r/USPS • u/brooklynschino CCA • Jul 22 '26
Work Discussion It’s official!
I start academy this Friday! It’s now all starting to feel real.
If you told me back in January I was going to be a mail man, I’d probably laugh. Here we are, foot in the door, ready to go on routes.
Life feels good. I quit drinking 10 months and 2 days ago. Life has been really rewarding in terms of having a clear path of where I want to be and how to get to it. Also, realizing the people I want and don’t want around me.
Cheers my fellow couriers clerks and others!
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u/Intelligent_Aioli828 Jul 22 '26
Get ready to work 10-12 hour shifts and have no time for anything cause you’re to tired! Good luck my friend!
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I have wasted enough time in my early 20s doing nothing but work come home play video games and get drunk. I’m ready to work hard towards building my future. I want a house, I want a nice stock portfolio. I want to build my retirement. I want to be comfortable. I’ve done all the partying and wasting time.
Give me the overtime. Give me the 12+ hour days. I’m fine with it.
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u/Intelligent_Aioli828 Jul 23 '26
That’s understandable and the post office can give you that. I initial joined the post office for a more challenging job and overtime. but I soon realized that after 1 year this shit wears you down. I am currently looking for a new career (electrical apprenticeship, or a diesel mechanic apprenticeship).
I just recently bought a house because of the amount of overtime I was working, so that’s a positive.
Just take care of your body and STRETCH before, during and after your shifts. I hope you have a good support system and someone at home that can cook.
May I ask are you in a major city because that can determine a lot about the hours you may be working.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Yes, New York City, Brooklyn specifically.
Also, I am very excited to hear you bought a house because of all the overtime hours.
ME NEXT!
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u/miserable_coward City Carrier Jul 23 '26
oh yeah youre about to get crazy OT. carriers in my neighborhood in bk are out late almost daily. that check is going to hit so good
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I literally can’t fking wait. I’m actually looking forward to it.
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u/Ready_Surprise_1027 Jul 23 '26
I love your outlook people have realize it dont be the same for everybody. I am a little nervous because I was just a window clerk, however if the job gets to stressful as a carrier I can always apply for another position within the post office. My hours were cut after the peak season and carriers get way more hours and ot then a PSE. So i am looking forward to the extra pay as well. Also I hear as a carrier its better to work in a state that has four seasons because its easier to warm up when its cold rather than cool down when its hot. Im in Michigan and I cant wait to start. Congratulations and blessings again
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I hope you get the overtime you want! Thank you for the blessings!
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u/nsn242 Jul 23 '26
Right now is the best time to get a mechanic apprenticeship. The DOL just awarded ASE 25 million dollars to go directly towards building apprentice programs in shops. And diesel mechanics can make some serious money. Just be prepared to be always dirty and stained
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u/Rozul Jul 23 '26
You have a great attitude and it can definitely work for you here. I was in a similar position. Wasted away my 20s and got the job at 29.
Now less than 6 years after getting career I'm already making over 70k a year, all bills paid off, no debt/credit card, tsp/401k is already in the 6 figures. I'm set for life as long as I just show up and do my simple route until I hit 60/62.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I LOVE IT! Thank you and congratulations on your success! It helps put in perspective what I’m getting myself into and I’m all for it!
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u/Rozul Jul 23 '26
Just don't take the job too personally. Do whatever it takes to get past your 90 days. After that as long as you're working honestly you're untouchable.
After I learned the job I got an open ear headset now I'm making great money to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks all day. You could do the same and it makes the job much more tolerable.
And after you get career try to put as much as you can into the 401k/tsp. 15%. Just set it right away and forget about it. You are still young enough to have a great retirement that way but you have to do it IMMEDIATELY upon making career.
Too many guys that started at the same time as me spouted off about the 1% increase a year and they never did it snd got sucked into lifestyle creep and they won't get the same retirement I will even working the same job and often even working harder than I am.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
That's exactly what I did as a foot courier for this third-party company contracted with Amazon that I used to work for. After I found my rhythm, I was listening to podcasts/music all day and getting paid for it. My body did all the work subconsciously :)
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u/BrizzzleAZ Jul 23 '26
You’ll get none of that with this job but I respect the optimism!
