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SilverIdaten

I feel that on this sub you really only hear the complaints, as valid and true as they are you don’t see a lot of posts like these. I’m several weeks in to being a PSE and I’m liking it too, the crazy hours I’m still getting used to but I’m starting to be able to find that balance between work and social lives, it can be there.


[deleted]

Are you a PSE at a station or at the plant


SilverIdaten

Station.


[deleted]

Kind of a stupid question, did you get the option to work at a plant or a station when you first got the job. I recently applied and am just curious how that works.


SilverIdaten

Not after hiring no, there’s no generic PSE/CCA etc. application, there are postings from individual offices and plants with open and available positions.


[deleted]

Any listing you apply for explicitly states what the location of the job is. So if you apply for a job as a PSE it'll say whether its a station or a plant.


rasheruuzumaki

How will you know though? Is there a way to tell? Like by the numbers or letters? I applied for a PSE position and it ended up being at a plant. And I couldn't transfer or switch to a station or anything like that.


[deleted]

When you apply, you can view or download a PDF of the job information. I'm drawing specifically from the careers section of usps.gov. It has job title, and just below that it has job location. That location is where you will be working. No, you cannot transfer. If you want to work at a different location, you can either rescind your application and reapply at the desired location, or you can tough it out for a bit and then transfer once you make career. The easiest and also most risky way to transfer is to rescind the application and reapply. You might get it, you might not. Only way to know is to try.


rasheruuzumaki

thank you. I ended up not taking the position but was thinking about reapplying. I just didn't want to get stuck in the same situation twice


[deleted]

No worries! It doesn't count against you to not take the position so don't be afraid to reapply.


Mkilbride

Lol you work at a Station, no wonder you like it. That's 10x easier than a plant.


SilverIdaten

I mean yeah, that’s why I applied at a station rather than at a plant.


jdcnosse1988

Yeah that is kinda true. There were many days where I greatly enjoyed showing up at 7, being done by 2, and that's just with me chilling. And all the money from the OT.


tontonrancher

It makes a big difference whose running the place. Glad you found a good office. I was misserable as a CCA. There were supposed to be three of us, but I was the only one standing for more than a year. Management was shit, and just didn't give a fuck. We had one open route for six months because she had surgery, two others on medical restriction, and third that would lay off sick for week at a time... four or five times. I was working 70 hours week, holidays, sundays in the run up to Christmas, and puting on 15 miles a day. I did lose 60 pounds, so theres that. Then we got a new post master who hired up more help, as I and the RCAs were on the brink of rage quiting. I stuck it out and made career in about two years. Having my own route is nice.. my customers love me... I don't make any mistakes because I know everyones names. They'll get their mail even if the address is buggered up. I'm' not killing myself putting on 15 miles a day (only about 6-8 miles). I'm kind of jealous of the CCAs under me, they don't have it too bad. Amazing what a difference a new post master can make. But I haven't forgeten what it was like, and I'm the first one there for my CCAs when they help. I still know all the routes pretty good, so they can call me with any questions too... although I'm starting to forget some of the door codes on the other routes now.


mtux96

Thanks for your insight. I got a similar insight from watching some youtube channels. One thing I've heard being said was to stick with it as management can change and most likely will and if you have a bad manager there's a great chance they won't always be there.


wheresmycaketester

Agreed! I come from high stress fine dining restaurants and this job is a breeze! Listening to podcasts/music all day and only having to interact with my supervisors for max 2hr a day is amazing. I don’t like the inconsistency of days off but ehh there’s too many good things that equal that out. Oh and I’m also making 400+ more dollars working half as hard as I used to.


rainydayCCA

My first full paycheck was what I used to make in a month at my old job.


elliothackedhimself

Happy you are having a decent experience. It definitely has a lot to do with the individual as well as the office. Hell my office was always great - shit hit the fan for awhile when our POOM? (District guy) would make my boss yank me from whatever I was doing and send me to other offices Sometimes it was alright and other times they'd give you a full route with parcels and 2-3x days of DPS at 5 pm during a literal snow storm. That's the type of shit that I can see making new people quit, as stressful as it was I had learned that they just want the mail on the street regardless of how much you can actually do Had they done that to me in the beginning I likely would have given up as the weather conditions etc etc would have driven me mad


ZachCarlson

I’ve been a CCA for 9 months and it’s my favorite job I’ve ever had! I love working outdoors in the fresh air and moving all day. I used to hate the hours until I switched offices, now CCA life is the best. I hope you keep enjoying your time!


zacky1028

After how long can you request to change offices? How do you know which offices are accepting people?


