USPS Post Office Pros and Cons

[@christophermena5464]

I’ve been at the post office for a month. I can honestly say it’s been a pleasant surprise. EVERY office is different, so just put you head down and do the best you can. For the new CCA’s, don’t feel the pressure to finish everything in 1 day because you might not and there’s always tm. Go at your own pace and come in with a good attitude. The managers can tell right away if you might be an issue lol. More work = more pay so think about when they give you more hours. There will be long days for sure, but we all got this! Best of luck to all!

[@CalUsviFl]

Great advice and motivation.

[@abotto35]

What are your days/hours like each week?

[@jameslightsey1761]

Yeah but who wants to be overworked and not have a life to live

[@MrCrazychristian86]

Helpful. Thank you!

[@reversiontothemean6129]

Pro = At the USPS, you are in a pandemic proof career. Many others found out what it's like to be locked down at home for months. You will always be able to make a steady check with the ability to retire with dignity if managed correctly.

[@feliciamf91]

I just applied for CCA & recently got an email to send over my License and to consent a background check..and when I got back to my applications it says “offer phase” so I hope this means I’ll be getting an interview soon ! Wish me luck ☺️

[@mattzaborsky5455]

Any updates? Good luck 🍀

[@notyourmomma7663]

Ur pretty

[@DH-mp6fg]

Be prepared to work a lot of overtime, miss family functions, birthday parties, holdidays. Be ready to argue with your supervisor everyday, and explain why a 2 hour boost takes longer with travel time. Yes, the pay is great the vacation and benefits are great. That is if you can deal with everything else. You said move up. Haha you know once you get in supervision the union and employees turn on you haha.

[@CalUsviFl]

You are absolutely right about all of that. Especially the travel time haha, they don't get it. I've seen certain exceptions to the rule about moving up but that is rare.

[@joleaiperlis5347]

What is an average paycheck with OT included??

[@DH-mp6fg]

@@joleaiperlis5347 after taxes and deductions most of the time a little over 3k. However, I’m maxed out with pay. Starting out would be less.

[@darthzounds4889]

Honestly, I have never stolen mail, I have never thrown away mail, and I never called out. I did everything to show that I was ready and willing to work. I was kind of slow, and I was even a little stressed, but I was working on improving all that.

[@jeffw1267]

I got sent to other offices when I first started but I made myself a good caser. I made index cards for the routes that were open a lot so I could case them faster than anyone else, including the regs. Management couldn't afford to send me out when I could case two or three routes a day and still be out by 11.

[@CalUsviFl]

You made yourself super valuable to your office and that's what is the best thing to do as a CCA.

[@VilaToro64]

Lmao I suck a casing lmao I put up my flats and hot case mail then pull down into my dps trays I saved so much time doing that

[@jerzeywolf76]

Great video! Just waiting for my background check for a pse 360 position. It has been about a month process so far but I just did my fingerprints last week. Hoping i could start soon.

[@CalUsviFl]

A month doesn't sound too bad considering others stories I've heard.

[@briannaravenell6424]

How’s the job going?

[@jerzeywolf76]

@@briannaravenell6424 finally got in for my orientation… it will be as an mha . My orientation is this Saturday. Happy holidays all!!

[@youngela7408]

Former amazon delivery driver here im starting on January 25 with the usps

[@CalUsviFl]

Big time congratulations, your have similar experience so you should be fine.

[@joshuajap]

Which job is easier to you? I just quit amazon and am looking for a new job here

[@johnieduran7872]

Starting out in the USPS is going to be sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice if you want to become a regular/career employee, it will be tough but if your head and body are right you will make it, the USPS is a game and everyone is welcome, meaning you will get your shot to see if you can overcome the obstacles that will be put in front of you, to all who get their shot, a big good luck to you.

[@CalUsviFl]

Greatly said, definitely 100 percent true.

[@luveniahayes8150]

You have to have a support system for ppl who have kids. They’ve changed it a lot. So you guys are not exposed to crazy hours like we were but everything he said is true!