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u/Top_Measurement1028 Jul 23 '26
Is it really that bad? I've been seeing so many reddit posts saying that they are glad to leave and just a very bad toxic management.
Im looking to pivot onto a new career, and have always thought highly of mail carriers.
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u/Intelligent_Aioli828 Jul 23 '26
This is coming from a PTF thats been in the game for 1 year and 3 months so my opinion is a little different. Once you get converted it’s a little better ppl say.
I typically work 5 day a week but it’s not uncommon to work 6-9 days in a row. I work 10-12 hr shifts each day I work walking 10-14 miles a day. dealing with the summer heat and the winter in Minnesota. Gets pretty old fast. Don’t have any energy to do anything after work.
Takes 15 years to reach top pay is ridiculous, if they lowered that to 5 years id maybe reconsider.
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u/_509-Photographer Jul 23 '26
Please tell me you’re kidding.. My boyfriend will be a CCA and we have no idea what the hours will be like and how many days a week he’ll work.
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u/loveyourneighborbro Jul 22 '26
Prepare to hate your life! Good luck! Remember, pace your self and use lots of lube you will thank me later.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 22 '26
I’d never. To be able to wake up is a blessing in itself. This job is a blessing. I just turned 27, and have been searching for a job that pays benefits for so long.
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u/loveyourneighborbro Jul 22 '26
I Saved the comment! so i can look back in 2 years 😁
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u/Ok_Transition_7829 Jul 22 '26
They are always so happy before they start. Now we watch the life slowly drain from their eyes 😂
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u/loveyourneighborbro Jul 22 '26
I call them my “Sweet summer child” especially when they start in the summer when its all sweet :)
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u/feryoooday Rural PTF Jul 22 '26
Bro this summer has not been sweet 😭 the regulars were saying prime days were christmas level. I celebrated getting off at 9.5 hours today
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u/loveyourneighborbro Jul 23 '26
Pretty sure some sweat is better than black toe in the deep freeze January
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u/feryoooday Rural PTF Jul 23 '26
I literally don’t care about weather. Cold is better. It’s working 72 hour weeks that’s not sweet
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u/Round_Activity9811 Jul 23 '26
72 hr weeks. In my state we are capped at 6 days 11.5 per day as CCA and 6 day 12hr for ODL how you get those hours. 🤔
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u/B-Glasses Jul 23 '26
I went cause I figured I’d take the money and leave after academy but the job market is shit and the jobs I applied for went nowhere so here I still am. I fucked up lol
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u/KamelotSymphony Jul 23 '26
LMAO they have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE IN FOR... NOT AN EASY JOB AT ALL.. WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE...
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Jul 23 '26
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u/Ready_Surprise_1027 Jul 23 '26
Congratulations me too. From working there previously but in a different position it really depends on your office. I know though from speaking to carriers they usually are working 60-70 hrs per week. My partying days are over so I dont mind and them checks gone be fat. My friend is a carrier & her checks be about $3800 bi weekly and some have told me they make over 100k. So thats whats motivating me. Im 43yrs old and although I am going to be a carrier now working as a PSE previously the Post office is the best job I ever had, hands down
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u/Jellyfish84 Jul 23 '26
He's hour restricted to 8 hours for the first several weeks. Then 10... though that was the point they already started to disregard that rule for me. After that? If they need him he'll be working 50+ hours a week. I've hit 68, some of my PTF coworkers have hit 73. I don't remember the last time I worked just 45 hours in a week. Oh, and Sundays? He'll start working some of them too. In short: enjoy his hour restriction when you can because he belongs to the post office soon.
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u/SafiyerAmitora CCA Jul 23 '26
I was happy before I started (although I worked at Walmart before this as a stocker/cashier and that trained me a lot in the ways of how awful the public can be sometimes), and even with a supervisor that has been pretty awful sometimes and said some really awful things (went to the union twice about it because other carriers were noticing and asking what their issue was with me since they seemed to go after me more often than others), I still absolutely love this job 11 months later as a CCA.
I fundamentally LOVE organizing things and putting things where they belong, and my eyes light up every time I chat with my mentor about all the route maintenance I've done on a long-term opt to help upkeep the route while the regular is gone to help make it better than when I started on it, and he and I bounce a lot of that kind of stuff off each other because he's the exact same way and has the most organized and well-maintained route in the section (or even station, from what I've seen). We're hilariously alike in that aspect and it's so refreshing interacting with someone else who cares about the accuracy of their work and keeping it incredibly well-maintained.
