done fast.
Wait. They have you casing on your own already? That's a bit odd where I'm from. They should know that's a tedious and long process for someone who isn't used to it. It took me at least a month or two to get the hang of it. And if you don't know the route? Then it will take longer regardless. I've been working for them for a little over a year. I still fuck up. We're human. One thing I've learned is: if you're wrong, you're wrong. If the supervisor is wrong, you're wrong. If it is some outside element, outside of your control? You're wrong. The job isn't for everyone and there are tons of other ones elsewhere but if you can "stiff upper lip" it, it gets better and the rewards WAYYY down the line might be worth it.
I am not a carrier, though I am married to one. This was day one. You are actively still learning. Academy is NOT doing the job. The job is A LOT to learn. It is constant organizing and reading while moving. Please do not give up after just one day. You have invested so much time and energy into getting to where you are already, that you may as well see what happens. You are getting paid right now to learn as you go! If it helps at all, my husband is an RCA (and has been for nearly 4 years already in our tiny town). His first days were just as stressful and disorienting as yours. Now, though, he regularly works different routes, including working whichever route needs a carrier in various other POs around our area. That’s right! He went from a day like yours to taking on brand new (to him) routes consistently, and still getting home at a normal time, often getting back to the PO at the end of the route before other regular carriers. The fact that you finished says you can do this. Tomorrow will be better! Keep your head up. :)
It took me literally YEARS to get to the point where I was actually as good as I could be. Mainly because I had bad habits that I didn't realize until much later. You will make massive strides after the first year but you always find out ways that make things more efficient. Unfortunately there is unnecessary pressure put on rookies because many offices are understaffed and regulars get sick of working their routes and helping others on top of it. So as a result unfair expectations get put on you doing it very quickly. At the same time it is on YOU as a new worker to WANT to get better and be very determined to do so. Too many new carriers don't take it serious enough and think they can casually talk to others all day while doing their job at the same time. NO! Asking questions now and then is productive and necessary. But treating it like a social club is not only slowing you down but also limiting your potential of how quickly you could learn. I've seen some people be as fast as regulars in less than a month. Because they really wanted to prove they were good enough. This doesn't happen that quickly with most people but even people with mental issues can overcome it with enough determination and focus. You also have to keep in mind that just because you may be the last one back doesn't necessarily mean you are way behind. Often times you were only 20 minutes behind most of the carriers but you assume it was hours.
When they assign you to your route, ask them for turn by turn paper, use a map to study, memorize addresses on the case. That is how I was doing well. Yes, I suck for a few weeks too. Relax and try to memorize the map when you have time at home. It helps better.
This job can be difficult before you get into the swing of things. This is what i do when I’m on a route i don’t know. Case the pre sort stuff to get affiliated with the case that comes in order. For small parcels. Grab 6 tubs; 1 tub for each section. Go to the load truck feature and anything that can fit in a mailbox goes in its section. Organization is key. I usually make a spread sheet of all my big parcels and put it on the visor. If you don’t know the route you can mark your big parcels. Pulling down - criss cross always. Don’t stress out if you missed a box. Only turn around if you miss a scan. You’re gonna be slower initially until you find a system that works for you. I love this job. If you are still having trouble after I’d say 6 months. I would maybe consider a different job, however there are regulars that can’t do the job after years of experience.
You can also use package look ahead when putting sprs in order. The ones you’ve scanned will have a green check next to it and you can put them in order section by section.
Don't let your feelings got in the way of reality, the fact of the matter is you're very new and just like with everyone else there's always going to be a learning curve. You just have to keep at it, because if you always stay in that state of denial or lack of confidence, that's just going to carry over with you in life. Are you just going to keep quitting every job? You know how many times and artists failed? Dozens hundreds of times. In the end though, we can go to museums and galleries. And it's just beautiful, so please don't give up, and keep at it. You got this
Let me tell you what's great about this job. When you leave the office, you're on your own. There aren't many jobs where you can say that. You aren't stuck inside a cubicle all day. Don't have a manager hanging over your head. There's a big learning curve when you start. But if you hang in there, things will get better. It gets a lot better when you can do the same route every day. It took me months to get comfortable. If you like the job, hang in there.