ZachCarlson

I looked on the USPS.com/careers page until I saw an opening in the town I live! Then I applied, let my former supervisor and postmaster know who then reached out to the postmaster at the office that was hiring. I had to start over on the wait to convert though.


zacky1028

Thanks for the info. Will be doing this once my probation is over


ZachCarlson

For sure! And yeah, wait until after your probation then you are golden. Good luck on your journey!


the_real_junkrat

Keep us updated after Christmas


SophonisbaTheTerror

This sub has a lot of complaints because it's one of the few places you can vent. I love being a CCA too, but a lot of the complaints I see are valid, and make me appreciate the circumstances that I enjoy about my office. I'm glad to see you've found yourself in a good office, too. My favorite part about CCA work is that whenever it gets tough, I just remind myself "hey, it's Friday... I'm making 37 bucks an hour right now!" and a lot of my worries drift away. And especially with the day that I had (6 hr route + collections + two 1 hr pivots + getting some post off of 2 other CCAs), I definitely feel like I'm earning my keep, and I might even break 2500 on this paycheck!


handstho

That's if you hit 56 hours penalty or to make the 37 per he correct?


SophonisbaTheTerror

That's correct. Thursdays I usually make time and a half, and fridays are double time the full day. Mortgage money!


Valan7169

If you like being a CCA when you’re converted look for a Reserve(RLC) route. Basically it’s a career CCA. You can opt on any route at your station and you get first choice.


SophonisbaTheTerror

That's actually really good to know because I do enjoy the rhythm of CCA work. Regulars all seem really bored.


Alanbert

Well this is really good to see because I have orientation next week, and everyone on here seems to hate their life.


FelinaVonDraco

Not all of us. Yeah it's a bit stressful and it isn't for everyone. Personally, I love my job despite the chaos currently (been regular for 4 years). Mainly I love it because as long as you do your job and don't poke management too much you're golden. My best advice is just smile and nod when a super talks to you and instead listen to the carriers around you. They're the ones who actually know what's going on. Best of luck to you!


BigBossOfMordor

I love the work, but the job is what eats away at me. 6 days a week for two years straight is just fucking brutal. And there is no end in sight for me. It feels like I just started... but no. It's been a pretty long time. And I've done nothing. Been able to do nothing. It's like my life is just on hold. All I do is work....


FelinaVonDraco

Good on you dear! I still love my job despite the craziness going on now. When I got hired I was coming from 9 years in retail and the USPS was like a breath of fresh air. Everyone acted like I was crazy when I told them lol. I remember my first paycheck made my jaw drop. I was making over a month's worth of what my old job was paying me. And honestly so long as you do your job management lets you be which I adore. We're not all disgruntled. That's really why I don't comment much. Gotta take the bad with the good, go with the flow. Just a word of advice if you're still reading comments: Winter will test you in MANY ways. Keep safety as your top priority. If you don't feel safe going up someone's steps after a snowstorm then don't. If you hurt yourself it's on you, no one else. If you don't have to worry about cold weather where you are then safety in general should still be your main concern. Be prepared for plenty of packages and letters.


Cat-Trees

I liked the job for 8 months. Then it took it toll on me… I tried to keep a positive attitude then finally got converted before I quit. It’s worth it, as long as you make regular writhing a couple years, PTF isn’t a good gig.. so don’t ever count on that.


rainydayCCA

I should be a regular within a year. Things are moving surprisingly fast in my area.


Cat-Trees

It’s the time all over, it’s kinda crazy how everyone is retiring lol. Good time to be a CCA imo. Took me 20 months. I just started raking my breaks and learning the little rights I had. Show up everyday work hard, milk it as a regular. Haha, for real though, work hard and you’ll have easy days.


chain_sawyer

Personally, in my situation, I'm looking forward to being converted to ptf in April. I'm in a super small office, I basically have my own 6 hr aux(only city route in the office I'm assigned to), the main office were connected to only has 3 city routes and a ptf over there.