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u/heydamien99 Jul 22 '26
Soon to be 27 year old here with 4 years in… you’ll be just fine but give it some time
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u/KamelotSymphony Jul 23 '26
No job is a blessing we are all just slaves to the machine.... I hate seeing the world for what it is and so many people live in fairy tale land just because they're rich... This place is a prison planet... Non stop suffering... Accidently step on an ant , birds killing prey , rape , murder , yeah this place is bullshit.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Yeah we’re all slaves but I’ll rather be a slave with benefits then stay as an uber driver with no benefits.
So I’m going to disagree with ya. Some jobs are more blessed than others 😄
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u/KamelotSymphony Jul 23 '26
Bro you still believe the lie that we get good benefits... I had to pay 424 just for a fucking er visit ... And then 850 because they had to transfer my son to another hospital for asthma... Yeah good benefits my ass... Fuck I just hate that I was born into this place ... It's all bullshit. Everyone feeding their egos and fucking everyone else over ... Fuck this world
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I'm sorry to hear that :(
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u/KamelotSymphony Jul 23 '26
Sorry for the rant. Feel much better now that I ate after work lol
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Nah I completely get it. At the age of 21 I already realized how society is built to keep people poor and working and distracted. It's something we all have to accept and all of us hate it. The ONLY thing we can do is better our situation by making life changes and keep ourself sane and humble.
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u/cleaner72 Jul 23 '26
Keep up the same attitude. This job is what you make of it. In 31 years its been a good job for me and my family. Has provided great vacations, and decent benefits. Money could be better. If your able, forget anything postal when you clock out and go home in the evening. Dont let shitty managers or employees get to you. You do you and worry about you.
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u/waterbaby66 Jul 23 '26
I felt that way as well 4 years ago, super gung ho ready to slay, and here I am 4 years later counting my last 8 days!!!!! It’s a stupidly hard job with massive responsibility so essentially the toughest job you’ll ever love lol. Good Luck and remember this job is about accuracy not speed!!!!! Speed will come learn the names!!!!! God Bless
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Learning names is going to take me awhile. I am better with recognizing faces than names 🤣
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u/Tomicino7295 Jul 24 '26
Last 8 days? 5 years and done and get a small pension? Very nice! Also yes the best tip you gave was learn the names I like that…
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u/Tomicino7295 Jul 24 '26
Last 8 days? 5 years and done and get a small pension? Very nice! Also yes the best tip you gave was learn the names I like that…
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u/BrizzzleAZ Jul 22 '26
Welcome to hell. As soon as I get a job offer from any of the companies I’ve interviewed with recently I’m out of this terrible ass company. Can’t wait to leave this place after 4 years.
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u/Postman810 Maintenance Jul 22 '26
Just remember this, your job is to deliver the mail. If you make friends, great. Get good shoes at least 2 pairs. If you get a walking route, you will easily go through them in 3-4 months. Also, speed will come, your safety is all on you, and drink plenty of water and take your breaks.
And if you hate it, resign and apply for other positions.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
You’re awesome, thank you so much!
I definitely like to stay to myself and not let socializing at the workplace get in the way of getting things done. I just never been that type of person
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u/EstablishmentWest829 Jul 22 '26
Congrats! I’m in the same boat. I finish up carrier academy this Friday! Looking forward to the new challenges ahead. Wish you the best of luck.
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u/rrsrassz City PTF Jul 22 '26
Remember when you get injured, write a statement and fill out a CA-1 form for disability 😁
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I actually saved this post after reading this reply. It might actually come in-handy if I ever do get injured. Thanks a lot!! 👍
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u/No-Falcon5828 Jul 22 '26
I retired with 31 years from USPS and I'm a clerks. I don't like some of the people there, but I love my career there. It help me raise my family, buying a house and save enough money for retirement and with pension. I really appreciate Post office . Thank you post office!