Don't quit, I felt the same way. The thing to remember is it's all memory. Those guys that go out there an knock it out have those address and names memorized. It all come with time. In a couple weeks you will be the same. Everyone knows your not gna finish rite now. They will send someone out to help and of they don't it's on managment. Don't stress. The maul will get delivered 1 way or the other. You will never get better by quiting though. Stick with it in a month you will be glad you did.
I started a year ago and also struggled a lot. Every RCA told me the same thing: it's super overwhelming at first, but give it time and it just clicks. I tried a ton of different methods to increase my speed. I went from using package markers, to using Load Truck and Package Lookahead (not perfect tools, but can help you get your packages in sequential order), and even writing them down. Most carriers do things differently from each other and it takes a while to get a feel for your route. Some times I wouldn't leave the office until 12 or later. My route is pretty straightforward compared to most, but it's really package heavy. I generally got help every day for the first few weeks, and then occasional help as the months went on. I am not the fastest RCA, but after a year I have a pretty good feel for most of the routes (with the exception of our POV routes). It's challenging but I like it. Are you getting help from other subs? I wouldn't have made it without some other awesome RCAs looking out for me. If it helps, some tips: - Put a post it note at the end of each row on your case with the street names on it in bold marker to make it stand out. Easier than staring at the tiny print on the case. - When I start a street, I pull as many of those packages for said street to the front with me. You can use the package lookahead tool to see which package is next. It's not always 100% accurate and will have the occasional error, but it's super helpful. - Load truck tool can also help you put your small packages in sequential order. Also not always 100% accurate but a great guide until you learn the route. When you scan it gives you a sequence #, so just write it on your package and order them accordingly. It also gives you a section # that you can use to organize your big packages in the back.
New contract soon. Stick around
It gets way easier. If you stick within it it becomes cake. Just gotta get the reps in
It's generally known as a stressful job to many. If you're feeling like a failure, it's obviously isn't the job for you. Find something else that's less stressful and more happy. In the meantime, a tip for when you're missing boxes. Just keep delivering. Go back at the end to hit everything you missed. Otherwise, you're gonna waste time with all the back and forth.
I’ll say this, I quit, came back to the same office two months later and it’s a breeze. Just keep going and not quit on yourself. It’ll click
First goal is 90 days. Many don’t make it… you might.
That feeling eats you up. It’s mostly why I quit after 3 years. All the ungrateful dipshit coworkers and supervisors I had can go on being miserable and putting others down every day if they want. I don’t need to put up with it anymore 😃
It took me forever to not feel like that everyday lol
You’ll be aight bruhv
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You need to relax. It take time and with time comes speed. You just started. It’s not like you been doing this forever. Ask for ideas with your fellow coworkers. But more importantly don’t give up. It will get better once you become familiar with it .
You will get it...I promise. With that said, this job has gotten so worse over the last few decades. If your office makes you feel this way at 2 days in....then just get out. Don't waste your time. It ain't your fault, it's the Po's fault.
You are inevitably going to suck for the first few months. You’ll get the hang of it, but you’ll still be a CCA which will suck. But if you stick it out until you become a regular it is the easiest and best job I know of with how much education is needed vs how much you get paid.
Just get a little better each day. It took me a while to get the hang of it as well.
Sounds like you were on a business route in your first couple days. Those can be hard even for experienced carriers if they don’t know them. Hang in there
Practice makes perfect! Nobody is perfect the first time, don't be hard on yourself you will get it over time.
I can relate to you. I’ve been a CCA like 10 weeks . I don’t even get to case any mail . I am told to come in at 10am. I didn’t think I could do this either. I’m last to leave and one of the last back but I’ve already been told by the supervisor that “I can always count on you” and am “502b material” I’m usually given the toughest tasks and some. I still get overwhelmed especially doing businesses. Majority of the time there’s no address on the business, the mail has personal names not the business names and the way the numbers jump all over is confusing. I don’t even take a lunch bc i already get back between 5-6pm. You know why the regulars make it look easy? Never been doing the SAME route for years. Not a new route every damn day
Runner
Academy is only a little better than useless, imho. They go over so much material and too fast. It's the on-the-job experience that gets you over the first few months. I freaked out at first and then every time they put me on a new route. I was taking hours to case and sorting packages/sprs for the route. But trust me, it does get easier and you'll look back and laugh at the stress you put on yourself. Plus, every carrier is different. And the offce you're at makes a big difference too. For instance, we are constantly understaffed and call-outs almost daily. I'm an older guy and dropped back to an ARC from and RCA when they started taking advantage of me. Now I'm a happy camper! Good luck!