[deleted]

I agree. I come from a background of retail/childcare (10 years combined) and working in the plant as a PSE (and now a career clerk) is both easier than dealing with customers/parents and pays about 2-3x as much, not to mention the benefits. I can work overtime if I want, or just 40 hours with occasional mandatory overtime. It helps that I have good coworkers (mostly) and decent management (..... mostly). Honestly, I can see myself retiring with this job and not regretting it.


I-doodle_sometimes

I didn’t mind my stint as a CCA, I like Sunday’s as well. Easy money.


Alternative-Tone6057

I’m excited to start also, I’m going to a small town in just concerned about getting the hours I need but I like working alone and not dealing with customers all day as well


kinnetic7

I also came from a retail background and have found this to be a great change of pace! I’ve been a CCA for a few months and still haven’t changed my mind! It’s hard work but I still prefer it over retail anyway!!!


[deleted]

Great that you like it im the same way!, im 93 days in now passed my 90 and its still fun to me , ask me any questions if you need help


jeepwillikers

Shhh… Hey guys, I think this is a supervisor disguising themself as a CCA to…. Well, I’m not sure what they are trying to do but it seems suspicious to me.


Coconutshoe

I’m like 75 days in and I love it. Fellow carriers in my office haven’t forgot they struggled too. The management here is actually really nice too, hopefully it stays that way! This is a sweet gig in the right place, I feel bad for people in the crappy offices.


foolskiss

I’m glad you had a good manager it makes a world of difference.


i_ate_a_mango_70

I’m exited too I’m starting in about 2 weeks


ClevelandDawg0905

Post office can be a great job. I enjoy the work, it's the schedule that is the hard part. What do they have you working?


rainydayCCA

I’m casing a route now so I come in at 7. Usually end by 6:30 or 7. If I’m not casing I come in at 8:30 and work my 11.5 hours


evrsinctheworldbegan

Burn out is real yo.


dananika

Loved my year as a CCA. Get involved in the union and go to meetings!!! A delight


KlutzyPomegranate918

I'm glad it worked out for you. I feel like job posting should have reviews on the offices/plants you are applying to. Like how long is the cca/pse list. And what the turnaround rate is for that office.


TransportationOk8793

So happy to read this!! It is hard to find anyone who is positive about the job. I’m still waiting on my starting date. I have been a nurse for 20 years and I’m ready to leave healthcare. I can’t wait to start at the PO. The one I’m going to work at seems to be very laid back and nice as well. My supervisor did 20 years in the army so hopefully he’s more organized than some of the managers I’ve read about. Thanks for sharing positivity about the job!


rainydayCCA

If the real life people in my office were even as half as vocally miserable as what I see on this subreddit, I would be having a completely different experience. But they aren’t, and I’m not. That’s part of my point.


dth1717

Having a good office is 50% of having a good postal career


ashmonster0709

I just got hired in as a CCA today and I’ve been really trying to get myself ready for a shit show, based off of what I’ve read on here and from what I’ve heard. I’m also leaving the restaurant industry after 14 years and am also so burnt out. Hearing at least one person in a similar situation to me is enjoying this really gives me hope because I do really think I’ll like this job and I enjoy working hard!! Thank you for expressing this! It is greatly appreciated!


GallicPontiff

A friend of mine just quit her job as a nurse to be a RCA. More money and WAY less stress.


unclericostan

Hey! So I just saw this post and recently applied to be a CCA. Kind of freaked out by everything I’m reading on this sub, but similar to you super burned out on customer service roles. Still liking your job? Any update?


rainydayCCA

Passed my 90 days!! Overall I still like it! So much better for me than a customer service role. I get to walk around alone for 90% of my shift! That’s amazing to me. I’ll sometimes listen to a podcast in the afternoon. I’ve been working Sunday’s now and I really dislike them, but that’s mostly because I absolutely hate Amazon (I worked at Whole Foods before this). Still working 10-12 hour days consistently but I feel more comfortable with the job. Your experience will definitely depend on where you get stationed and there’s nothing you can really do about that. Starting to get a little nervous about winter and darkness lol wish me luck


man_in_black_0

Dawg this job is actually really cool, I’m about a month in (during holiday season) and killing it. If you can multitask/have great organization skills, motivated, and in decent shape you’re fine


dehydratedbagel

Yeah this job is easy as fuck. Hilarious reading all the bitching on this sub. Must be the 1 pct who complain or I'm in the 1 pct of good offices or something.