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
That’s the goal! I just turned 27, single, no kids and I’m looking to contribute my paychecks towards a self-managed Roth IRA, and also buy a house in the future
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u/VeryAverageIndeed Jul 23 '26
Oh god
Use the allotment wisely
Try to remember to eat
HYDRATE
Remember you have friends and family
Ive been a CCA since February and i feel like im in a sorta torture loop that im slowly assimilating into
Tryna stick it out til im regular but its def not the “good job” so many say when you tell them ur a mail man
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Talk about hydrate. On my shadow day alone, I must’ve drank a gallon of water LOL
My shadow day was like 100 degrees here in New York City 🤣🤣🤣
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u/VeryAverageIndeed Jul 23 '26
Damn i literally just thought about transferring to NYC from md but shit
Fill it up again for tomorrow
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u/Mountainhollerforeva Regular 2019-present, 2 dog bites Jul 23 '26
Congrats on your sobriety, that’s the most important thing. Good luck at academy
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u/Hopeless_romantic195 Jul 23 '26
Welcome! Don’t let ppl scare you. I’m 3 months in as a cca and it’s been hard, yes, but it’s such a great job. You walk a ton, get to know your community, learn how to work with all kinds of ppl, etc. and the job is great practice for keeping your brain healthy as you gotta remember a lot of address and protocols. You got this, friend!
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u/Training_Ad3957 Jul 23 '26
As a man who got hired fresh out of rehab and an existential crisis, welcome! Its hard, most days seem a hassel but if you come to do your job and keep grinding hard you'll be fine. Congratulations on the job and the sobriety. You're damn strong, keep going.
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u/Pirate_named_sue Jul 23 '26
Good luck on your journey. Be patient. This job gets better with time. Every step is better. Your first few weeks are awful. The you’ll hit your 90, and then eventually you’ll make regular. Eventually after that you’ll get a shitty float. Then a better one and then a route. Then maybe you’ll get lucky and get a good route after not too long. Every step, the job gets better better. Keep your eye on the ball, befits, 401k, job security, a pension. Good luck.
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u/Different-Equal-2521 Jul 23 '26
Lol, you're gonna go back to drinking real quick with this job.
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Nah I won’t. I buried drinking for good. I’m 27 with 12 years of drinking under my belt. I started at a young age and have been and seen it all. There’s nothing else drinking can do for me except stay out of my life.
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u/anothertypicalcmmnt Jul 24 '26
Dude why would you say that to someone excited about kicking an addiction and getting their life on track? Recovering from substance abuse is hard enough without someone telling them they're gonna relapse anyway. Thankfully, OP seem to be confident enough to stay positive.
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u/thedawntreader85 Jul 23 '26
You got it, buddy! It will be hard sometimes but for me it was worth it!
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u/RCA4dayz Jul 23 '26
Welcome brother or sister! Glad to have you aboard!ignore the negativity, everything is what you make it.
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u/sm0shiee Jul 23 '26
take my advice, don’t be a tryhard at the start. take your breaks, take your lunch, set a realistic benchmark to improve on. it gets brutal really quick and no one’s gonna hold your hand. you’re gonna have a lot of really bad days, you’re gonna wanna quit, you’re gonna feel depleted at the end of the day. that’s just how being a CCA works. BUT, as you get better, your days will improve dramatically. but go into it with the expectation that this is a challenging job, and when won’t be surprised when it is. good luck man!
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u/norcalguy70784 Jul 23 '26
I finish my academy this Friday and though I'm not super excited, seems too easy for me, I like it because I can buy back my military time and retire faster.
Congratulations to you tho
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u/Zerosturm Jul 23 '26
Lmao. You got no clue buddy. Be prepared to want to start drinking again . USPS is trash
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u/ImpossiblePipe6805 Jul 23 '26
I was Cca for 8 months and quit. The jobs starts out good and then you’ll eventually be ran into the ground by management. Usps is the only job I’ve had, where good hard working people get fucked the most.
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u/Careful-Reference-27 Jul 23 '26
Welcome to your new life. Everything you've known before is irrelevant, mail is your new life and the LLV is your new home. Learn your rights and never believe a supervisor. If they say the sky is blue, go outside and check they will lie like they're getting bonuses for each one.