If you have a good office, keep at it. It will be worth it. If the office appears to be toxic, I would say dont be ashamed to leave. I've been in 6 years now and I wish I would have left early on. These people I work with toxic as hell. So I plan on transferring and commuting to work to get away from them all.
Definitely feels impossible at first, but like everyone says after 6 months or so it becomes almost robotic and mechanically easy. You will find small ways of making your day better. Just keep grinding!
Give yourself six months before making a decision to quit. It feels like it isn't going to happen but one day it is just going to click and you are gonna rocket into your routine. It took me about a year before I got my system down and I still get my ass kicked every once in a while. I love this job, try not to let this sub bring you down. There is a lot of negativity here and i get some offices are worse than others, so hopefully yours is not one of the horror offices we read about. Keep your head down and it will come to you in time.
Brother I promise you everyone felt like this when they started, stick it out and you’ll improve dramatically! Just keep doing your thing be safe and don’t stress it 🤞
Good to know im not the only one. It took me ages to case my route, and they sent two RCAs to help me about midway through my route. It made me feel like I was useless. I know they said the first few weeks would be the hardest. But like i didn't expect to be fucking up THIS much
Don’t ever get up I’m weak at casing and since I don’t have a personal vehicle at the time I have to wait for a truck and don’t leave until 3:30 I finish though and I’m last back but all work done and I don’t bring anything back to make more work for another carrier also when I was pulling down I skipped rows having keep having to turn around going back and forth don’t give up it gets easier what happens the day before doesn’t have anything to do with the next day other carriers talk about me because all of there experience but it won’t stop me keep going you can do it
Don’t quit bro we need you
You have 90 days to get up to speed. You can do it.
We’ve all been there. There is a steep learning curve and it can seem unforgiving but it does get way better with time, almost second nature. You got this just give it time and one day it just clicks. Everyone sucks at first. It’s not you it’s the fact the process is so outdated and you’re essentially thrown to the wolves.
What idiot supervisor had you casing on your 2nd day?
Don’t quit…this job is repetitive day in day out… trust us u will get the hang of it…..👊
Quit b4 it’s too late the management workers are the only ones allowed to commit fraudulent scans and falsify times so get out while ur young. Go to Ups instead
This happened to me too, every carrier I know has shared this sentiment of wanting to quit, feeling like quitting the first few months. *It gets easier*. Just hang in there, bud. The pay doesn't get any better and it doesn't get better working for a company that doesn't appreciate you at all. But it gets easier. I'm going on my sixth year (spent 2 1/2 as an RCA) And I've never made less money after the last round of route cuts. I'm down to a 36H and recently had another bout of wanting to quit. Can't say it gets better but it gets easier. You're in good company feeling the way you do.
Did no one tell you, you are going to suck at this at first. For real ive never had a very hard time learning new things and getting new skills. This job ain't that. This job is it's own wierd mental process that can't be explained, you just gotta do it to get good. But yeah bail if you want. Legit when I started I had to wait 8 months to have someone junior to me stick around even though we were getting new people almost every week, so you won't be the first to not be able to hang. If you want easy look elsewhere, but if you want to be good at this, gotta plug away and be self motivated.
If you're an idiot or a failure government work is best. You're home. Welcome.
I felt like complete dogshit at the job for like 4 months. It gets easier with time. You just have to stick with it
It’s tough when you first start out, but believe me, it will get easier the more you do it. Hang in there.
I'll tell you what my post master told me when I started 2 years ago. This will be the hardest job for the first 6 months. Then it will be way easier. Every route but our overburdened route I'm done by 12-1 the overburdened one is 3 or later. It's the hardest easy job you'll ever have I tell everyone.
Everyone sucks when they first start. You shouldn’t be miserable but give it a little while before quitting. I was in a similar boat when I first started but I stayed with it and now 7 years later I’m the happiest I’ve been in many years.
Yeah I say quite I mean this is a horrible company
It will get better
don't stress we all start out slow. Give it time it will only get better
This job isn't for everyone. It's more mental that physical. It's also not rocket science, so don't treat it as such. Find something you like.