[@johnieduran7872]

@@luveniahayes8150 The USPS is a job, do you really want the USPS to help raise your kids to, you were probably warned what it would be like having kids and working this kind of job, maybe the USPS is not for you and you should probably consider moving on to some other job elswhere that will suit your situation, hope this helps you.

[@tdevianc679]

What’s the academy like? I nervous about the academy ! I start November 7th coming from CDL driving

[@sethrobinson28]

What up mike I just started carrying mail on my own for about a month now. It can be so stressful. But there’s so much to gain on the other side and that’s why I’m doing it. Just worked twelve hours today and really should probably be asleep haha. They tell u EXACTLY what’s it gonna be like waaay before u even get legit hired so I don’t get people that quit such a sweet job 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jamesgonzalez983]

I’m thinking about applying for RCA

[@BaMBaM-gi6yx]

Can you be more specific about the long hours? How long specifically like examples you've done?

[@CalUsviFl]

Typically summer time is some of the shortest hours you'll work in the Post office and even getting out earlier than 8 hours. Holiday time is longer normally working 10 to 12 hours a day especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are days throughout the year that workers will call out and you'll have to pick up the slack and work longer hours. As a CCA you'll have to not only pick up most of the overtime hours possibly working more than 8 hours a day but you'll also have to work on Sundays which will only give you 1 day off a week, if you're lucky. Right now I seethat they're usually good at giving CCAs days off but you'll still have to work Sundays and the overtime. Hope this clarified some things.

[@BaMBaM-gi6yx]

@@CalUsviFl it has thanks and one more question I'm looking to be a rca. Do rcas have 2 days off usually? Or is it always 6 days for them

[@CalUsviFl]

@@BaMBaM-gi6yx not 100 prevent sure about RCAs but from what I do know is that they are more lax and have more flexibility than CCAs. Possibly not working as much as CCAs either.

[@danield4665]

I’ve been CCA for six months and the longest I’ve worked was 12 hours. Usually when a lot of people on annual leave and they have to force regulars to come in on their day off. On those days, expect 12 hours. That being said, my office never allows me to go passed 60 hours.

[@trumpportuguy]

I appreciate the video. I finished the police academy several months ago and am currently struggling with the in house training. It's a tough job and I'm worried I'm not going to make it. I'm looking for a new career path in case it doesn't work.

[@eddiew2325]

Hi Ryan just a friendly reminder that you are loved.

[@darthzounds4889]

I'd like to add on to what you've said. I've learned from other carriers online that if you honestly do not think you'll finish delivering by the cut-off time, or close of business, call your supervisor and politely request that they send someone to help you out.

[@ericf8937]

I just started one week in. My supervisor tells me I’m moving to slow. I’m on a aux route. I don’t even take my 2 10 min. And 30 minutes lunch I just work straight. Come back to do partial route then comeback and do more partial route. I work 7am to about 6pm. I case my own route. I’m a CCA starting pay $19.33 with COLA. I have medical dental and vision. I had an option to put aside money for retirement but i didn’t. I’ll wait till I’m a regular for TSP. If I make it that far. Gotta get through probation first. And try not to quit and let work or anyone get to me I have tuff skin I’m already getting yelled at by customers but I don’t care I just keep my cool.

[@rymenocerous6689]

Thanks for the info bro

[@carlosjjvieramorales7220]

Good content!! You have any tips for CCA and how to deal with mails, packages and directions when u first start? I know it’s gonna be hard at the beginning but I wanna do it at least decent once I start I think I’m gonna start soon, just waiting orientation.

[@CalUsviFl]

I definitely understand you, you want to do a good job when you first start. The best thing I can say is really pay attention to the address that you're giving the mail to. When I first started I delivered an entire street the wrong mail cause I was just trying to rush. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Set your mail and your packages up in a way that is comfortable and works for you, you will be trained how to do it in general but everyone has their own way. Mistakes happen and misdelivering mail is unfortunately going to happen to everyone but learn from it and it will become second nature because unless you know the route and you've done it a bunch of times you can only be so comfortable with it. Carlos, I'm super happy for you man and I think you're going to do fine especially knowing your test scores you got. Just learn as much as you can and don't get flustered. Congratulations again. I have a friend that delivered in Puerto Rico so I'll ask him if there's anything you should know.