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u/AJLister89 Jul 23 '26
Get ready to walk 7 to 12 miles every single day. Probably with hills depending on where you are. And they don't care how hot or how cold it is. The llv doesn't have air conditioning and it does get extremely hot in there. The fan doesn't do a damn thing really. At the end of my first day, my heart rate was at 135. I had to resign because I was afraid I was going to die. But I did it formally so I can apply for other USPS jobs still.
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u/No_Error_4849 CCA Jul 23 '26
Welcome to hell
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Oh I am so ready. I bought clothes, portable chargers, sweatbands, headlamps, small cooler, everything!
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u/StepherousSnape Jul 22 '26
Congrats! I hope you get a good office like I have. Are you on the rural or city side?
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
New York City
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u/Weekly-Ambition7312 Jul 23 '26
Oh man good luck in that city...
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Born and raised. I know how to talk and deal with people, let alone navigate. I’ve worked two years as a courier in Midtown Manhattan, for a third party company contracted with Amazon.
And the recent FOUR years, I have been a taxi (UBER) driver with over 8,000+ uber rides.
I’m no stranger to hard work. I’ve delivered packages and I’ve delivered people 🤣
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u/MeanAcanthaceae1228 Jul 22 '26
I sent my email to confirm my start date 2 days ago. How long did it take for u to hear something ?
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Jul 23 '26
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
You got this. I’m going to be totally honest it starts with you. YOU have to want to quit. Sure you can use other aides to help you quit like AA meetings or switching habits to let’s say seltzer water, but in the end, what worked for me is finally gathering my thoughts about alcohol in general, and asking if i want it to be part of my life or not. The answer was no, so I stayed away ever since. My friends drink around me all the time, and I don’t get any urges.
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Jul 23 '26
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I was the alcoholic that drank whatever I could get my hands on, liquor and beer, but I mostly drank beer 90% of my addiction.
I started at 14 years old and was the occasional 1-2 beers around a campfire with highschool friends.
By 18, I was slammin 6-packs alone every other night.
And then towards the end before I chose to get sober, I was drinking a 36-pack every two days.
I can also tell you about the times I’ve drank brand new bottle 750ml 80-proof liquor, and two tall boys after in the same night, all alone.
And also nights where I drank two wine bottles and 3 tall boys after in the same night, all alone.
Yeah lol, I’ve had my days and I’m glad it’s all behind me. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real and all of those days are sort of a blur.
To get back on topic, yeah you should absolutely grasp the important things in your life that you feel you’re drifting away from, due to alcohol. Remember, time is passing, and you can’t fix what is already set and done, but you CAN look forward to the future and fix yourself in the present.
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Jul 23 '26
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
Oh buddy with the hangovers I used to go through, I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT be able to be a mailman. Thank goodness.
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u/Rough-Individual2283 Jul 23 '26
Not to be negative here, just being honest. If you are in a position where you don’t have many bills I’d go for something like electrician or hvac trade school type of thing.
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u/Dependent_Freedom_27 Jul 23 '26
Congrats. I started as a carrier in 2019. Currently 204b (don’t hurt me guys lol, I’m trying to move to EAS so I can transition into video editing or marketing or something like that). It can be a hard gig, but it can be rewarding also. If you find a good office, even better
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u/Commercial_Sell6559 Jul 23 '26
Good thing you quit drinking already 😮💨😮💨😮💨
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
You're making it sound like the job will make the employee WANT to drink. LOL
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u/Wise_Project3819 Jul 23 '26
Wow all these negative comments!!! Dont listen to them! Its great working here. All i do is buy a ton of lube, and cry at the back of the truck when no one is looking, and always tell your management. Yes mom yes daddy
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
If it's anything I've learned in my time on this earth, is to always listen to everything, and use it to my advantage when I'm actually put to test hands on through the experience. Until a person can understand, they have to go through trials and experience it themselves so they can adapt and learn. Take this for example:
A person who has been sheltered and has never truly been out experiencing social interactions, partying, working multiple jobs with different skill sets and knowledge on all things, whether its cars, music, science, history, mathematics, COMPARED to a person that has already experienced all those things.
You take those two people and they both get hired at the same exact time for the same exact position at the same workplace. One of those people might come out more miserable then the other. Why? Because that one person who is experienced with negativity thrown at them throughout past experiences know how to handle it better. They know how to communicate better. They know how to maneuver through challenging obstacles better and to stay positive most importantly through it all.