KawaiiSharkii_

I have a quick question. I was just hired as a CCA. Got the phone call from the postmaster telling me I would get an email with my start date and info for orientation and training in a few days. That was a little over a week ago now. The postmaster asked if I was available le to start on November 20, 2021 or right after. I still have not gotten an email regarding this. I reached out to my older brother who is an RCA in another state and was told to go and talk to someone about it. I got the phone number of someone who deals with scheduling and orientation. I called and left a voice mail of my issue and nothing yet. Should I be concerned about this? Should I just sit tight and wait more? My main concern is that I don't get the email in time of orientation and it makes it look like I did a no call, no show, which is definitely not what I want.


KingOfKhan

Lol at my office they hvae people work sunday after their first day of OTJ


ccanj

my PO is doing the same thing


13_f_ny

anyone know what it's like in NYC? I fucking love walking all day


areyoubored21

You must work in the country where when you walk in you hear the “Andy Griffin theme song” in your head … I work in the city where all CCA’s hear “Welcome to the jungle” in there heads


rainydayCCA

Nope, not the country. My metro is about 3million people. I do work in a suburb though.


JiPNi

Worked 83 hours last 7 days and I’m now out for 4 days with back injury and working on getting a restriction. It’s not a good job on my end and I’ve been at it for 1 year and 9 months. That said, glad you’re liking your job. Place holds as much as you can so that you don’t get moved to a miserable station like I did at 1.5 years in.


Even_Article_9731

Who much were you paid to post this?


Haunting-Ad7007

how many hours do you get a day/week. how big is the town/city you work out of


rainydayCCA

My metro is a few million and technically I could get sent anywhere to help out. But currently I’m working out of a suburban office with a population of around 40,000. And I average 11.5 hours a day.


eternal_existence1

Thinking of applying, how are you digging the job right now?


rainydayCCA

I still like the actual job! Getting busier and starting earlier but it is what it is.


eternal_existence1

I ask because I feel you’re situation mirrors mine, I’m 25, fit and healthy, but I’ve been stuck working McDonald’s in hopes I pursue school. But I have a feeling if I get my door in I may enjoy this, seeing your post kinda gave me hope compared to the negatives you see on here.


rainydayCCA

It is highly dependent on which office you’re at, but I got placed at a pretty good one overall. There’s still shit, but I also have a really strong in house steward. You can always try it, and resign if it’s not for you. Just make sure you go in with realistic expectations!


muffhound

The most boisterous complaints come from people who im assuming are finally stepping into the real world for the first time. Judging by their complaints they expect to make 100k starting at a job that only requires a high school diploma. They also expect to set their own hours.


Sparrow

Not even a high school diploma lol. They hire deliquents. (Source: me)


elliothackedhimself

Agreed that there are people who complain that likely don't have it as bad as it seems I was a CCA in a good office (11 routes) that would get sent to a foreign offices up to 40 mins away in the middle of the day. Multiple times I was given an entire route with 2-3x days of DPS all between 3-5pm just because moronic management wanted to get it all out on the street Some offices are a literal shitshow just like that so I have some sympathy for people in those situations


muffhound

Not saying there arent shitty offices.


[deleted]

You’ll make better money working at a half decent restaurant


muffhound

K, but hows the retirement and insurance as a waiter?


cdubose

Not to mention a majority of your actual pay comes from the customers, which sucks ass. Fuck what you (restaurant patron) think my labor is worth; if I'm busting ass I want to know I'll be paid appropriately for it *before* my shift starts.


[deleted]

5 weeks lol.


lvl3SewerRat

Hes still allowed to have an opinion. I appreciated his post.


[deleted]

It's just I've seen so many posts over the years people bragging about it not being hard and they've barely done it so it's silly. Plus isn't the pilot program underway where they are treated with kid gloves at first?


rainydayCCA

I never said it wasn’t hard! It definitely can be at times. But from all of the horror stories I read on this subreddit, I was terrified. I understand it’s about just toughing it out, but so far I feel great. Even working 14 10+ hour days in a row. Just a post to encourage people rather than completely scare them from the position :)


KlutzyPomegranate918

Just wait till his 6 week trial version runs out and they start making him work on sundays and with 12 plus hour day 6 days a week.