[@CalUsviFl]

When you know for sure about when you're going to start shoot me an email so I can hook you up with something.

[@carlosjjvieramorales7220]

@@CalUsviFl I really appreciate man for real. And yes, that’s my fear, delivering the mail on wrong address and being too slow. I’m just 23, looking for my future in the company. I’m nervous but excited and happy at the same time because I want to be a regular CCA in the future. Let me know about your friend man, gracias.

[@1127janice]

@@carlosjjvieramorales7220 Hola! Carlos veo que estás en el area de Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 , tambien he visto tus comentarios en el channel de H Jay, gracias a la ayuda que el me ofreció tuve excelentes scores, (475, 476, 477.) Desde septiembre intenté por la posición de CCA pero la position fue cancelada, asi que nuevamente se abrió otra plaza en noviembre para ARC así que estoy en estas buscando info para no estar tan ignorante en esto. Saludos!!

[@carlosjjvieramorales7220]

@@1127janice saludos envíame tu email, gracias

[@jonathanmorales6043]

Is working for the post office a government paid job? Please let me know, and tell me all the specific details. I'd really appreciate it.

[@alonzo4164]

Yes, you're a federal employee when you work for the post office. You'll be able to get special discounts on stuff, join exclusive credit unions, and depending on your craft, get some of the best health insurance in the United States.

[@susanstricker3739]

Saying you “get medical , dental and vision “ when you become regular is a little misleading . Probably should make it clear that it is available to you to purchase . It costs me $1100 monthly for me and my family for those benefits . I don’t “GET” it, I pay for it !

[@CalUsviFl]

Correct, I should've clarified because saying you "get" it. I was under the assumption that viewers know they don't "get" things for free and that it was obvious you have to pay for those benefits. Thank you for your comment.

[@justinedse3314]

That's a deal breaker

[@jennam363]

What are the typical hours for a mail carrier?

[@BaMBaM-gi6yx]

Do you not have set days off in post service? Or

[@CalUsviFl]

Yes, you absolutely do. 2 days a week.

[@MrGemini8617]

I'm pending in background as of right now for a full-time carrier position but I noticed it's taking longer than I anticipated for background to clear. I'm on day 11...is that normal? I live in cali btw..

[@justinedse3314]

That is definitely not normal.

[@b.cdrisk2035]

So long as you don't steal, is it hard to get fired? I have been fucked over in the past and am very nervous about this

[@WindsongSoundBath]

So they start you off at 18$ ah hour? I'm assuming that's before taxes are taken out? What about after six months or a year or however long it takes to be more stable in the position? Thank you.

[@GabrielA-ls3gg]

Some stuff Not true , you have to take your lunch before 2:30 pm , you cant take a lots of break ( only 1 ...10 min break out and 1 in the office )

[@CalUsviFl]

I like that Gabriel A. You are correct. I'd say generally speaking you have to take a lunch before 2:30, and yes only 2/10 min breaks a day. I don't specifically know where you're at but it'll be different anywhere you go. My office you don't have to take any of those in the office. What I don't think you got are the "comfort breaks", comfort breaks you can take UNLIMITED. I say unlimited but unless you have diarrhea in which you should be going home it's as many times that you need to use the restroom. If you used your 10 minute breaks your not going to be screwed on using the bathroom because you're out of breaks.

[@juanfriassilfa8322]

Pro-job security, work by yourself, guaranteed hours depends on office but if you willing to work you get can get hours at different offices, good benefits even if you are CCA. Consssss- Why we have to wait more then 10 years to reach top payments? That’s my only complain but don’t give me wrong I love my job ❤️ also at the post office you can make 6 digits for sure

[@cadynceharper8843]

Do you get time and a half for overtime?

[@CalUsviFl]

Yes, time and a half for overtime and double time for anything over 10 hours.