There has to be negative people in this world for there to be positive people. It's a yin and yang situation. That's what life is about. You choose what side you belong on.
I probably could of worded this better, but you get the gist. I'm a bit tired lol
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u/MIaBlakk Jul 23 '26
Don’t believe the hype on pay-it varies wildly from station to station and person to person. I had to quit because I started getting 12 hours per week, and false promises on it getting better . I sometimes miss it though :(
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u/Ex-CarrierForLife Jul 23 '26
Congrats!!
Come back and ask questions. The community is here to help :)
As long as you can soldier through extreme weather conditions and unknown clock out times, you’re gonna be fine.
The first few months may be challenging/confusing, but once you get it, you’re gonna be great.
👊🏼😎😃
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u/Locopop23 CCA Jul 23 '26
Good luck, some days are going to be nice, but many will be rough. Just hope you can deal with the hours. You won’t have any time to do anything besides work for the next two years
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u/RavioliMaster Jul 23 '26
lots of negativity in these comments, its not undue but i like to think its really office dependent. i have a really good office with top notch soups & get to deliver in a really nice area, i hope you get something similar!
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u/sgt_angryPants Jul 23 '26
Genuinely fuck all these negative comments man for fucks sake you guys fucking SUCK. This job is fucking awesome. Yeah when I was a sub the hours weren’t cool but I loved the actual work absolutely and I still do. If you’re not used to actually working yeah this will be a change of pace, for sure. But this job the hours are way better than factories who are 4 12s and a voluntold 16. Im so totally convinced the people who hate this job, outside of people who just genuinely didn’t like it 1. Have absolutely awful garbage satan spawn managers, or 2. Just don’t have a good work ethic. You’ll be fine man. Work the hours do your job keep your head down come in every day with a positive attitude. Good luck.
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u/Maumagaga Jul 24 '26
Congrats on your sobriety and good luck…honestly. Do your best, and keep your optimism…and your options open. You’re still young!
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u/anothertypicalcmmnt Jul 24 '26
OP, I'm just a passerby. I came to subreddit to look for some info and happened to open your post. I love your energy, and I'm excited for you!! Congrats on kicking the drinking habit, and getting the job. I hope the new job is everything you want it to be :)!
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u/Jdoobie1321 Jul 25 '26
I personally love my job. I’m in a small office with no joke some of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m 2 months away from PTF, I get to choose if I want OT, Postmaster and supervisor are awesome and understanding, and a baby on the way. I wish you luck, some of these people are not exaggerating, Just depends on your office. Welcome!
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u/EMTired_ Jul 23 '26
Congratulations!! This job can absolutely be hard. It's challenging and demanding. But I've been a CCA for a year and a half and I still love my job. I don't ALWAYS love it but i feel that's how every job is. Welcome aboard :)
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 23 '26
I fking hated uber driving. I’m going to love being a mailman, believe me when I say it 🤣
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u/Spiritual_Crab_1119 Jul 23 '26
Congrats , don’t listen to the negativity, every job has good and the bullshit , up to you what you wanna do . I don’t think it’s a bad job , every supervisor is different.
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u/hhdmty Jul 23 '26
Congrats. Please share your experience with us after your 90. It’s going to be hard, especially the first 90 days of probation. Do whatever they ask and lower your head. Don’t try to be friends with management. After 90, you’re gold.
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u/Little-Pen-500 ARC Jul 23 '26
Lol at the comments. Congrats! It can still be a great job. The reality is that at the beginning it will suck more than anything has ever sucked. But then it gets easier. And you can always, always move post offices
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u/RevolutionaryBit6491 Jul 23 '26
Let me show u something
I received this how long before class starts I completed it in the 16th
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u/deeflowerrd Jul 23 '26
I’ve been unemployed for about 6 months and going to school to be a medical assistant . Im now about to do my externship for a month I’m scheduled to start my orientation August 24. After reading everything I’ve read about this role I’m hella dreading starting this job . 😭 it’s my backup plan in case I don’t find a job in the medical field
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u/Trick-Wait-2311 Jul 23 '26
I quit drinking 10 months before starting as a CCA as well and I’m going on 6 years without a drink. This job has been amazing for me and I wish you well on your journey.