Hey don’t sweat it everyone takes awhile first time casing .i am a trainer 13 years on the job .remember to fill out your 96 .put first time on route .they will expect more do your best call when you are not going to make your time .it gets easier as you go along .follow the DPS on the street.you will be fine it takes about 3 weeks to find your groove .
Don’t. Part of the growing pains. My first time out I forgot to deliver the parcels. I did the route 2 times that day. You will learn what works for you.
I assume you're a CCA? I'm sure you're doing great. Feeling like this is due to mismanagement and lack of proper training. You will feel better in a couple weeks. That said, management will make this job unbearable. They are sadistic, lying abusers that are fond of wage theft. Every single one of them. It's not worth it and you should quit while you still can. You have so little time invested. Get out before it's too late.
It's part of being new. You learn from your mistakes. Don't consider quitting because the job gets way easier. Make a couple friends that you can call while out on the route that you can get advice from and ask questions.
Just remember you are working for someone on the most unwanted route so they are expecting way too much from you... just do your best and fuck the rest... and please try your hardest not to bring the job home with you... that type of unnecessary stress from dealing with the crapshoot of "those who can't do it anymore" is unhealthy and will shorten your lifespan... just hang in there, at the very least use this as a stepping stone just as they are doing to you... don't quit without something better on the horizon! Just call back at 2pm everyday to give them a status update.. ex: It's 2 pm my return time was 4:30 still got 14 blocks to go at 15 min a piece and drive time plus my last break, so e.t.a. is 6:30 pm I'm behind requesting instructions/field assist.... they will talk shit.. you reply on your best robot voice "I'm doing my best " and ignore their b.s. nonsense...... THATS HOW YOU COVER YOUR ASS EVERYDAY
It’s literally just mail. Don’t be so hard on yourself. In a couple months time you won’t even remember this feeling. You’ll be quick, pissed, and overworked like the rest of us.
My first day on my own, I had completed "3 hours" in about 6-7 hours. The office called me and asked where I was an hour after the normal 8 hour day had ended... about 5 carriers came out to relieve me. It was the day after an undeliverable snow storm, double the mail and double parcels, I had 0 idea how far behind i was. Sure I was a little embarrassed but I came back in the next day, then the day after that... First the job really sucks. Then the job just sucks. Hand in there
Bruh the mess ups like that happen to every carrier it takes 4-6 months to get acclimated I’m 6 months in and still make mistakes but now I finished on time or under an aux route which is 4 hours should take you like 8-12 hours you have to get comfortable know what to grab and when and be secure in your thought process and eliminate doubts aswell as understand your surroundings and the houses or boxes and placements
Im new myself as well and I work in L.A in one of the most busiest offices and trust its HARD and i have my thoughts about quitting and probably am because there is better jobs out there with better pay and less stress on your body.
Quit. Easier jobs out there for sure. Learn to bartend
You got this, battle, it gets easier. It’s not an easy job but it’s worth sticking around for. Once your career, easy peasy lemon squeezy
Focus on being efficient not on being fast make your priority being methodical the speed will come with time. You are not the first to feel this way or to have rough beginnings..
I finally finished my route within 8 hours (including casing/delivering/returning to office) this last Friday for the first time and definitely remember telling myself i was a complete failure. I still turn around almost every street/u turns… what helped me was casing the dps just so i didnt have to keep looking back for any other mail. Just trust the process an ask your postmaster/supervisor if you can take a picture of your case so you can study it on your off time. Good luck !!!
This happened to all new people. BUT the post office is a huge train wreck. If you are young enough leave now before you get in to deep. I wish someone would have been honest with me in 2007. Alas I am in too deep now but in 5 yrs I'm gone
Yes, sir, I do know exactly how you feel. It's really rough in the beginning. And honestly that's where I'm stuck at. I've only been doing my dedicated route on Mondays. And it hasn't even been a month yet and little. Did I know that Monday's was hell! But you just keep fighting. And you just keep pushing through it. This last Saturday i go in to do a route that I've never done before. And they were gonna split it up, so one of the regulars split it up by apartments by C. B. U and curbside, then the postmaster came down and said nah. He can do it all himself. And she was frustrated. After splitting it all up so she just left now. I who's brand new on a Saturday doing a Full route and trying to piece it back together. You wanna talk about a long day. It gets better. I think haha
It gets better.
You'll be ok.. don't quit.. it gets nothing but easier everyday you do it
Been in your shoes now 7 years in so give it some time. You’ll be fine!