[@ericlivingston8027]

How do you just call out? I have asked my supervisor if I could use my vacation time to not show up to work because it was dangerous out and he never agrees to me using it because I am a solo office. Non Career do not have sick time to use.

[@CalUsviFl]

I can see why your supervisor tells you that, it sounds like he's trying to look out for you too. Yes, you're correct, non career do not accrue sick leave but they do get annual leave that you can use to call out sick. To call out you have to call the 1-800 number.

[@ericlivingston8027]

@@CalUsviFl Do you know what that number is and the numbers to dial in sick?

[@CalUsviFl]

@@ericlivingston8027 [phone] and listen to the prompts, but i think it's option 3 to call in sick.

[@joe1622-x2k]

What's up Mike,,, I just got hired at the post office as a MHA,,, I'm really thinking about coming a mail carrier,,, working 10-12hrs days don't bother me,, but I stay in Michigan,, I'm worried about the winter weather,,, do the Post office provide u with any type of winter gear, and what other advice could u give me to take a mail carrier position

[@drewg4339]

Hi do you get any PTO days as an RCA? Any raises after a amount of time? and last question why is the turn over rate so high?

[@CalUsviFl]

Yes, you so get PTO days and raises every year until you max out, and to max out usually takes about 12 years. The turnover rate is so great because there's a lot of supervision problems, overworking problems, and just the pressure of what the job requires. Of course it's different for everyone and at every office but I'm general I'd say that's it.

[@texastexas3759]

Do you have any information on what it's like being a rural carrier?

[@TheManAndTheLedgend]

Are the benefits worth it and how much does it cost?

[@laurenceoliverii2248]

Hello this is a great video and thanks for making it. If you can share in your next video what is casing mail please?

[@CalUsviFl]

I appreciate your comment, I definitely will address that. Great question.

[@arylu2009]

I just finished my orientation and ddc I’m having LLV training on 10/30 and shadow day 10/31 can you please explain the las part where you say that to call out. Please thank you 🙏

[@CalUsviFl]

Very nice, congratulations you are almost there. Your shadow day they'll probably have you case a little bit of the mail as well, everything will be foreign to you but it's all things that just need time to get familiar with. Ok, the calling out part. You're not supposed to call out especially when your brand new because you're on probation and you haven't had enough time to recurve any leave. But once you are established and have been working for at least 3 months you can request leave days as long as you have it saved. What I was trying to say in the video is that if you know that you're going to 100% need the day you're wanting off and the calendar at the office is full for that day, then don't bother requesting it off and just call out. Did that answer your question? Each and every office is different in certain ways because of our union, each office has a thing called a "local" and that's basically the difference between offices. It's a list of rules that only applies to the workers in that specific office. Sometimes leave is talked about in that local but not all the time. I might post a video on that today.

[@arylu2009]

Thank you so much for answering my question, you’re really nice I understand now. I’m very nervous about LLV training but I’m going to do my 100% to pass because I really want this job!

[@TRDproMike]

Hey great video man have a dumb question do they make you tuck in your shirt well you’re working? 😅

[@CalUsviFl]

Great question, no they don't. Uniform standards are pretty lax everywhere I've been.

[@TRDproMike]

@@CalUsviFl OK cool thanks for the answer I’m currently in process of maybe getting hired in Los Angeles how do you like working there if you don’t mind me asking

[@CalUsviFl]

@@TRDproMike i love it honestly. Granted I'm not in LA so you're outlook might be different than mine so keep me posted.

[@CalUsviFl]

@@TRDproMike i love it honestly. Granted I'm not in LA so you're outlook might be different than mine so keep me posted.

[@TRDproMike]

@@CalUsviFl oh ok Kool thanks bro!!

[@readscapedreaming4928]

Just calling out is that for regulars or cca's because they will do an ii if you call out with lwop?

[@CalUsviFl]

For both, as a CCA it's recommended to have some leave saved and not do LWOP. If you have no choice to call out and you have to use LWOP then it is what it is. ii's do not have to be signed either, that's why union representation is there and can give guidance if needed.

[@teutguy1]

How is the quality of the union representation? Thanks.

