Working for the US Postal Service ? (middle-class, to rent, college)

[libertyflyer]

Any comments? or insite?

[luvscoming2usall]

Well, always sounds like a good, secure, solid gig from what I hear. Not sure how email and paypal has affected the future outlook for their business, though. I actually haven't been inside a PO here yet, due soon.

BUT if it's like every other one in any state I've been in, I predict at this moment there are five people in line and two behind the counter assisting customers in what somehow turned out to be a time consuming, confusing transaction. I see or hear at least two able-bodied employees in the background laughing, slacking off or complaining. Plus there's a customer, usually me, at one of the machines that either is out of the simple stamps I need or not dispensing them properly.

If you can pledge to fight this common lack of customer service, we need you in charge there!!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by libertyflyer

Any comments? or insite?

You won't get rich, but you'll most likely never get fired, much less laid off

[groove1]

When in college I got a job working as a "casual" post office employe at the main PDC in Buffalo. They hire students and other people to help out in summer when many employees take vacations as well as Christmas so it works out well with a student schedule. Being a non-union employee working in a union facility as well as potentially cutting into some people's overtime was a reason a lot of full timers wouldn't even talk to the casuals. However, there were a great deal that did and were awesome to work with, especially people nearing retirement who didn't give a crap about OT. Christmas was crazy so they had to rent an old grocery store warehouse to handle the extra volume. People are usually nicer then becaus eit's Christmas and of course they need your help. There are a lot of veterans, disabled veterans, etc that work for the USPS. I wwouldn't worry about the future of the USPS; people are always going to send packages, cards, etc. Overall it was a pretty decent place wto work that paid pretty good (more than most jobs I had in WNY), plus I often got OT and thay paid I believe 50% more from 7pm-6am. I actually enjoyed working there and learned a lot, but it is a government entity, so it can be beauracratic at times.

[CouponJack]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

You won't get rich, but you'll most likely never get fired, much less laid off

This is true. Whether you "throw" mail overnight or work as a carrier, put in your 5 years as a regular and you're set for life. The union(s) are so strong you'd probably have to murder someone to get fired...



The USPS does have the best 401k plan available. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) plan is awesome.

[TheEmissary]

I worked for USPS and took early retirement after 25 years at 51. Every ten years or so they come out with an early-out. If I was still working, I'd be making a hair over $50,000. I moved to NC two years ago from NJ, where that kind of income would barely qualify for a middle-class standard of living. The garbage men in my town made $70,000 after five years and many of my friends who are teachers made between $70,000 and $90,000 for having the same amount of time in. So by NJ standards of income, working for the Post Office is not considered a good job. By NC standards of income, it is probably a better job relative to the average income in the state. I was involved with training new employees and would be happy to answer any questions about it!

[FortMillBound]

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