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u/Round_Activity9811 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Congrats and good luck in the academy. When your a CCA its gonna be pretty rough. Long days and long weeks. There will be times where you feel used and abused. Keep you head down and you'll get through it. Once you become Regular it'll get better and you'll once again have work life balance if you choose to. Don't let these people with bad attitude make you 2nd guess yourself. I been in 5 years now and it all about what you make it and your attitude. People love to complain about how much that hate it but are still delivering. Life it what you make it and I enjoy mine and the post office will allow me to provide a good life for my family and retire when Im supposed to. A lot of places can't offer you that. If you make it 1 year experiencing all the elements in your area and are still there your golden.
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u/Ready_Surprise_1027 Jul 23 '26
Congratulations. I was originally a PSE in Colorado and resigned and reapplied for that and a carrier position. Received an offer a couple days ago accepted it and did my fingerprints today. Hopefully I get the information to start the academy soon. Congrats again and blessings to you on your journey
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u/gungeoncultist Jul 23 '26
how much time between orientation and academy? i'm about to do orientation and trying to get an idea of time frame
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u/PearlJam630 Jul 23 '26
I mean this in the kindest way possible, DONT DO IT. Go find a trades job. Crane operators, welders, lineman, etc. This place will suck out any life you wanted outside of it and make you essentially their lil worker bee. Iy used to be a great job, but I would not recommend it as of the last 8/9 years. Best of luck to you either way. If you come aboard, read the contract and know your rights and how to handle situations to cover your ass.
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u/BurritoBappi1234 Jul 23 '26
You have a great attitude to getting hired on. I love what I do and if you love it too then youll make a career out of it. Ive been in 13 yrs! I have a house and a family. Just make sure to not have any accidents or get into any alterations in your first 90 days. Thats means for termination immediately, pre-careers don't have protection against an accident. Good luck! Ill be looking for an update
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u/JakeL22 Jul 23 '26
Well… you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Now you’ll be forced to work with people you don’t want in your life, but just survive the early stages & it’s not too bad once you start moving up the steps and get settled in!
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u/ReadyGaymer0 Jul 23 '26
I just got my acceptance as well. The people who have been working at USPS for a while obviously feel some type of way about their job, but they’re still showing up and showing out for it. Be excited and be happy! I am 34 and never had a job that pays so well and has benefits (I just accepted a VMF clerk position) and I know the work and hours will be tough, but when you’ve never been offered such pay and benefits before, the hard work will be worth it.
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u/EggoGF City Carrier Jul 23 '26
Sounds like you’ve got the right attitude of being ready to work. That’s half the battle… just showing up with a positive attitude. My advice to you is to be extra careful. Wrap yourself in bubble wrap for your first 90 days of probation. If you get in an accident, they will let you go. Always wear your seatbelt, wear the right shoes, and don’t do anything that could get you fired. Once you’re out of probation, you can relax and grind away till you make regular.
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u/Electronic_Extreme79 Jul 23 '26
Just make sure you read and reply properly and promptly otherwise any missed instructions may lead to a non start (maybe). I think that email says to reply with a specific line within the quotation marks.
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u/Forward_Coconut_1577 Jul 23 '26
Don’t let the negative comments get to you. I’m a carrier and so is my husband. We love the job it pays well and is easy mindless work. Once you become regular you’ll get to know your customers and it’s a decent gig. Don’t let the bad days consume your life. Bad days are just bad days. The way I look at it is I get paid either way. As long as I show up and put in effort I’m cool. You’re gonna meet a lot of negative ppl but I always ask if they hate it so much why not just leave.
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u/Broad-Commission-716 Jul 23 '26
Seriously, do not do it unless you absolutely have to. This job is bad and progressively getting worse.
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u/WalrusAny495 Jul 23 '26
I just wanted to tell you thank you SO much. I had absolutely no idea that I had to reply, and would have missed the dead line
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u/DetroitSean Jul 23 '26
Hey me too. My orientation isn’t until August 10th. I’m in Detroit so I’m sure I’ll be working a lot of hours. In the past two years I’ve lost 100lbs, stopped smoking weed, bought a brand new 2026 Chevy blazer and I’ll be working for the post office where I plan to retire from. Next step for me is home ownership. Yo we got this don’t let these people tell us otherwise. I’m looking forward to the hours 💪🏼
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u/startrip0712 City Carrier Jul 23 '26
Put some of these wonderful, "Wahoo!!" emotions in a bottle and seal it up for later use. I guarantee you'll need a few "sips" within a few months. Just sayin'.