[@GenX_US_Marine]

I work at Fedex Express, I can handle the post office if i wanted to switch.

[@CalUsviFl]

Absolutely! 💯 percent.

[@GenX_US_Marine]

I live in Seattle and The Seattle hub is the busiest on the entire west coast. Everyone who gets hired in Washington goes to the Seattle hub for training. X-mas season is a complete nightmare and so god damn busy it's not even funny. I once had to carry this heavy ass wooden table box set up 6 flights of stairs to the front door in the pouring rain. It was probably 75-80 pounds.

[@aquaticamigo6439]

How come all the mail man look missable working for the post office????

[@tedadams1324]

Question: I have been having monthly doctor visits (60 miles away from my hometown) for years now. These are required to continue with my medication. These doctor visits are always around the 15th of each month. .......I am now newly hired with the USPS. Will these doctor visits count against me since I will need at least the EARLY part of the day to keep them? Otherwise, I am willing to work whenever and wherever they want me. What do you think? Thanks!

[@susanstricker3739]

It shouldn’t if you fill out FMLA paper work. Call shared services and select FMLA paper work at the prompt … fill out submit and wait for approval. Then management cannot give you grief because of your ongoing medical care . They have to allow you up to 12 weeks a year with FMLA approval. The paper work is a pain because the doctors do have to fill out their portion and that is always a challenge ( they don’t like to fill out forms ) but other than that … you will be golden if you do the FMLA.

[@tedadams1324]

@@susanstricker3739 Thank you! You've been a big help!

[@shawnte35ss]

I am sooo nervous i have orientation Nov 7th and I am currently working and putting my 2 weeks notice in. What happens if you fail the academy do they fire you? PLEASE HELPPPP THANKS

[@CalUsviFl]

I know it's easier said then done but don't be nervous. If you're going to orientation then you are in. Just think about training. You can't fail the academy do don't worry. Just pay attention on the driver training and your shadowing, everything else will come and believe me EVERYONE knows and understand you because we've all been there. Ask any and all questions though. Congratulations! Hang in there because your next paychecks in the months of November and December will probably be at the very least $1500 after taxes.

[@shawnte35ss]

@@CalUsviFl thank u bunches I feel a bit relieved 🥰💪🏾 Just by hearing “tragic stories” from different channels had a bit frightened but I am converting from an office job so i look it as a good career move jumping into the postal service. Thanks again ;)

[@CalUsviFl]

@@shawnte35ss no problem at all. Even if you have questions during the next couple of weeks don't hesitate at all because I want you to stay with the Post Office, I promise in the long run you will not regret it.

[@shawnte35ss]

@@CalUsviFl hello i just put my notice in today but all I keep thinking about is this driving course I’ve read that if you fail you don’t proceed I just don’t want to regret me quitting my current job!! YIKES

[@CalUsviFl]

@@shawnte35ss I definitely understand your worry because you don't know what to expect but seriously once you're through with the driver training you're going to think to yourself, "why was I so worried?". Honestly, if you fail it's because your instructor failed you. If you're respectful and nice and show that your paying attention and want to learn then you shouldn't have a problem. Also, the only difficulty is learning how to drive on the right side of the vehicle, blind spots, and reversing.

[@caylee3277]

Hey bro awesome video! Thank you so my question is I'm 40 years old now and I'm looking for a career job, do you see yourself working with the post office until you retire? Also you mentioned the benefits are they 100% free for the employees? Thank you

[@monicac263]

same here! Good luck in your journey!

[@caylee3277]

@@monicac263 thank you same to you ❤️

[@catherinemasuda5730]

how do you get a job at the post office?

[@allthetimegood3300]

Nice videos ‘ how do I check the status of a position I applied for ? Without applying for another job ?

[@CalUsviFl]

The status should be in your profile home page of all the jobs you've applied for and the status of them.

[@allthetimegood3300]

Not sure how to get to that without applying for another job

[@allthetimegood3300]

What do I search to find it ?

[@CalUsviFl]

@@allthetimegood3300 You may have to act like you're going to apply for a job and Judy not complete that application and go to the navigation bar that'll take you to your home page.

[@JamarLDrCold]

Go to your profile and then click job opportunities and then to the right you should see my applications and it should show all of your applications and just scroll down to the last one and you will see a date when you started the application and finished it and the status

[@ATXMEX78]

This past year I worked at advance Auto parts and I was really impressed with the personal vehicles the postal workers were driving. I'm motivated to apply. Thank you for your post this is great hope you are still doing great 👍

[@MrFinesse316]

👏

[@URestURust]

Is making 100k possible as a mail carrier?

[@crackinlackin6189]

yes

[@1127janice]

Hello, thanks for sharing information. I recently applied for ARC position, I am not sure if only will be for holiday season, the schedule days are saturday, sundays and holidays. My question,, is this position is only for work weekends without any changes later?

[@CalUsviFl]

I believe with the ARC position you'll only work weekends and if you want to change later you'll have to take a test to be able to handle regular mail. From what I hear it's not a bad gig if you're cool with the hours and work. I believe jay h has a video on ARC. Do you know the details of the ARC position and how much you'll make etc? Are you ok with that? The only reason I ask is because it's not a whole lot of hours and just want to make sure you know what you're getting into.

[@1127janice]

@@CalUsviFl thanks for your response, the only I know about this position is the pay 18.56, required suitable vehicle, schedule weekends and holidays. And yes, I am ok for now with that. Though a bit worry with the score with the assessment 474 was only a 80.00 the other assessments 475, 476, 477 I have a perfect 100. So, don't know if I will be chosen for this position. Asking as well about the shift for this position, no idea if sundays the job is in morning or afternoon.

[@CalUsviFl]

@@1127janice you have a perfect score? That's really good! It seems like you're pretty much set just a little uncertainties with the job that you're thinking about now. I hope you get it and keep me posted.

[@1127janice]

@@CalUsviFl I hope too..the exam 477 was 99.00 and 475 and 476 100. Again in waiting game 🙏

[@CalUsviFl]

@@1127janice that's exciting.

[@madmojo-im6jz]

Hey I'm going to start at the post office soon and I'm really concerned about the family health insurance coverage for my wife and 4 kids anyone can help me out with the information please

[@jamesgonzalez983]

Looking for a career change from Corrections to postal service, is it worth it? I’m tired of babysitting inmates.

[@darlineauguste4715]

Not worth it to me the postal service is not what I thought it was.......stressful

[@crackinlackin6189]

i mean you gave up the BADGE! WTF man THE BADGE!

[@chrisfrank6625]

How much OT does a mail carrier typically get?

[@Bmoney954]

$30

[@alonzo4164]

I have my orientation as a PSE SSDA soon. Could you tell please us about PSE employees and how their jobs (or experiences) may differ from CCA's?

[@briannaravenell6424]

How’s the job going?

[@alonzo4164]

@@briannaravenell6424 Not bad. I’ve been working 6 days a week at two post offices as the only clerk. It’s an easy job. The hardest part for me is answering the phone because half the time it’s something I can’t help them with. I don’t have anyone looking over my shoulder, and I basically do my job and go home.

[@briannaravenell6424]

@@alonzo4164 I got my fingers printed last weekend and waiting for that. But so many people is making me worried about the job. Just bc they act like its soo much work and I will have no life.

[@aquaticamigo6439]

So you can take bathroom breaks when ever you want ???

[@daniellemoore-porter6032]

I love how real this video is lol

[@jeffw1267]

In the office for 2 or 3 hours? Management will get on your butt for that. This morning I left the station 45 minutes after I punched in and that is not unusual for me.

[@majinoozaru]

i’m a mha it’s the people that make it bad

[@CalUsviFl]

Good point, there are some really toxic people. How is being an MHA? How many hours do you work?

[@joselinpadilla4446]

Do you need a high school diploma to be a cca ?

[@darrellwilson670]

Here is what a real post office rural carrier actually looks like delivering your mail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3PJiIylr6l9brM

[@CalUsviFl]

Lmao!! That looked like it could've fit in the box...