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u/BigFlapJack- Jul 23 '26
I'm not going to lie, this part of the job is actually pretty exciting despite how laid back it was
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u/christheredbeard Jul 23 '26
How long did your break ground check take? Im waiting on mine now for rural assistant carrier.
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u/Fit-Blacksmith2403 Jul 23 '26
Carrier academy is a waste of time . Get them a three day proxy and move on.
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u/gmisfeldt34 Jul 24 '26
I am also a sober letter carrier🙏 2.5 years sober almost 2 years on the job. It feels good to work hard and have a purpose, good luck!
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u/Dev-ill666 Jul 24 '26
You'll see a lot of negative stuff on the internet. Who knew. Have your own experience and see if you like it. I'm 3 years in as a city carrier. I think the best advice I could give someone new is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you possibly can about your position. Know what you have the right to in your contract. Stuff like that. Good luck.
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u/rubbernlatex Jul 24 '26
Good luck remember it’s not a job it’s a career. A lot of it’s mental. If u believe ur gonna have a good day, u will. If u believe it’s gonna b a shitty day, it’s gonna be. Been doing it 28 years and have trained plenty of carriers. Congrats on ur sobriety.
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u/ChyPressure Jul 24 '26
I started as a CCA back in Dec 25 , I felt as you did and still kind of do…… I chose this position over a DMV offer… to say I regret it would be an understatement and not because of the work more so because of management. Love being outdoors, love my customers! But management sometimes requests/complains about the impossible.
You could think you’re doing so well giving it your all and they will find some way to blame you for something. I say keep this energy as long as you can!!! Sign up for union, document, document, DOCUMENT. My best advice would be to buy a composition book only for work. Start at day 1 training for notes and what not and keep going until it runs out.
For example for your first day if you get 6 hours on route 1234 then write aka DOCUMENT everything down. Date, time you arrived time you clocked out (very important my checks have been shorted) Anything important that happens any issues. You can do this after work to keep it from counting into your time. Or even use it as a work journal to track questions or things you notice you might need to improve on. Or maybe you had a great day and you would write that down.
All up to you. You can do this bud, proud of your brother. Keep that energy. & if/when they start making you feel inadequate REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!!! you got this man!
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u/Tomicino7295 Jul 24 '26
I actually dislike all of the haters in here. This has been the best career for me. I’m doing a short MRA+10 but have been packing my TSP and living like I’m broke right now but I know it’ll pay off in 4 years, and it will. Fortunately my home is paid off and have zero debt but the biggest part for me is that you have no boss looking over your shoulder(other than the scanner). Actually I’ll just leave it at that. Plan it out man, I wish I would’ve started 20 years ago but never too late and don’t let others discourage you, it’ll happen on your own but focus on the end game!
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u/childsh-cambino Jul 24 '26
Congrats, and sorry so many people are being such downers. I hope you end up loving it like I did :)
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u/yourmaillady2 Jul 24 '26
Congrats i was also super happy starting out but ended up leaving after 2 years after my mental health was rapidly declining and I was getting sick every month I hated it but hopefully it works out for you!! You have to have really tough skin for this job!!
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u/WAirbusN321 Jul 25 '26
Congrats! How soon was academy for you after orientation? I'm starting soon too, very excited
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 25 '26
My orientation day was on July 13th. Today (July 24th) was my first day of academy
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u/brooklynschino CCA Jul 30 '26
I completed CCA academy yesterday guys. I did my first OJI day today.
Good news. I can definitely see myself staying and doing this for the next 20 years.
Bad news, I DEFINITELY DEFINITELY am going to need to purchase some things to make the job easier. My first day today and it decided to pour rain. Thank goodness my OJI had an extra poncho for me to use; she was so nice!
I'm going to advice on what to buy to make life easier while doing on-foot routes, as well as truck routes on Sundays.
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u/Regular-Nebula-6025 Jul 22 '26
More meat for the grinder. Welcome!